WORKING TRIALS
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With Thanks to Susanne Jaffa for supplying the following information about Working trials.
Working Trials is a competitive sport for dogs over 18 months old. It is run under Kennel Club rules, and consists of 3 phases, nose work, control and agility. It is a great opportunity to work in partnership with your dog. Held outdoors, mainly in the winter months, it is not a sport for the fair weather fraternity, requiring keen handlers, with water-proofs and walking boots. A fit dog is paramount, as this sport can be physically demanding.
Dogs work at different levels (called stakes) and start with CD ‘companion dog’ which is the lowest level through to UD’ utility Dog’, WD ‘working Dog’ to TD’ Tracking Dog’ and PD ‘Patrol Dog’. You will need 80% of the marks in each of the 3 phases to qualify in that stake, progressing from open then to championship.
Working Trials is all about qualifying, with little emphasis on winning. That is until you get to the highest stakes, Championship TD and PD. Here we have the winners of these stakes awarded with a certificate, known as a ticket. If your dog wins 2 tickets he becomes a Working Trial Champion.
Nosework consists of dog and handler completing a pre-laid track of about half a mile, with lines and turns, recovering articles laid on the track. Followed by a separate search for objects in a 25 yard marked square. The dog is required to find the objects, without assistance from the handler, who waits outside the area, for the dog to retrieve them. There is time limits on these exercises.
Control section includes heelwork off lead in slow, normal and fast pace, Retrieve , recall and steadiness to gunshot. Send away, can consist of sending your dog in straight line 200 yards to a hedge, and directional control. Also a speak on command (the latter two, in the higher stakes only). All stakes have a ten minute out of sight stay. There are no extra commands allowed in the control section without being severally penalized.
Agility is perhaps the most daunting for novice handlers to train. Your aussie must be really fit to attain the height and distance required.
There are just three jumps, all of which must be completed under control and on command. A three foot clear jump and a nine foot long jump. The scale is set at six feet and the dog is to climb over and return.
In the Patrol Dog stake there is an extra element of control demonstrating the ability of the dog to locate and detain hidden people (criminals). A test of courage, a chase, bite and recall off criminal.
To find out more about this sport, why not visit a trial in your area. There is no better way to learn and understand the standard required for the various exercises. Introduce yourself to the trials manager, and ask to watch. Trials people are generally very welcoming of new folk and there is a great sense of comrade amongst the competitors.
© Susanne Jaffa
Publications that advertise courses and trials
Working Trials Monthly
WTM Publishing
26 Broad Lane
Betteshanger
Kent
CT 14 0LX
photo by Paul Cousins
'Josh and Flight' (Shepalian Nightflight to Moortime ShCM CDex UDex WD)
Click here for more Working Trials pictures.
If you would like to send a picture of your dog enjoying Working Trials, please send it to the webmaster