A novice's view of the AKC Hunt Test Seminar

Attending an AKC Hunt Test Seminar
By Sandi Dremel
Photos taken by Sue Meyer, Provided by Ron & Bev Haag
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As a new member of the ESSFTA¹, WESSA² and someone with a great interest in English Springer Spaniels, and flushing spaniels³, in general, I have been attempting to learn as much as possible about the breeds as possible. I am particularly interested in the activities which focus on a breed's inherent talents and instincts. To this end, I attended a two-day AKC Spaniel Hunting Test Seminar for Judges & Handlers⁴ which was co-sponsored by the Wisconsin English Springer Spaniel Association (WESSA) and the West Allis Training Kennel Club (WATKC)⁵. The event was held in Waukesha, Wisconsin on April 19th and 20th, 1997. The purpose of the Hunt Test Seminar for Judges and Handlers, per the AKC introduction, is "To develop a greater degree of uniformity of evaluation by judges at all three levels and to improve handlers understanding of the regulations, performance standards and test requirements". However, as a beginner, I found the seminar most helpful in understanding the event. The first day of the event was held indoors in classroom style format. Approximately 24 people attended, representing six of the seven flushing spaniel breeds recognized by the AKC. Only Sussex Spaniels were not represented. The group was a good mix of Field Trialers, Hunt Test participants and a few of us newbies from a variety of disciplines. The morning session consisted of a formal presentation by Ken Crago, AKC Field Representative. Throughout the morning, Ken provided us with a comprehensive overview of Hunt Tests including information related to the purpose and administration of Hunt Tests as well as the format of the test itself and performance standards for the different levels of competition -- Junior, Senior and Master. Covered were, the responsibilities of the club sponsoring the event, including event committee structure and composition; staffing and task assignments for the hunt test; judge selection and judging responsibilities; grounds, equipment and crew requirements; health and safety matters; and other administrative information related to holding a Hunt Test. Indepth coverage was given to the rules and regulations associated with a Hunt Test including, but not limited to, applying for permission to hold an event, judges guidelines, and the handling of misconduct. Additional topics covered included the consideration of others who may be using the grounds where the test is being held, respect for the environment, what actions constitute misconduct and the appropriate handling of misconduct. Each participant received related AKC publications and materials. After the noon break, the presentation resumed with a focus on judging. The five categories of scoring: Hunting Ability; Bird Finding Ability; Flushing Ability; Trained Ability and Retrieving Ability were all discussed at great length, as were the factors considered within them. The traits which consitute grounds for a non-qualifying score of "0" including "Failure to find Birds", "Blinking", "Refusal to Flush", "Viciousness", "Out of (handler’s) Control", and "Hard Mouth" were discussed, as were variables that could affect one’s perception of performance. The discussion also highlighted some of the differences in performance requirements between Hunt Tests and Field Trials. An open discussion period then began with an informal "judges panel". First, the panel addressed a list of participant’s questions brought forward from the formal presentation. Ken then outlined of a variety of hunt test scenarios, to provide stimulus for discussion. It was a very helpful exercise which allowed members of the group to apply what they had learned, to this point, to possible "real world" situations. The second day of the event, under the direction of the ESSFTA Hunt Test Committee, began with an introduction and overview of the day’s activities by Harry Henriques, ESSFTA Hunt Test Committee Chair, and committee member, Sandy Stinson. A packet of reference materials, with additional related information, was distributed. While most of the suspiciously gorgeous day (Hey, this was Wisconsin in April, folks!) was to be spent outdoors, the first presentation on "Form & Function" by Henriette Schmidt (WATKC, WESSA, ESSFTA) was held at the clubhouse. Henriette gave a very educational and enlightening overview of how the different parts of the dog’s anatomy, their features and condition, relate to the dog’s ability to perform. Several breeds of dogs were used in the context of the presentation, with an emphasis on health, soundness and balance. NOTE: At this point, I would like to share the fact that I had invited my father-in-law to the second day - a "real hunter" with little exposure to clubs, field trials, hunt tests, etc., except for the tape of the "93 ESSFTA Springer Event of the Century" which had helped to stimulate his interest. An update on his reaction will follow the formal review of the day. The group proceeded to the "square pond" (the working area of the facility), where Russ Grasskamp (WATKC) provided attendees with an Introduction to Bird Husbandry. Appropriate handling and placement was taught as well as information related to the different breeds of birds and their traits and characteristics. The importance of humane and respectful treatment of the birds, both living and dead, was emphasized. Ron and Bev Haag (WESSA & WATKC) provided participants with some very helpful and educational tips and techniques for doing "Yard Work" (training) with your dog(s). With their four dogs, Tyler, Scarlet, Toby and Radar, Ron and Bev demonstrated several of the techniques and answered participants questions. Suggestions included frequent, but not lengthy sessions; keeping the training sessions fun and interesting; providing a variety of environments and situations; as well as providing sufficient and frequent positive reinforcement. An overview of "Scenting" and introducing your spaniel to birds was given by Norb Jamnik (WATKC). Topics covered included methods of introduction as well as the appropriate ages to introduce the dogs to different types of birds. Emphasis was placed on patience and dog age/size-considerations. Special emphasis was placed on the importance of avoiding a negative experience for your dog. Lisa DeNood's 14-week old black cocker pup awed us with his enthusiasm (with a capital "E") during Pat’s demonstration. Brian Sonier (WATKC & WESSA) then provided participants with an overview of "Trailing". How to reinforce the "trailing of game" versus "trailing the trainer" or "sighting", and how to provide opportunities for your dog to develop their skills, were also included in Brian’s presentation. The "2-person rope method" was demonstrated with both a beginner and more advanced dog. Roger Houk’s (WATKC) presentation on steadying with an emphasized patience, consistency and review of previous training steps, as necessary. Roger shared several tips and techniques including keeping things positive and training methods that eliminate, or greatly reduce, the ability of the dog to follow through with an error. The need for trainers to revisit prior instruction and training as well as how to recognize the need for review, and how to use techniques that avoid the need for correction, were emphasized. With our weather suspicions confirmed – it was now overcast, cold-ish, and raining -- we proceeded to the last presentation at the "square" pond for the morning - "Patterns". There are a variety of patterns spaniels may use to "address the course objectives" when finding birds. A presentation related to variations on patterns and when and why they may be used, was provided by Edward Hryciuk (WATKC & WESSA). With the assistance of illustrations, Ed explained the advantages and disadvantages of several possible variations of quartering, depending upon wind conditions. Ed also used a chart illustrating a poor pattern and identified the difficulties such a pattern could cause. Well, this being Wisconsin and all, by the time we drove back to the club house - a stone’s throw away - the sun is once again shining! "Gun Safety" is a serious and important topic for anyone attending Hunt Tests -- whether handling, participating, officiating, or in the gallery. Marc Cieslik (WATKC) gave an excellent presentation which provided a basic introduction to shotguns as well as accident avoidance. Topics included gun mechanics, the basics of commonly used shells, shell trajectory and spray patterns, appropriate firearm carriage and handling (including an explanation of the "idiot finger"), and other information to help everyone insure a safe and enjoyable event. Henry Henriques, Chair, ESSFTA Hunt Test Commitee, joined with Mark for a portion of the presentation. After the noon break, it was back to the "square pond" for two Hunt Test exhibitions with two of our student "judges" functioning as the panel. After each of the "tests", which included land work and a "hunt dead" for each dog, the different situations of each segment of the test elements were discussed as well as the "judges" scores and interpretations. A water demonstration provided by Paul Deitrich (WATKC & WESSA) included training tips and techniques covering all the basics - from getting your dog in the water to more advanced training techniques. Additional topics covered included the effects of a variety of possible weather conditions and boat work, including training your dog to get in and out of the boat safely. Moving to the northeast end of the pond, Rich provided an introduction to, and demonstration of, blind retrieves. Additionally, working with decoys was covered. After the "formal" presentations . . . participants were invited to work with their dogs with the assistance of the instructors. A clumber spaniel shows off her "bird" prowess . . . Ah, yes -- my father-in-law. Well, as the day wore on I thought perhaps he’d be getting antsy to leave. But, as I looked around for him to see how he was doing, I spied him at water’s edge talking intently with instructors and other participants. Then, he was off to throw dummies for some folks doing water retrieves with their dogs. Later, when I finally caught up with him, his enthusiasm and appreciation for the day was clear. He would recommend the Hunt Test Seminar to any hunter as educational, interesting and fun! As for me, I LOVED it! The first day laid a strong foundation of understanding, with the second day providing a wealth of training instruction, demonstration and practical application. And, before ending this piece, I would like to acknowledge the efforts of the local club affiliated area volunteers without whom none of these types of events would be available to local residents and their dogs. The entire weekend ran smoothly, we all came home with some excellent materials and direction to additional resources. Donuts, juice and coffee were served in the morning and hearty lunches provided - including some awesome chili. And, everyone involved was knowledgeable, open, friendly, helpful and interesting.


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Additional Resources: AKC Schedule of Spaniel Hunt Tests AKC Schedule of Seminars Additional Terms Defined Books & Publications AKC Hunt Test Herald American Kennel Club 5580 Centerview Dr., Suite 200 Raleigh, NC 27606-3390 $15.00 - 6 Issues

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