_MD_ Posted June 22, 2007 Report Share Posted June 22, 2007 This weekend my dog and I are entering our first hunt test. I am starting at lowest level, "Started". Does anyone have any useful advice? I have also been told that I use the wrong command to send him on a retrieve. I have always used the word "Break" instead of his name. Any words of advise on how to combat this problem? It's much to late to start with his name as he doesn't even blink until he hears "Break". I hope to come home this weekend with 2 of the 4 required passes to receive his started title. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dogdoc Posted June 25, 2007 Report Share Posted June 25, 2007 Well partner---how'd you and your dog do. HRC started is a great place to start. It is a great entry level test to get your feet wet and see how your dog performs at a test with all the people and excitement. Nothing wrong with sending your dog on 'break'. I wouldn't change a thing---if it ain't broken don't fix it. No reason to start confusing your dog at this point. What is nice about started is you get to hold your dog by the collar on the line and the dog doesn't have to deliver to hand--just to the area. Are you a member of a local HRC club. If not I'd recommend joining and find a training group. You will get addicted to these hunt tests and want to move up to Seasoned after you get your started pass. My first test was an AKC JR test and I was hooked the very first time. My girl now has her HR (seasoned title) and 2 HRCH (finished passes) in HRC and we earned our AKC Senior title a couple of weekends ago. So---how many ribbons did you come home with???? todd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
_MD_ Posted June 25, 2007 Author Report Share Posted June 25, 2007 The first test was less than stellar. I was nervous and the dog feed off that. Needless to say we failed the first test. The next day we smoked through the marks like nothing. I guess it took a practice run to get me and the dog comfortable with all the people, judges, dogs and trucks, etc.. When we train it has always just been us. With one leg down I am looking for more tests to go to. My goal is to get his Started title this year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dfol20 Posted June 25, 2007 Report Share Posted June 25, 2007 how do you find tests to go too? I have been looking for some, just so I can see how they work and get familiarized with them. I want to see what I should expect from my dog. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dogdoc Posted June 25, 2007 Report Share Posted June 25, 2007 congrats on your first pass and here is to many more. I remember my first test--dang I was nervous. Luckily the dog handled the pressure better than I did. dfol20---you can go to the HRC website: http://www.huntingretrieverclub.org/ to find clubs in your areas and tests in your area. again--congrats on your first pass. todd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
_MD_ Posted June 26, 2007 Author Report Share Posted June 26, 2007 Hey DogDoc, Can you tell me what the difference is between a NAHRA Regional Event and just a normal NAHRA event a club would hold? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dogdoc Posted June 27, 2007 Report Share Posted June 27, 2007 Hey DogDoc, Can you tell me what the difference is between a NAHRA Regional Event and just a normal NAHRA event a club would hold? I have no idea as I don't run NAHRA but I can find out for you. Have a buddy that does---i'll get back at you. todd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dogdoc Posted June 27, 2007 Report Share Posted June 27, 2007 Hey DogDoc, Can you tell me what the difference is between a NAHRA Regional Event and just a normal NAHRA event a club would hold? Here is what I found out for you: "Basically, there is no difference in difficulty or distances in a Regional event. Regionals are for Started and Intermediate levlel dogs. If you get 4 passes (title) in a certain timeframe, you will get invited to run in a Regional. Example : You get 4 Started passes and thus your Started (SR) title in a certain timeframe. You will be invited to run in the Regional IN THE STARTED DIVISION. This is regardless of whether you have any Intermediate passes or not. You will run under Started Rules. Many people who have a Started title and are invited to the Regional will have already gone on to Intermediate. For this reason, they will not take advantage of the Started Rules (having the dog on lead) and the dog will break ==== No Regional Ribbon. They need to take advantage of all of the Started rules.. ... Same goes with Intermediate (no lead etc), but they should USE THE RULES to their adbvantage -- that's what the rules are for. The Regional Ribbon is a vey cool Red - White & Blue Ribbon and a cool "Brass Band" instead of "Aluminum"." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
_MD_ Posted June 28, 2007 Author Report Share Posted June 28, 2007 Thanks for the info. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buckslayer Posted June 28, 2007 Report Share Posted June 28, 2007 I thought up a solution. Get out your papers, and change your dog's name to "Break" just joking, congrats on the pass!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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