HUNT ~ TEST ~ TRAIN

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What are the Tests all About?

Read on to find out!

WHAT ARE THE RECOGNIZED TESTS?

If you are the owner of a Versatile/HPR breed, you’ll be pleased to know that a variety of recognized hunting tests are available to you. Until fairly recently, there were only field trials and one basic beginner test…now there are several testing systems/tests to choose from!

Some of you will no doubt be asking, what exactly is a “hunting test”, and how does it differ from a “field trial”? A test is just what it implies – various attributes or tasks are judged, and the dog’s performance in these is graded against a standard. The dog is tested and judged individually and not in competition with other dogs. Therefore, the dog “competes” only against himself and the required standard. Consequently, It is possible for all dogs to pass or fail (hopefully not!). In field trials, the dogs compete against one another, and there is but one winner and a few placements – the rest, well, they go to the changing room.

Tests have various systems of judging and scoring, but they all have one thing in common: they are not competitions; they are just you and your dog as a team on the day being assessed. In short, they simply evaluate the dog’s natural and trained abilities, usually in the field. They are an excellent tool to help prepare your and your dog for the real thing…

With that behind us, let’s delve into the actual tests available to you and your versatile/HPR dog…

The Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA) now offers four (4) recognized tests/testing systems to choose from. Each has its own set of rules and regulations, highly qualified judges, and unique attributes. The regulations guiding the tests are official documents called “Schedules”. Thus, each test system has its own Schedule as follows:

  • The Versatile Tests – Schedule 5C(6) Regulations for Versatile Tests – Pointing Breeds – Prize I, II, III
  • The Gundog Hunting Tests – Schedule 5C(5) Regulations for Gundog Hunting Tests – Total Score
  • The Shooting Ratings – Schedule 5C(4) Regulations for Shooting Ratings – Pass or fail
  • The Natural Ability Test – Schedule 5C(3) Regulations for Hunt Point and Retrieve – Pass or fail

Each of the above tests tends to follow previously developed testing systems in other countries, so there is an established set of guides to follow and adapt to our unique circumstances here in SA as needed. Each has its own method of assessment, but generally, they fall into one of two categories: 1) Pass or Fail – a threshold is set, and the dog either measures up to it or it doesn’t – there is no scoring; 2) A Scoring system that either yields a final, total passing score or one that gives a pass level divided into Prizes I, II or III depending on the scores. In order to pass any of these tests, all elements of that test must be passed at least at the minimum set levels.

Once passed, the test results will be recorded at the KUSA, enabling your dog to carry the respective suffix on their pedigree. These vary according to the test.

Do not be fooled…every single one of these KUSA tests enables your dog to carry the result as part of the registered name. But…, only if an affiliated KUSA club offers it under a KUSA licence!

For instance, the hypothetical dog Fido vom Jaegermeister would carry the following on his pedigree as follows:

          > Fido vom Jagermeister NA, SA-N1, SA-HZP185, RD

What does this mean? It means Fido passed the Natural Ability Test (NA), passed the Versatile Novice Test with a Prize 1 (SA-N1), passed the Gundog Hunting Advanced Hunting Test with 185 points (SA-HZP(185)), and finally, passed the Shooting Ratings Retrieving Dog test (RD).

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WHAT DOES PASSING A HUNTING DOG TEST ACCOMPLISH?

Regardless of what test is passed, it is an accomplishment to be proud of. For these recognized tests, as indicated, the results will be recorded as a suffix to your dog’s name and be carried on to future generations. You will receive a Certificate from the club and in some instances a trophy or plaque.

Further to the immediate gratification of passing a test, you will be confident in the knowledge that your training at that level has been successful. Depending on the test, you can also be confident that your dog is becoming a bona fide hunting dog and is well on the way to success in the actual hunting field! Tests help set various goals to guide you and your dog on the right track.  Training for some of the more advanced tests (such as the Versatile Tests, Gundog Hunting Tests and Shooting Ratings) ensures that you are developing a reliable hunting gundog for enjoyable, productive and ethical wing shooting. Passing any of the higher tests can truly be an achievement, and it is hard to convey the joy and pride that handlers experience when their scores are announced and the Judge extends a hand to congratulate you and present your Certificate!

Finally, training for tests is usually carried out in a group, by one of the clubs or privately. Either way, you will end up meeting like-minded people, getting help and advice, and usually making some new friends – some of whom may become lifelong friends and hunting buddies.

SHOULD YOU TRY ONE OF THE TESTS?

Well, it depends…

Some people are simply looking to do more with their dogs and want to give them ways to satisfy their hunting and energy requirements. Hunters will seek guidance and training for their versatile hunting dog for the field. Others enjoy the challenge of training their dogs to higher levels in what the dogs were bred to do. Finally, others have agreed to “test” their dog because the breeder requires it.

For many who do hunt, I can’t say it any better than this from Jennifer Wapenki in the US:

“First and foremost, preparing for and running hunt tests can be really fun. Sure, test day can be stressful, and things will never go exactly as you’d planned. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t repeatedly lie awake at three a.m., worrying about blind retrieves. But if you take a step back from self-induced pressure, the bottom line is that you’re out there working with your dog, meeting other people, and staying active in the off-season. Hunt tests are a great way to extend your hunting season and solidify the bond you have with your bird dog. Since hunt tests aren’t competitive, you can expect to find an environment where handlers are cheering each other on and hoping for success across the board.”

So, where do you fit in? I can’t say what might motivate you to test, but I can say that training and testing can be very rewarding to you and the dog. For hunters, training is essential to have a reliable dog that adds value to the wing shooting experience. Any hunter should be using a trained dog that hunts in control, points and retrieves reliably – less than that is simply not ethical hunting. For non-hunters, you may be very surprised at the satisfaction you get from bringing out the best in your dog and getting out in the field for exercise and fun! Breeders may seek to prove that their breeding stock possesses the necessary attributes as hunting dogs by testing parents and offspring, particularly in some of the higher-level tests.

If you are new to all of this, it’s probably best to get your feet wet with the simplest and least demanding of the tests. The Novice Shooting Dog test (Shooting Ratings) and the Natural Ability Test are entry level tests for the novice or puppy and are a good place to start your journey. Where you go from there, who knows? There is a lot to choose from!

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HOW TO GET STARTED

Don’t know where to go for more information or training?

If you are new to the tests or are a new owner of a versatile/HPR dog, the best course of action is to go and observe some of the tests to see what actually happens on the day and what is required. There are a number of KUSA clubs that can be contacted that will help you with information, training, test dates etc.  Bear in mind that tests are usually only offered at certain times, so that may drive which one and when you attend or enter.

The Clubs and contact details can be found on this page -> here…

If your dog is registered with the KUSA, you are eligible to enter any of these tests.

 

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