2017 Field Trial Schedule

[jetjockey]

So!   A dog that at finds birds will come from behind and better back.   To tell newbie a dog doesn't need to back in an AKC/AF trial is simply not true.  I've seen National Champions and Dogs of The year run, and they all back!

[ForestDump]

I think it bears mentioning the "broke" standard, broke means points, you flush birds,fire gun and the dog remains completely still until you walk back to the dog and grab it by the collar, no hops, no chasing allowed. More than one person has entered only to have their dog on a rope 5 minutes into it because the dog isn't broke or even green broke.

Thank you! Very informative. My dog is a foot hunting dog from trial stock. He's not steady to wing & shot yet so maybe next year.

Take a look into NSTRA. It's more of a foot hunter friendly game you course the field gobbling up as many birds as you can before time. The dog does not have to be properly broke and you will get scored on shooting as well as finds. He can break on flush as long as he's not flushing the bird himself. Most hunters just need a dog steady enough to let the gun get into position. NSTRA also scores for backing though so it would be nice if your dog honors.

[Happy Gilmore]

Everybody is very friendly in the local trial scene. Even to a guy with chessies. I've helped set up water tanks, shoot and plant birds.

[AspenBud]

I think the advice to look at the Oregon Bird Dog Challenge is sound. Most people new to the game don't have a dog that is 100% broke, might only work well with an e-collar on, and might be best run in a singles event. BDC events, by all accounts, fit that bill.

The Port-Van Pointing Dog Club isn't a bad place for newbs either.

NSTRA would have more traction if events were not so far to the east.

AKC and AF trials draw the dedicated. That's where pointing dog perfection is required.