Doc E

The Spokane Bird Dog Association will be hosting a 2-day NAHRA Field Test on
April 23 - 24. The events will start at 8 AM both days. A map and directions to the Test grounds can be found on the SBDA website at www.spokanebirddog.org -- click on 'Downloads'.
Tests will be held for Started, Intermediate and Senior dogs. On Saturday (about noon) there will also be a Beginner Test.

If you are going to be in the area, come on out -- spectators are admitted free.

CamoKing247

Doc

In order to enter your dog as a starter do you have to be a member?

WAYNE1

Need to find a handler to take Tank....since I've got turkey hunter's here that bought the hunt I donated to Pheasent's Forever that week-end..[&:]

Doc E

Are you talking about "Beginner" (like Wayne/Tank ran) or Started?

In either case, you do not have to be a member, but if you are a member, it will save you a few bucks --- except in Beginner, which is the same for member or not (I think Beginner is $3).

CamoKing247

Doc E

Im not sure which is which but i will be joining when i come down for the trials and i believe sarah could do ok in the starters event , the only worry is that she retrieves bumpers but needs to get a few live birds in her mouth..

I have been working with her retrieving bumbers right, center, left and she does great but she needs to be introduced to live birds..

no matter i would really like to get her feet wet in the starter class..

Wayne i wish i was up where you are i would love to help out...

Doc E

Camo,

I'm pretty sure you mean "Beginner". "Started" requires retrieves on both land and water of 50 to 75 yards...................Plus you needed to have your entry in by April 11.

Beginner can be entered the day of the Test, but to run in Started or Intermediate or Senior you have to enter early. The cost for Beginner is usually $3 -- the cost to run Started is $36 --------- Intermediate is $46 ---------- Senior is $56

CamoKing247

Thanks Doc,

Im not sure if sarah will be eligable because she is 2 yrs old and im not sure but i think beginners are 6 months old or younger..

If their is no age limit then i will start her in the beginners class lol..

Doc E

The various levels are ability related, not age related. I'd say run her in Beginner on the 23rd -- then by the time the next Licensed Test comes up (June 4 - 5) we will have her ready to run in Started.

Doc E

I forgot to mention -- In the "Doggie Games", you run your dog one level lower than you have them trained for. In other words, if they are trained to a Started level, you run them in Beginner --------- If they are trained to the Intermediate level, you run them in Started -------- If they are trained to a Senior level, you run them in Intermediate and so on.

The reason for this is that with the excitement, smells, sounds, other dogs etc etc, dogs will normally perform in Field Tests at a lower level than they are trained for. With the distractions at Tests, about half of a dog's brains will fall out their butts.

CamoKing247

Thanks Doc,

It all makes sense to me now and participating in these test gives me a better understanding of what i need to do with sarah and learn some tips & tricks to stay one step ahead of the rest

Dang rain.. [:'(]