Field Trial Questions! To do or not to do?

[Onk]

#1)What does it take or maybe I should say, how does a pup earn its OP and OD points in field trialing?

#2)If you mainly got a pup to foot hunt behind and maybe hunt test with and it showed potential as a trial dog would you let it run in the horseback trials?

#3) If you let it run in the horseback trials would this make the dog run too big for foot hunting and testing?

#4) Am I being stupid for worrying about it?

[Brittguy]

1. Getting 1st place
2. Yes. I am guessing you haven't seen horseback derbies run, they have to run pretty big.
3. No, they quickly learn the difference between trials and hunting.
4. Sensible questions and you probably will get answers different than mine which will still make you wonder

[RayGubernat]

Onk -

I basically agree with everything brittguy said.

I will add that there is such a thing as an amateur puppy and amateur derby stake in AKC. I haven't seen too awful many Am. Puppy stakes advertised but there are both Amateur derby stakes offered occasionally by clubs The handlers must walk in Am. Puppu and Am. Derby so the dogs do not need to run to the ends of the earth and in point of fact, should not.

In addition, there are clubs which put on a complete slate of walking stakes. There are not that many who do this in certain parts of the country, but in other places a walking trial is fairly common.

If you dog has a nice way of going, if the dog stays with you and hunts for you...go have some fun. The little furball might just stick a bird and get you a hunk of colored ribbon.

RayG

[kninebirddog]

ANSWER 1......As stated By Winning first place...

ANSWER 2 ...Get another dog

ANSWER 3...They can learn the difference but if they are doing good in trials refer to Answer 2

ANSWER 4...Do you really want me to answer that BAHHAHAHAHAHAHA

[Brushbustin Sporting Dogs]

Give er a try!! What do you got to lose?!!??!!!??!! I'll have a horse ready for ya at the Nebraska trials!

[Onk]

I kind of knew what two of the three of you were going to say!

[Ken Lynch]

In your mind answer question 2 first. If you want the puppy to reach its top potential you need to expose it to a verity of situations. If you only want a foot hunting dog or mayby a hunt test dog then go no further. As to question 3 the answer is yes only to your expectations and the age of the dog. Give the dog a chance to learn the difference between the two and there should be no problem. As to question 4 - depends on your answer to questions 2 & 3. As for question 1 read the AKC rules for field trials.

[Onk]

No Knine...I know your answere to that question!

[kninebirddog]

No Knine...I know your answere to that question!

Hey what are friends for

[Onk]

Honest answers from friends are often not warm and fuzzy but always informative!

[topher40]

October 15th weekend there is a trial in NE ks. Not sure where you are in Mo although this would be a great trial to get you feet wet in. It is a walking trial and there will be horses for you to ride in the gallery. Give me a call if your interested!