“Sticky” and “Hardmouth”

[Bob Pickworth]

I’d be interested in feedback on whether a dog who holds on to, or slowly/ reluctantly releases game (Americans refer to as “Sticky”), when delivering to the handler after a retrieve, should be penalised under - failure to obey command and directions, hard mouth, or steadiness.
The judges discretion could mean either up to 5 or 10 penalty point deductions.

What say you? (I don’t have a dog with this problem (well not yet anyway), but would value opinions.

[Kate Eltringham]

Hi Bob,

I have 5 points on my score sheet (as part of the 45 points for the retrieve) for carriage and delivery. This is where I would apply deductions for a “sticky” delivery. This differs from hard mouth with a deduction of up to 10 points where there is unmistakably evidence of markings or damage due to biting or crunching by the dog.

Kate

[Bob Pickworth]

Thanks Kate