AKC Pointing HT?

[tcb294]

Hey Guys! New to the forum. Hello from GA!

My 11 year old wants to run our GSP's in a test this fall. I'm thinking the HT format would be best for him. Just making sure that Jr handlers are allowed? How close can the parent stay?

I've run our lab in HT's before and titled him HRCH but the pointing breed HT's is new to me. I've read the regs and plan to learn them. My son has handled our lab on tower pheasant shoots many times and can handle blinds with him too. We've got 2 GSP's that have a good rapport with him. So I think with a little work we can have him handling them decently.

Thoughts? Suggestions?
Thanks

https://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5d6 ... /ry%3D480/

[DonF]

11 yrs old, what's the hurry?

[Brazosvalleyvizslas]

The AKC supports a Junior Handler Program but there is no age limit that I can find. I would call the Performance Division to make sure.

[tcb294]

No hurry except I'm getting old and not in the best health. He's showing an interest and I think he's capable. I can sit back and watch him run the dogs on the shooting preserve and get just as much enjoyment.

[MSU Aggie]

Our club has an 8 yr old running a dog. Dad stays in the parking area and she goes out by herself. She only runs JH for now, due to no live fire. If the kid can handle the dog and knows the rules let him go for it.

[cjhills]

Not much handling in a JH. The dog does his thing and the Handler fires the Blank pistol when the dog points. if the dog hunts and finds a points a bird he will likely pass. Good training For dog band kid. Our Club (GSPCMN) gives Junior handlers a reduced rate...CJ

[Neil]

My son ran and won an open horseback stake at 7 against two pros from his pony while I was on another course, fired his blank pistol twice.

By all means, let him enjoy himself.

Neil

[Sharon]

Good for you and your son. You can't start too young. The future of testing and trials depends on the young people we get involved.

[MillerClemsonHD]

We will have a walking field trial in Greenwood SC November 6-8. We have a couple other Jr handlers this year and would be more than happy to have you all join us. We will be hosting a fun trial/training day Oct 3rd with our club to help new people get started. We will also have some Jr handlers there as well. Shoot me a PM with your email and I will get you all the information. If your unsure about field trials or even hunt test the fun day would be a great way to get some exposure in an atmosphere where we can help you out to be prepared for your first event.

[tcb294]

Sounds good...pm sent!

[mnaj_springer]

I'm not sure how close you could walk, but today I watched a 9 year old young lady handle a dog in a spaniel HT. granted the dog had a MHA title, she still handled him and did very well.

[Mikezx18]

My 10 year old daughter handles in hunt tests. When she was 9 and just starting I would ask the judges if I could walk with the judges just so I was in contact with her. The judges love to see young handlers and are super supportive guiding them and helping them. We need more youth involved if this tradition is to survive

[tcb294]

We've got started. Thanks to the folks that reached out to us. He broke his knee at football and still ran 2 braces the next Saturday. We've got to get him healed up now.

Trying to post some pics.