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Yankee Field Classes
“…when
you witness the fire and mettle your dog exhibits flushing his
first pheasant, making a fine retrieve, and then gently offering
the bird to you as a beautiful and precious gift, you will then
know why we own these retrievers. Or perhaps, why they own us.” -
Andrea Fisher
 These
classes are designed to teach the handler how to train his/her
dog to become a competent hunting retriever
and to
prepare for participation in the AKC hunting
tests, the NAHRA hunting tests, and the GRCA WC/WCX tests. There will be up
to six classes in the fundamentals, WC, WCX and Advanced levels.
Homework will be
given, and handlers are expected to train between class sessions.
Fundamentals
 This class is for inexperienced
handlers and inexperienced dogs. Experienced trainers will
teach you how to train your dog
in the basic retrieving
skills. Included will be a general introduction to field training and field
tests, step-by-step methods for teaching the retrieve and the basic obedience
needed
for field work. Progression from simple retrieves through back-to-back
singles, to double retrieves on land and from simple single retrieves
to back-to-back
retrieves in the water is the goal for these sessions. Training on varied
terrain, the use of guns, holding blinds, birds and boats will
be covered. Instructions
on line manners and the field test/trial etiquette will be given.This program
is specifically designed for those who have never trained a retriever for
field work, and who seek an introduction to the various field
endeavors.
WC/Junior Hunter Class
| This class is designed for people who have previously attended
the Fundamentals class and whose dogs have basic obedience
training. The emphasis of this class is the development of
the skills necessary for accomplishing the WC and Junior
Hunter titles. The focus of the sessions will be teaching
the dogs double retrieves on land and more difficult single
retrieves on land and water, with the goal of building the
dog’s confidence. It also includes the obedience required
to participate in the test programs. Line manners and the
concept of a training program will be introduced. |
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"Lacey" retrieves
a pheasant
Nautilus Queen Anne's
Lace CD JH WC
owned by Jeannine Vieten
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WCX/Junior Hunter Class
This class is designed those individuals
whose dogs have mastered the basic retrieving skills of single retrieves,
delivery to hand,
and simple double retrieves on land. The emphasis of this class is
learning the skills necessary for the WCX test: land triples, steadiness
and water doubles.
Dogs entering this level should have their WC title, know basic obedience,
deliver to hand, and be familiar and comfortable with pigeons, pheasants
and ducks.
Advanced Class
This class is designed for those whose dogs
have mastered multiple retrieves on land and water, and are steady.
The emphasis of
this class will be
the handling required for those who wish to participate in hunting
tests at
the Senior Hunter
level. The first portion of each session will be devoted to the
drills necessary to teach handling for blind retrieves:
sitting on the whistle,
lining and
casting. The second portion of the class will be used to set
up tests that incorporate
the skill levels of the dogs entered, doing sight blinds, blinds
within marks, blinds away from marks, diversions, and honoring.
Dogs entered
in this class
must be steady walking to and from the line, steady on line,
and must have their Junior Hunter and WCX titles.
WC/WCX/Hunting Retriever Tests Information
| Item
|
WC Test
|
WCX Text
|
JH Test
|
|
dog on lead
|
yes
|
no
|
yes
|
|
honor working dog
|
no
|
yes
|
no
|
|
touch dog
|
may guide
|
no
|
no
|
|
talk while dog works
|
no
|
no
|
yes
|
|
handle dog
|
no
|
no
|
yes
|
|
cover types
|
light, moderate
|
moderate
|
light, heavy
|
|
length of marks, land
|
40-50 yards
|
60-100 yards
|
30-100 yards
|
|
length of marks, water
|
25-30 yards
|
45-60 yards
|
30-100 yards
|
|
decoys
|
no
|
yes
|
yes, many, land & water
|
|
flyers
|
land - yes
|
yes
|
yes
|
|
hold shotgun
|
no
|
no
|
yes
|
|
walk ups
|
no
|
no
|
yes
|
|
hidden guns
|
no
|
no
|
yes
|
|
handler & gun attire
|
white
|
white
|
camo, dark
|
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no. of times pass to title
|
one
|
one
|
four
|
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min. # of tests per trial
|
1 land, 1 water
|
1 land, 1 water
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2 land, 2 water
|
|
types of marks - land
|
double
|
triple
|
single
|
|
types of marks - water
|
back to back single
|
double
|
single
|
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recast
|
no
|
no
|
yes, once
|
|
retrieve to hand
|
no
|
yes
|
yes
|
Other links of
interest:
NAHRA
HRC
Working
Retriever Central (field trial info)
Master National Retriever
Club
GRCA WC/WCX Rules
AKC
Hunt Test Rules
AKC
History of Hunting Test
AKC
History of Retriever Field Trials
Yankee Field Classes and the WC/WCX
Test
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