Hunt Tests and Working Certificates
Our next Working Certificate and Junior Hunt Test is coming soon.
Ever since the first AKC retriever hunting tests were held in 1985, the focus has been on how well your dog retrieves birds under all types of conditions. You don’t compete against other handlers and dogs; each dog is assessed based on his own merit. There are three hunt test levels – Junior, Senior, Master, and titles can be earned at each level. Judges score dogs on their natural ability to mark and remember a fall, on their hunting style, perseverance and courage. They are also scored on learned abilities such as steadiness, control, response and delivery.
The Working Certificate (WC) is a test of natural retrieving instinct. It is offered by the Labrador Retriever Club, Inc. A dog must demonstrate that it is not gun shy, will retriever a shot bird at 50 yards on land in light cover, will retriever two ducks from swimming water in immediate succession, and to provide willingness to re-enter the water. Tests are generally run on pheasant, pigeon or ducks. A collar may be held until the dog is sent to retrieve and line manners are not judged and delivery to hand is not required but the bird should be returned to the handler.
This non-competitive environment creates a very warm and communal atmosphere where everyone encourages each other to succeed. This is a great opportunity to put your dog's natural instinct and your training skills to the test in a fun environment.
Getting Started
The next step is to find a local AKC club who gives Retriever Hunting tests, which always take places on weekends. Go to one, or several, to see how they work. We also recommend getting a copy of the rules and regulations, and attending one of our Hunting Test Seminars so you can learn about the standards that your dog will be judged on, the requirements to acquire a title, and other related information.
You’ll start out with the Junior Hunter test, which tests your dog’s potential as a hunter, his desire to find birds and his ability to point long enough for you to reach them. After passing the Junior test, you can then continue on for Senior and Master Hunter tests, which involve significantly more control and your dog is evaluated against more advanced standards such as marking, perseverance, steadiness, control, response and more.
Want to get involved? Email us and we will gladly connect you with members who can help get you started.