Range in Training

[Neil]

Mr. Heaton's comments in the "Sumer Camp" thread got me to thinking.

Years ago, HoF member Doc Nitchman told me after a training run in which my dog had covered more ground and pointed more birds, "Son, training ain't a field trial. Train them as practice to win". It wiped the smug look off my face.

I train with some of the trainers that run dogs each year at Ames, I am always amazed as we get nearer to that event, how close they keep their dogs. Now they never let the dogs get out of hand, but the weeks before the NC, they keep right handy, changing direction often for no reason, making the dogs come with them, knowing that Ames requires a dog to handle first, find birds, then show run and endurance.

In training, the Kentucky white dog boys ride at near gallop right on the butt of their dogs, I mean at a pace no judge would let them maintain.

One of the problems most amateurs have is they treat every training session with their buddies as a mini field trial and try to "beat" all the other dogs. Those that win never leave their best run at home, they save it for the trial.

If the dog has any desire to find game, he will run plenty enough to win come field trial day, on training day, there are so many other things more important than range; handle, control, birds, pace, desire, speed, etc.

The winning pros and top amateurs know that "Training ain't no field trial".

Neil

[hpvizslas]

Thank you for this information but I am wondering if you would mind expanding on this. I have not ran in many field trials, just a couple of AKC trials in the puppy/derby levels and a couple of green broke dogs just for filler dogs.

I have a vizsla that will be five this year and I am in the process of steadying, so that I can run her in broke stakes. What are some opinions on what a good field trial dog should do?
How much "run" should the dog have to be competitive? What are the best ways to train for field trials, with or without a brace mate? What trials would be recommended for a beginner to get started in?

Thanks
Jeff

[Neil]

Jeff,

You are asking for several books full of information.

First subscribe to American Field and Field Trial Magazine, then buy some of the books advertised there.

But more importantly than getting your information from the net or books, attend as many trials as you can, watch and learn, I know of no shortcuts.

Good luck, I wish you well, there is a place for every skill level and pocket book in trials,

Neil