Constructing Field Trial Marks......

The Retriever News magazine has several informative article series.  The latest feature of articles elaborates on the construction of field trial marks with authors Don Driggers and Pat Burns. If you like to subscribe to the Retriever News visit Subscribe Today!!!

"Droning On" In The 5th

Here is Pat Burns - Elite Retrievers filming the test dog running the 5th Series Land / Water Triple.

Enjoy the look of these spectacular grounds, Thanks to John and Laura Parrott for their generosity.

A Discussion of Series 5 - Dave Rorem & Paul Sletten

Dave Rorem - Rorem Retrievers and Paul Sletten - Pine Edge Retrievers discuss Series 5 Land / Water Triple.  Enjoy!!

Pat's Perspective

Pat’s Perspective

Today is day #1 of 2017 National Amateur Retriever Championship.  The judges have broken a bit from tradition and are doing a triple.  They have a beautiful site for the 1st series.  They are high on a hill in a patch of woods that was cleared by the hard working grounds crew.  The gallery has a tremendous view.  The Field Trial committee gets kudos for their consideration for the gallery.  Great job!

I have spoken with many handlers and a few of the gunners regarding the test.  Here are a few things I would like to share with you.  There are a number of handlers that have mentioned that their dogs have swung directly from the short bird to the flyer and haven’t seen much of the middle bird.  Consequently some have resulted in large hunts.  The flyer has also been a challenge for a number of dogs.  After speaking with a couple of the gunners, it makes more sense.  They shared a perspective that wasn’t obvious from the line.  Apparently, the gunners are unable to see the dogs pick up the flyer.  The flyer is shot over the top of a knoll.  When the dogs can’t see the gunners they lose a perspective that makes hunting the mark more challenging.  The dogs that get a harder angle back flyer have had more trouble.  It must be a bit of an optical illusion.  On the long middle bird, there are a number paths developing.  Like always, some good and some bad.  The left hand path leads the dog more behind the gun and the far right hand path can take the dog outside the mark.  Both can result in long hunts. 

The judges and marshals are working hard to complete this test today.  There is a lot more to come so stay tuned …