Hunt / Field Work

Labs are great in the field – ducks, geese, upland birds –they’ll retrieve just about any shot bird.  Our dogs love retrieving and field training is just another game they love to play!  We train with various “dog friends” and are members of the Mountain Valley Retriever Training Club (MVRTC).  At this time, our dogs actively train for and compete in CKC Hunt Tests and NAHRA (North American Hunting Retriever Association).  Some day we may branch out and try Field Trials (which of course will require plenty of training first.  Hunt Test Trials and Field Trials are quite different).

 CKC Hunt Test levels are:  Working Certificate (WC), Working Certificate Intermediate (WCI), Working Certificate Excellent (WCX), Junior Hunter (JH), Senior Hunter (SH), Master Hunter (MH), and Grand Master Hunter (GMH).  Details of the requirements for each level can be found in the CKC Rulebook entitled “Hunt Test Rules and Regulations for Retrievers, Irish Water Spaniels & Standard Poodles“, available from the CKC for a nominal charge.

 Newcomers interested in pursuing this kind of work with their retrievers should find a good class/trainer and join a club, such as MVRTC, to get as much support and mentoring as possible.

Treasure and Trill are working towards their WCI’s and finishing their NAHRA Started title; Trill’s working on her JH as well.