Field & Retrieving Training Day
Posted: Tue 31 Mar 2009 2:20 pmField & Retrieving Training Day
On Sunday the Pointing Breeds Field Trial Club NSW held a field and retrieving training day on our property in the Murrumbateman area. The turnout was 22 adults and five children, and 16 or so dogs - Pointers, English and Gordon Setters, a GSP and a couple of English Springer Spaniels. Part of the property has 120 acres of native grassland, ideal cover for birds, and the breeding season has been good despite the ongoing drought. Forty plus birds were counted, and at least three hares moved on. Weather conditions were far from ideal, 30+ degrees, so the field work was limited to mid-morning. All dogs had opportunities to find game, and some very good work was performed and experience gained by new handlers and young dogs.
All returned to the machinery shed for a cold drink or cup of tea while Ray Goody set up land and water retrieving runs, including putting out some decoys. During the break local retrieving trial judge, competitor and National Winner Graeme Parkinson gave a talk on starting off a young pup for retrieving, which was greatly appreciated. Then it was on to the retrieving session - single marked retrieves on land and from water, at distances of about 60 metres - all designed as practical shooting tests for the dogs. Most dogs completed retrieves with standard varying according to experience, but as always an enjoyable part of Club training days with both rabbits and pigeons used - and once again showing that Pointers & Setters do make good retrievers if trained properly.
The day concluded with a barbecue, all provided at no charge to members and participants.
Bruno Pollini (President, Pointing Breeds Field Trial Club NSW Inc.)
On Sunday the Pointing Breeds Field Trial Club NSW held a field and retrieving training day on our property in the Murrumbateman area. The turnout was 22 adults and five children, and 16 or so dogs - Pointers, English and Gordon Setters, a GSP and a couple of English Springer Spaniels. Part of the property has 120 acres of native grassland, ideal cover for birds, and the breeding season has been good despite the ongoing drought. Forty plus birds were counted, and at least three hares moved on. Weather conditions were far from ideal, 30+ degrees, so the field work was limited to mid-morning. All dogs had opportunities to find game, and some very good work was performed and experience gained by new handlers and young dogs.
All returned to the machinery shed for a cold drink or cup of tea while Ray Goody set up land and water retrieving runs, including putting out some decoys. During the break local retrieving trial judge, competitor and National Winner Graeme Parkinson gave a talk on starting off a young pup for retrieving, which was greatly appreciated. Then it was on to the retrieving session - single marked retrieves on land and from water, at distances of about 60 metres - all designed as practical shooting tests for the dogs. Most dogs completed retrieves with standard varying according to experience, but as always an enjoyable part of Club training days with both rabbits and pigeons used - and once again showing that Pointers & Setters do make good retrievers if trained properly.
The day concluded with a barbecue, all provided at no charge to members and participants.
Bruno Pollini (President, Pointing Breeds Field Trial Club NSW Inc.)
Im a newbie to the sport and dont understand all of the rules yet 
Sorry!!, but we will definately attend the retreiving ones!!