Tips for AKC Hunt Tests

[AnnabellaKennels]

I am wanting to try the AKC Hunt Tests more this year. Wondering if anyone has any tips for having fun and being well prepared to compete.

[BlueRiverKennel]

The best thing for you to do is look up Hunt test clubs as close as you can find to your area. Then join and get over there and train. Even if a club is not close by, some of the club members in a club a ways away, will know a group near you to train with. Most of these groups welcome anyone, as they all help eacthother. This way you can learn the in's and out's. Also many clubs will have fun hunts or fun trials, they give you a cheaper way of getting the feel of things. Also just go to some and watch all day. They usealy don't take too long. Then you can see what each level is expecting the dog to do. You will also be able to see the handlers react to certain situations, then use that knoledge when you run and train for it.

[Steady on point]

Another idea would be to find a Hunt test being held in your area and go watch. Most of the handlers/owners are more than willing to talk about their dogs success, failures etc and what you need to do to prepare. You can access Hunt tests in your area at the web address below.

Go and have fun. Good luck




http://www.akc.org/events/search/

[chessy1]

http://www.entryexpress.net/default.aspx
Here is another way to find hunt test or trials in your area.
As far as training goes look up the regulation on AKC's board and read them and do the same for HRC and Nahra, each program has their own rules and regulations.
It is important that you train for the top levels, run the level you can excel in, you find someone that has been there and done it. Join a club and become involved
That way you won't make many of the mistakes that I have.

[Bonasa Flats]

Hi Jon,

Here's a link to a document that I give to my dog training clients who run AKC Hunt Tests.

http://www.bonasaflats.com/files/The_BFK_Rules_of_Handling_AKC_Hunt_Tests.pdf

We call them "The BFK Rules of Handling AKC Hunt Tests." Please note that these are NOT the official rules or performance standards that govern AKC Hunt Tests, but rather they are 5 or 6 big things that every handler must remember when handling their dog at each level. I pulled these together a couple years ago after I found myself repeating the same things to clients after I watched them handle their dogs in tests. These tips are the product of my 100+ hunt test experiences - good, bad & ugly - that I've accumulated over the years. I hope you and others find them useful.

Best Regards,
John Voight
http://www.BonasaFlats.com
"Versatile & Proven Bird Dogs for Dedicated Bird Dog Owners"

[britguy]

Great Post! Thanks so much for putting that together. I am brand new to this game and just experienced my first hunt test as a "gunner". Your tips are so spot on. I have a new pup that I plan on running. Your tips will help me get him ready.

[Bonasa Flats]

Good, glad you like 'em. Let me know how they work for you.

Will you be testing at Kelley Farms? Great place to test & trial.

Best Regards,
John Voight
http://www.BonasaFlats.com
"Versatile & Proven Bird Dogs for Dedicated Bird Dog Owners"


PS - A family in Maple Grove owns one of my "B" litter pups.

[grayghost3]

I am a 12 year participant in AKC field trials and 4 year participant in AKC hunt tests along with being an AKC field trial & hunt test judge. The posting that Bonasa Flats has as help for NEW dog handlers is OUTSTANDING. The only thing I could add is try not to be nervous as your dog is ALWAYS better at reading you, than you are at reading him.

[Steve007]

yes. Contact the publisher regarding this book.

http://www.amazon.com/QUALIFY-Successfu ... 0964767147

Attwater Publishing is the proud publisher of QUALIFY! A Guide to Successful Handling in AKC Pointing Breed Hunting Tests by Mark Powell, available for $21.90 including first class shipping and handling (Texas orders must include $1.70 state sales tax), 1-800-513-3772.