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LABRADOR RETRIEVER KENNEL CLUB

FIELD TRIAL CATALOGUE 2017

Table of Contents General Information ................................................................................. 2

47th Annual National Retriever Field Trials 2017 .......................... 3

LRKC Officials and Committee ............................................................ 4

Chairman’s Welcome .............................................................................. 5

Acknowledgements ................................................................................... 8

Notice to Competitors ............................................................................ 9

Floating Trophies ...................................................................................... 10

A Visitor’s Guide To Field Trials ........................................................... 11

Rules for the Trials ................................................................................... 12

Awards & Prizes ........................................................................................ 12

A Master Of The Game ............................................................................ 13

Open Stake Past Winners ...................................................................... 15

Puppy Stake ............................................................................................... 17

Puppy Stake Entrants ............................................................................. 18

Junior Stake ............................................................................................... 19

Junior Stake Entrants ............................................................................. 20

Maiden Stake ............................................................................................. 21

Maiden Stake Entrants ............................................................................. 22

Novice Stake .............................................................................................. 27

Novice Stake Entrants .............................................................................. 28

Open Stake ................................................................................................. 31

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Open Stake Entrants ................................................................................ 32

LRKC Health Project ................................................................................ 36

Cause and Effect Trouble Shooting Training Problems ............. 44

Competitors Information....................................................................... 52

General Information

The Club accepts no responsibility for loss, damage or injury to any person or property, however occasioned. The use of the venue has been granted on the premise that it will be left in the same clean and tidy condition in which it is found. All dogs must be under control throughout the trials. If any dog causes annoyance or disrupts the trial, the Field Trial committee may, at its discretion, request the owner/ handler of the dog to remove it from the trial and the venue immediately. Smoking during the trials is strictly prohibited, except where and when per- mitted by the Field Trial Manager. Spectators are requested to remain in the area as indicated by the Field Trial Manager and not to wander, as this could be dangerous, as well as spoil the ground to be worked by the dogs. Spectators are requested to be quiet while a dog is working. Noise can distract both dog and handler. All persons attending the trials are requested to conform to the above and to ensure that their children do so as well.

PLEASE DO NOT LITTER

Rubbish bags are provided in the camp and on the drinks vehicle. Please leave nothing behind in the field.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY:

Due to the nature of this sport, competitors, spectators and officials are invited to enter

the venue at their own risk and, in so doing, absolve The Labrador Retriever

Kennel Club and Landowners from any claim whatsoever, arising from loss or

damage to any person, animal or property.

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47th Annual National Retriever Field Trials 2017

Open to all purebred Retrievers and other Gundogs registered with KUSA. VENUE: Val Farms, Standerton District KUSA REPRESENTATIVE: Mrs Marie Wynne

VET ON CALL: Dr J Wessels 056 811 2114 / 082 492 3116

DATES AND TIMES

Maiden Stake Thursday 27th April at 6h30

Novice Stake Friday 28th April at 6h30

Open Stake Saturday 29th April at 6h30

Puppy Stake Sunday 30th April at 6h30

Junior Stake Sunday 30th April at 6h30

JUDGES

Puppy &

Junior

Angelique van Rooyen (Snr), Kobus le

Roux, Noleen Wilson-Taylor

Maiden Estene Trollope (Snr), Enette van Dyk, Noleen Wilson-Taylor

Novice Mike Hoy (Snr), Jenny Smith, Niel Tatham

Open Alan Kloeck (Snr), Niel Tatham, Noleen

Wilson-Taylor, Angelique van Rooyen

FIELD TRIAL MANAGERS

Puppy & Junior FTM: Adamson Niryenda

Ass: Petrus

Maiden FTM: Adamson Niryenda Ass: Petrus

Novice FTM: Adamson Niryenda

Ass: Petrus

Open FTM: Adamson Niryenda

Ass: Petrus

SENIOR GUNS

Puppy/Junior Francois van Rooyen

Maiden Tony Wynne

Novice Francois van Rooyen

Open Tony Wynne

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LRKC Officials and Committee

President Mrs Jane Pott

Patrons Mrs R Cabion; Mrs C Copestake; Mr J Crook, OBE;

Miss D Fabian; Mrs P Harrison; Mrs D Holman;

Mrs E Howard.

Club Officials & Committee 2017

Renier Jansen van Vuuren Chairman

Francois van Rooyen Vice Chairman

Dwayne Malcolm Treasurer

Genevieve Alberts Club Secretary

Angelique van Rooyen FT Secretary

Thania Rowan Membership Secretary

Mercia van Tonder Committee Member

Jane Pott Committee Member

Gerhard van Tonder Committee Member

Alan Kloeck Committee Member

LRKC Field Trial Contact details: Website: www.labclub.org.za

Address - P O Box 30639, Kyalami, 1684

AVAILABLE VETERINARY SERVICES IN STANDERTONOVER THE WEEK-END

Tel: 056 811 2114 A/h Cell: 082 492 3116

Chairman’s Welcome

It gives me great pleasure to welcome you, on behalf of the Management

Committee, to the Labrador Retriever Kennel Club’s 47th Annual Field Trial. Although we have a slight drop in number of entries this year, we can

still expect the same high level of competition and as in previous years, the Committee will once again make every effort to provide the environment and

support to competitors and officials to make the 2017 a memorable event.

We are happy to be back at our old base-camp venue, the Val Sports Club

and it is like coming home this year, after we were unable to use this venue for the first time in more than 20 years during the 2016 LRKC Field Trials.

Firstly, I want to thank Mr Lane and Mrs Liz Reynolds, as well as Mr Crotjie

and Mrs Kirsten Armitage for allowing the use of their respective farms

during the 2017 trials. We really appreciate your hospitality and that you are prepared to change the normal activities on your farms to accommodate us.

Heleen Bierman and her family will once again cater for us during the day

in the field, and prepare the traditional Spit Braai on Saturday night. Thank you

very much for continuing to provide this service and for the friendly and excellent way in which you always provide this service.

To our sponsors, thank you for making it possible that we as a club can once

again enjoy a few good days in the field with our dogs: MSD ANIMAL HEALTH – Through the CEO of MSD Animal Health,

Dr Alan Kloeck, we wish to extend our gratitude to the main

sponsor for the event.

AFGRI – Through Mr Wesley Beckman, thank you to AFGRI for the

sponsorship of JOCK dog food prizes for winner in the Open and Maiden Stakes;

LIONEL’S CHOICE – Through Mr Rob McAlistair, thank you to Lionel’s

Choice for the sponsorship of LIONEL’S CHOICE dog food prizes for the winners in the Novice, Junior and Puppy Stakes.

To Mr Ted and Mrs Noleen Wilson-Taylor, thank you for providing the use of the Field Trial Database used to take entries for our event.

Thank you to Mrs Marie Wynne for acting as our KUSA Rep this year.

To all the Sen ior and Suppor t i ng Judges officiating during this year’s

different Stakes: thank you for accepting the LRKC invitation to judge and giving

your time and knowledge to make our trial a success – I trust that the event will in turn be a most enjoyable and rewarding experience for every one of

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you.

This year the Field Trial Manager for all Stakes is Mr Adamson Niryenda,

a man who has made name for himself in this sport. He will be assisted by Petrus – thank you very much to both of you for taking on this very important

task.

Guns: Mr Tony Wynne, thank you for once again supporting the LRKC by

standing in as Senior Gun in the Open and Maiden Stakes. Thank you also to Mr Francois van Rooyen, who will be Senior Gun for the

Novice, Puppy and Junior Stakes.

Francois and Tony will be supported in the various stakes by Mr Gerhard van Rooyen, Mr Jared Draper, Mr Carl Bosman and Mr Everett Nortman.

Thank you very much gentlemen! I have been informed of another heavily bearded character that would on occasion also fire some shots – we hope in a

controlled manner (for identification please see picture on the next page)!

We can also not have field trials without the throwers – thank you guys for your

support, hard work and being out there every day the whole day.

Then to my very able and hard-working committee: Mrs Angelique van Rooyen, our Field Trial Secretary once again played a

major role in organizing this event, supported by her husband, Mr Francois

van Rooyen, our Vice-Chairman, Mrs Jane Pott, our Club President and FTLC Representative and Mrs Mercia van Tonder. Gerhard and Mercia

van Tonder must also be thanked for once again managing the game – this is hard work and driving miles to get it all together – thank you very much for all

your energy and hard work to make this trial a success. I am proud and thankful to be part of this fantastic group of people giving selflessly their time,

skill and often at significant personal expense, to make this event a success.

To you the handlers and dogs that entered this year’s LRKC Field Trials –

thank you for your entry, support of our efforts and I wish you great success, in whichever way you will measure that for yourself and your dogs!

Renier Jansen van Vuuren Chairman: LRKC Left: New gun to officiate at the LRKC FT 2017:

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ID needed Below: Mr John Murdoch’s Wildspirit Air in Motion

Below: Winner of the LRKC Field Trials Open Stake 2017: Mr Henry Playne’s ChFT Ravenside Gimlet MHR “Zack”

Acknowledgements

MSD Animal Health: Main Sponsor AFGRI: Dog Food Prizes

Lionel’s Choice: Dog Food Prizes Inqaba Biotech: Display Advert

Mike Hunt: Display Advert Snowpine Kennels: Advert Heleen Bierman: Catering

Angelique & Francois van Rooyen: FT Entry Database Renier Jansen van Vuuren: FT Catalogue

Adamasdor Labradors: Raffle Prize Francois van Rooyen: Guns and Gun’s Choice Gifts

TFS Holdings: Gifts Kevin & Jane Pott: Gifts

Gerhard & Mercia van Tonder: Game Kevin Pott: Trophies

Val Sport Club: Basecamp Venue Mr Crotjie and Mrs Kirsten Armitage: Farm for FT Stakes

Mr Lane and Mrs Liz Reynolds: Farm for FT Stakes

Notice to Competitors

All competitors are expected to report to the Field Trial Manager 30 minutes before the start of the Trial to collect their numbers.

At the start of each stake, the senior judge shall call all competitors, whereupon

a roll call will be held. Any dog not reporting to the line within 15 minutes of being called, shall be disqualified from the Stake and will not be entitled

to any further participation in that stake.

It will be the practice at these Trials, to summon competitors at the beginning

of each retrieve to describe the nature of the work to be done. Handlers must ensure that they are present at these briefings.

These trials are held under Schedule 5C (1) Rules and Regulations of the Kennel Union of Southern Africa.

Training of dogs on the venue is not permitted, except where designated

by the Field Trial Manager.

All dogs not participating in a particular retrieve shall be kept on a lead whilst

retrieves are in progress. Any dog which is not in the line and which disturbs the work of other dogs is liable for disqualification.

The Judges’ decision is final.

Anyone openly impugning the decision of a judge or judges shall render him- self/herself liable to be reported to KUSA under the provisions of KUSA

Sch.1, unless he is availing himself of Section A.10.3 of Schedule 5C (1).

If an advertised judge is prevented from fulfilling his/her engagement, the Field Trial Committee shall appoint another qualified person to judge or shall make

any other arrangement within the Rules that is desirable to them.

UNDER THE KUSA PUBLIC LIABILITY POLICY IT IS COMPULSORY FOR ALL DOGS TO BE ON A LEAD AT ALL TIMES

UNLESS UNDER JUDGES ORDERS.

Floating Trophies

STAKE PLACEMENT TROPHY Presented by

Open Stake

1st

Labmore trophy Mr. R J Kearney

Gundog Club of Mashonaland Gundog Club of Mashonaland

Chester Trophy Labrador Retriever

Mr. B J Checketts

2nd Marken Trophy Mr. & Mrs. K Fletcher

3rd Double Jay Trophy Mr. J F H Lowry

Guns ‘Choice Dr N Taylor

Guns’ Choice Sleepy hollow Best Labrador Mrs. Rose-Marie Cabion

Sandy Trophy Best Labrador in Open Miss J Trautmann

Vonniejo Trophy Annual Award Trophy for Best Open Stake Labrador Retriever of 2015

Mr. & Mrs. J Vieira

Novice Stake

1st LRKC Trophy LRKC

2nd Ballyhue Trophy Mr. W J E Tait

3rd Marabou Trophy Mr. T L P Cronin

Guns’ Choice N Moni

Best Novice Handler Rothsay Trophy M Davidson

Best Labrador Zelstone Trophy Mrs. A Radclyffe

Maiden Stake

1st LRKC Trophy LRKC

2ND Ballyhue Trophy Mr. W J E Tait

Guns’ Choice Highpeak Trophy Mr. & Mrs. I Hill

Junior Stake

1st Mr. D Brown

2nd Mrs. L Cook

Guns’ Choice Mrs. A Bryant

Puppy Stake

1st Marie Keep Trophy

2nd Inversneyde trophy I S H Badham

Guns’ Choice Tom Marsdan Trophy

Top Puppy Handler LRKC

ROTATING TROPHIES

Best PUPPY Handler 2016 Rothsay Trophy Mr. & Mrs. M Davison

Awarded for highest SAHR POINTS Labrador Retriever 2016 NOVICE Stake

Derby Trophy Mrs. J Pott

Awarded for highest SAHR POINTS Golden Retriever 2016 NOVICE Stake

Roodehek Trophy Mrs. T Teale & C Strawbridge

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A Visitor’s Guide To Field Trials

Retriever field trials simulate, under competition, conditions which are similar to those encountered in a natural shooting situation. Only too often, birds are shot

where no working dogs are present. This results in unnecessary suffering and

waste. The reason for training Retrievers is to persuade those people who shoot and hunt, that the only way to hunt is with a trained gundog. To give you a

feel of what the judges are looking for, here is a guide to assist you.

Because birds are often hunted in line, it is essential that dogs walk steadily to heel off lead. They must not whine nor retrieve before being sent by the

handler as this could interfere with the work of another dog.

Good marking of the position of the fall is essential in a Retriever, as he should not disturb ground unnecessarily.

Judges should give full credit to a dog which goes straight to the fall, picks up

and returns the game directly to hand, at a good pace.

The bird must be held firmly but gently by the dog, until it is commanded to

release to hand. There must be no evidence of chewing or hard mouth.

On a marked retrieve, that is a retrieve where the dog has seen the fall, the dog should not require handling, the more the dog is handled, the lower the

points.

On a blind retrieve, where only the handler is given a general idea as to the

position of the game, the dog which takes the line offered and requires the least handling, will be awarded the highest marks.

Most important - dogs which show game finding ability and use their noses effectively should be placed above those which require handling or happen to

stumble upon the game.

ELIMINATING FAULTS: Hard mouth, breaking before commanded to retrieve,

whining or barking continuously, out of control, chasing other game, failure to enter water or tough cover and blinking game.

MAJOR FAULTS: Failure to find game, unsteadiness at heel, disturbing

Ground not related to the fall, poor control.

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GOOD POINTS: Natural game finding ability, use of nose, good marking of the fall, quick pick-up and return, good control, keenness and attentive- ness.

Rules for the Trials

These trials will be conducted under the Rules and Regulations of Schedule 5C

(1) of the KUSA Constitution. A copy of these rules will be available at the trials. Please note:

Bitches in season are forbidden within the precincts of the Field Trials Castrated dogs and spayed bitches are eligible for entry.

Conditions attracting immediate disqualification are set out in Reg. 31 of Sch.

3 Kennel Union Regulations for Championship Shows (Breed), subject to (a) and (b) above.

Only those dogs that are actually participating in the Field Trials are Allowed at the venue.

The system of judging will be entirely at the discretion of the Judges in accordance with KUSA Rules and the Field Trial Regulations.

Awards & Prizes Floating trophies, prizes and certificates will be awarded.

The Craignair Labrador Field Trial Breeders Trophy Awarded to the top performing Field Trial Breeding Kennel, 2015

Mr Garry Emerton’s RAVENSIDE LABRADORS.

Vonniejo Field Trial Trophy LRKC Field Trials 2017: Mr Kobus le Roux’s Om’anam Artemis FTA MHR

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A Master Of The Game Ch FT Ravenside Blue Moon of Snowpine GMHR “Boss”

Bred by Garry Emerton; owned and handled by Chris Emin

As the shadows grew long on the final day of the 2016 Championship Stake, a

very special dog completed the final series of his career. He was battling a

fresh foreleg injury and found the going tough, so as he returned the final bird

to his handler, finishing in style, Chris murmured in his usual quiet, understated

way, “that was amazing Boss”.

Boss was born on 17 September 2007, out of Mizz Molly of Ravenside NHR, by

Ch Chezenko DoubleOrNothing WHR FQ. He lived up to his excellent breeding

and proved very talented in the field. He moved quickly through the Maiden

and Novice stakes and his future seemed very bright. But sadly in 2010,

disaster struck. Boss was diagnosed with cancer at just two and a half years of

age and the vet recommended that he be put to sleep. Not ready to give up on

him, the Emins sought a second opinion and took a dramatic and risky decision.

Over the weekend of the LRKC Championship Field Trial in 2010, Boss’s hind

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right leg was completely removed in the hopes of arresting the Cancer.

Thank goodness they did! In August, just four months later, Boss won the

National Retriever Championship Stake and also won a further two Open

Stakes, making him a Field Trial Champion at under three years of age. The

Emins have not looked back and Boss has had a phenomenal career. He has

won twenty Open Stakes, been placed second fourteen times and third nine

times. In the Open Stake, he has achieved 16 Gun’s Choice awards. He will no

doubt go down in the record books as one of the greatest field trialers this

Country has ever seen. Boss loves his job but sadly, the strain of competing at

the highest level on three legs is starting to show and the Emins have decided

to retire him.

It will take some getting used to, not seeing the familiar, dignified outline of

Boss as he makes his way to the line. Chris and Boss, that was indeed

amazing.

Front Cover: Boss during the 2016 FT Championship Stake

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Open Stake Past Winners

1970 L Wilson Ch. Charmaine of Canobie Lee (Labrador)

1971 No Award

1972 W J E Tait ChFT. Ballyhue Grenade of Brigade (Labrador)

1973 No Award

1974 N Mansfield Ch. & ChFT. Brightfield Honeyglen Misty (Labrador)

1975 J Cole ChFT. Sir Sinbad Gun (Labrador)

1976 W J E Tait ChFT. Ballyhue Black Pipit of Donside (Labrador)

1977 W J E Tait ChFT. Ballyhue Black Pipit of Donside (Labrador)

1978 N Mansfield Brightfield Bruce (Labrador)

1979 No Award

1980 M Gie Ch. & ChFT. Brigade Highwayman (Labrador)

1981 W J E Tait ChFT. Bramlands Alexander (Labrador)

1982 A P Schuuil ChFT. Val du Sols Sunup (Labrador)

1983 C Pretorius ChFT. Colehill Jasper (Labrador)

1984 A P Schuuil ChFT. Val du Sols Sunup (Labrador)

1985 R Frost ChFT. Telham Swainson (Labrador)

1986 J McCormick Ch. & ChFT. Summerfold Silverstone of Sokatumi

(Golden)

1987 J McCormick ChFT. Sokatumi Xugano FQ (Golden)

1988 R Frost ChFT. Telham Swainson (Labrador)

1989 NO TRIAL

1990 R Smith Haretor Ottie FTA (Labrador)

1991 S Hill Kibo of Highpeak (Labrador)

1992 S Hill ChFT. Kibo of Highpeak (Labrador)

1993 G Emerton Mibern Onyx FTA (Labrador)

1994 W Baumgartner ChFT. Countessa (Labrador)

1995 G Emerton Milbern Onyx FTA (Labrador)

1996 W Minnaar ChFT. Lappop FTA (Labrador)

1997 W Baumgartner ChFT. Countessa (Labrador)

1998 W Banfield Vonniejo Black Magic FTA MHR (Labrador)

1999 D Brown ChFT. Jeronga Bucks Fizz GMHR (Labrador)

2000 D Brown ChFT. Jeronga Bucks Fizz GMHR (Labrador)

2001 W Banfield ChFT. Vonniejo Black Magic GMHR (Labrador)

2002 W Banfield ChFT. Vonniejo Black Magic GMHR (Labrador)

2003 D Brown ChFT. Abbeystead Into Africa At Bardale GMHR

(Labrador)

2004 D Brown ChFT. Abbeystead Into Africa At Bardale GMHR

(Labrador)

2005 C Banfield ChFT. Vonniejo Zakari (Labrador)

2006 H J Emin Ch. & ChFT. Pareora Pollyanna of Snowpine GMHR

(Golden)

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2007 M Holman ChFT. Charway Stormpetrel of Trevena WHR

(Labrador)

2008 T Teale ChFT. Siyu Ruth of Roodehek GMHR (Golden)

2009 J Buchanan ChFT. Cart Kincora Great Bear CDEX GMHR

(Golden)

2010 C Emin ChFT. Snowpine Kimber-Lee MHR (Golden)

2011 C Emin ChFT. Ravenside Blue Moon of Snowpine

(Labrador)

2012 M Hoy ChFT. Whistlestop Haytor GMHR (Golden)

2013 C Emin ChFT. Snowpine Kimber-Lee MHR (Golden)

2014 C Emin ChFT. Ravenside Blue Moon of Snowpine GMHR

(Labrador)

2015 C Emin ChFT. Ravenside Blue Moon of Snowpine GMHR

(Labrador)

2016 H Playne ChFT. Ravenside Gimlet MHR (Labrador)

Left: Mr Kobus le Roux’s Om’anam Artemis FTA MHR during LRKC FT

Open Stake 2016

Artemis was also the winner of the 2016 Vonniejo Trophy as

top Field Trial Dog for 2016

Puppy Stake

Puppy Stake is for Retrievers from six months and not exceeding twelve

months of age, dating from and including the date of its birth on the first day of the trial.

In a Puppy Stake, the judges should be testing the entrants solely for the

majority of the retrievers NATURAL abilities. These may be summarized as follows:

Intelligence; Attention; Nose; Perseverance; Style; Natural Retrieving Ability; Marking Ability; Soft Mouth (Note that Memory and

strong Courage are not to be tested)

Suggestions for criteria in retrievers are as follows:

Since puppies are inexperienced, the tests should be simple, short, single

marked retrieves in fairly light cover.

It is not advisable to put puppies through barriers that are likely to deter them such as fairly difficult fence, biggish dongas, etc.

As steadiness (a learnt ability) is not being tested, dogs may run on leads with-

out being penalized for so doing.

Water retrieves should not exceed about 30 meters of slow flowing water and

the dog and handler should be positioned close to the water’s edge. Land retrieves should not exceed about 50 meters.

In all retrieves, the area of the fall MUST be visible to the DOG. All retrieves MUST be from a stationary position.

NO decoys to be used and NO honoring of their dogs are required. Judges should try to provide fresh ground for each retrieve.

Judges MUST check every saluted bird before use. No badly shot birds or very

cold birds are to be used. The forward judge must be alert to calling a no bird if he suspects the bird has been badly shot.

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Puppy Stake Entrants

1 Wildspirit Hucks Fyreashot of Knapskoot Breed: Labrador Retriever Dog Vossie Sire: Wildspirit Huckelberry Fin NHR Dam: TTF African Fyrefly of Wildspirit (Imp USA) NHR ZA014418B16 Breeders: Mrs SL Kloeck 945000001658000 Reg Owner: Dr E Van Dyk Dob: 27-Jun-2016 Handler: Enette Van Dyk

2 Walkabout Jacopone Breed: Labrador Retriever Bitch Baci Sire: Ch.FT Burwell Ben of Tashinga GMHR B1-B1 ED00 Dam: Bardale DB's Triumph of Walkabout FTA MHR A2-B2 ED00 ZA011501B16 Breeders: Mrs EM Walker 953010001232680 Reg Owner: Mrs JM Daley Dob: 01-Jun-2016 Handler: Jill Daley

3 Walkabout Java of Knapskoot Breed: Labrador Retriever Dog Patrys Sire: Ch.FT Burwell Ben of Tashinga GMHR B1-B1 ED00 Dam: Bardale DB's Triumph of Walkabout FTA MHR A2-B2 ED00 ZA011502B16 Breeders: Mrs EM Walker 953010001232682 Reg Owner: Dr E Van Dyk Dob: 01-Jun-2016 Handler: Enette Van Dyk

PUPPY STAKE RESULTS

1st_____________________________ COM__________________________

2nd ____________________________ GUNS’

CHOICE______________________

3rd ____________________________

SAHRA Points_________________________

4th

Junior Stake Junior Stake is for Retrievers from six months and not exceeding

eighteen months of age, dating from and inclusive of the date of its birth on the first day of the trial.

In the Junior Stake, the judge can expect a higher level of competence of

taught abilities. The judge will judge all of the natural abilities as quoted for Puppies, but can also expect a display of natural courage and can expect the

dog to have acquired taught abilities of steadiness and directional control

(taking a straight line only).

The junior dog can be expected to:

Do land Retrieves: single retrieves NOT exceeding 60 meters. Do water Retrieves: single retrieves NOT exceeding 50 meters.

Do double Retrieves: the second bird NOT exceeding 40 meters (bird may fall

into light cover).

Do blind Retrieves: that should NOT exceed 30 meters, a salute must be

used. No diversionary birds, water blinds and treble retrieves.

Decoys may be used but not in a direct line from the dog to the bird. The use of blinds (hides) is not advisable.

Dogs must be off leads and a walk up is permitted but only for a single retrieve.

In a double retrieve, the dog must be sitting at heel before the birds are

released. It is not advisable to have obstacles such as fences in a double retrieve.

Test for courage, using simple obstacles.

A bird out of sight of the dog is permitted in single retrieves.

The judge must ensure that the dog has ample opportunity to mark the flight Of every marked bird.

In the blind retrieve, the dog MUST be in sight of the handler at all times. It is advisable that fresh ground be utilized for every retrieve.

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Junior Stake Entrants

1 Pareora Hat Trick Jonty

Breed: Golden Retriever Dog Jonty Sire: Pareora Benedictine WHR Dam: Zaniri Up and Away to Pareora (Imp Can) WHR ZA004316B16 Breeders: Ms JL Smith 953010000901952 Reg Owner: Mrs S Van Rensburg Dob: 18-Nov-2015 Handler: Sharon Van Rensburg

2 Bardale DB Huntsman Breed: Labrador Retriever Dog Hunter Sire: Ch.FT Bardale DB's BestFriend GMHR Dam: Abbeystead Frolic of Bardale (Imp UK) ZA009625B16 Breeders: Miss DA Fabian 111100000006334 Reg Owner: Miss DA Fabian Dob: 04-Feb-2016 Handler: Vingerling Michael

JUNIOR STAKE RESULTS

1st_____________________________ COM__________________________

2nd ____________________________ GUNS’

CHOICE______________________

3rd ____________________________

SAHRA

Points_________________________

4th

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Maiden Stake

Maiden Stake is for Retrievers which have not been placed in a

previous Novice or Open Stake nor have won two Maiden Stakes, prior to the

date of the closing of entries for that particular Maiden Stake.

In the Maiden Stake, dogs range in ability from starter dogs that are too old for Puppy or Junior Stakes, to those that are too inexperienced to be entered

into Novice Stakes with any hope of finishing the course. Judges should

therefore set the retrieves accordingly and also be aware that this should be a fun stake.

In the Maiden Stake a dog is tested for all the natural abilities and for some

of the “trained abilities”. The natural abilities are all those quoted as for the

Puppy Stake but also include courage and memory, and the trained abilities to be tested now are:

Steadiness

Response to direction by hand and/or whistle Deliveries Suggested criteria for Maiden Stake retrieves are as follows: Land Retrieves:

singles should not exceed 75 meters.

Doubles: first bird not to exceed 75 meters, second bird not to exceed 60 meters.

Water retrieves: should not exceed 50 meters (birds can fall in medium to light cover).

Double water retrieves are permissible. Blind Retrieves: should not exceed 40 meters on land. No diversionary birds,

water blinds and treble retrieves.

Decoys, dongas, gullies and fences may be used as dogs should now be tested for courage.

Walk-ups, standing marked retrieves, and standing marked retrieves with the handler in a hide, can be set.

On a blind retrieve, the handler should have his dog at his side.

Medium cover should be used, and the area of fall may be out of sight of the dog.

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Maiden Stake Entrants

1 Ch Craignair Quantum Leap Breed: Labrador Retriever Dog Tank Sire: Ch Tapeatom Flight of Fancy at Craignair A2-A2 ED00 Dam: Craignair Heart Breaker A2-A2 ED00 ZA008882B11 Breeders: Mrs J Pott 900088000426079 Reg Owner: Mrs J Pott Dob: 17-Apr-2011 Handler: Jane Pott

2 Bardale DB Memories Breed: Labrador Retriever Bitch Annie Sire: Ch.FT Abbeystead Into Africa at Bardale (Imp UK) GMHR HD00 Dam: Bardale DB's Legacy NHR ZA020198B13 Breeders: Miss DA Fabian & Mr DV Brown 111100000006283 Reg Owner: Mrs AS Brandt & Mr CC Brandt Dob: 17-Oct-2012 Handler: Annarie Brandt

3 Trevena Night Cap Breed: Flat Coated Retriever Dog Doyle Sire: Ch O'Flanagan Nota Bene of Trevena (Imp Swe) NHR Dam: Ch O'Flanagan Hurray for Geology of Trevena (Imp Swe) FQ ZA038927B14 Breeders: Mrs DE Holman 900008800693164 Reg Owner: Mrs C Rymill Dob: 20-Nov-2013 Handler: Cathy Rymill

4 Chardale Waterford Breed: Golden Retriever Bitch Gabby Sire: Ch Quillquest Aventurine of Heavenscent FTA MHR FQ Dam: Quillquest Miuccia Prada of Chardale ZA048933B14 Breeders: Mrs E Trollope 953010000150119 Reg Owner: Mrs E Trollope Dob: 31-May-2014 Handler: Cameron Trollope

5 Abbeystead Frolic of Bardale (Imp UK) Breed: Labrador Retriever Bitch Delta Sire: Fenway Brock Dam: Abbeystead Reeve ZA001294C13 Breeders: Mrs L Minchella 941000014994641 Reg Owner: Miss DA Fabian & Mrs DL Brown Dob: 30-Jan-2013 Handler: Dale Fabian

6 Wildspirit Air in Motion NHR Breed: Labrador Retriever Dog Dunroy Sire: Copperbirch Spear of Wildwings (Imp Ire) NHR Dam: TTF African Fyrefly of Wildspirit (Imp USA) NHR ZA003165B15 Breeders: Mrs SL Kloeck 945000001511932 Reg Owner: Mr J Murdoch Dob: 12-Jan-2015 Handler: John Murdoch

23

7 Roodehek Orions Star NHR Breed: Golden Retriever Bitch Zeta Sire: Dairycott Helianthus (Imp UK) WHR Dam: Tinvane Lowly Flyte of Roodehek FTA MHR ZA011638B15 Breeders: Mr TPG Teale 945000001563597 Reg Owner: Ms N Wilson-Taylor Dob: 09-Mar-2015 Handler: Noleen Wilson-Taylor

8 Ravenside Finnegan Breed: Labrador Retriever Dog Finn Sire: Chezenko Over and Out NHR A2-A2 ED00 Dam: Ravenside JustJessi MHR ZA033930B13 Breeders: Mr GVH Emerton 4C3E7B2432 Reg Owner: Mrs JF Hoar Dob: 01-Aug-2013 Handler: Garry Emerton

9 Eagertrieve ZA Kestrels Flight NHR A1-A2 ED00 Breed: Labrador Retriever Bitch KC Sire: Ch Tapeatom Flight of Fancy at Craignair A2-A2 ED00 Dam: Ch.FT Knibbelkouer Jolige Shica MHR A2-A2 ED00 ZA016971B11 Breeders: Mr F Van Rooyen 4A6B584334 Reg Owner: Mrs A Van Rooyen Dob: 02-Sep-2011 Handler: Angelique Van Rooyen

10 Isipho Night Fury of Kloofzicht Breed: Labrador Retriever Bitch Fury Sire: Ablesing Togus the Great of Lambrada A1-A2 ED00 Dam: Lover ZA017275B11 Breeders: Mrs S De Wet 111100000000154 Reg Owner: Mrs M Van Tonder Dob: 28-Jul-2011 Handler: Mercia Van Tonder

11 Snowpine Black Adder NHR Breed: Labrador Retriever Dog Adder Sire: Ch.FT Bardale DB's BestFriend GMHR Dam: Ch.FT Ravenside MadamFranki of Snowpine MHR ZA004027B15 Breeders: Mr HJ Emin 945000001506978 Reg Owner: Mr PA Kempin Dob: 18-Oct-2014 Handler: Peter Kempin

12 Trevena Seashell Breed: Labrador Retriever Bitch Grazie Sire: Ch (UK) Marfell Seafarer Dam: Ch Trevena Toffee Damsel ED00 ZA032004B13 Breeders: Mrs DE Holman 900008800612978 Reg Owner: Mr MJ Marshall Dob: 01-Jun-2013 Handler: Mike Marshall

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13 Ch Kilifi Roquefort FQ A2-A2 ED00 Breed: Golden Retriever Dog Rocky Sire: Ch Catcombe Class Act of Kilifi (Imp UK) NHR FQ HD00 ED00 Dam: Ch Kilifi DevonshireCream NHR FQ B1-B1 ED00 ZA046343B10 Breeders: Mrs DM Phillipson Reg Owner: Mrs DM Phillipson Dob: 16-Aug-2010 Handler: Chris Begbie

14 Snowpine Holly Holland NHR Breed: Labrador Retriever Bitch Holly Sire: Ch.FT Bardale DB's BestFriend GMHR Dam: Ch.FT Ravenside MadamFranki of Snowpine MHR ZA004024B15 Breeders: Mr HJ Emin 945000001604326 Reg Owner: Mr HJ Emin Dob: 18-Oct-2014 Handler: Michelle Emin

15 Eagertrieve ZA Son of A Gun Breed: Labrador Retriever Dog Wali Sire: Darwyn Gunsmoke WHR B1-B1 ED00 Dam: Eagertrieve ZA Kestrels Flight NHR A1-A2 ED00 ZA007010B16 Breeders: Mrs A Van Rooyen 4C47254122 Reg Owner: Mrs A Van Rooyen Dob: 07-Oct-2015 Handler: Francois Van Rooyen

16 Bardale Db Skylark of Conkasha NHR Breed: Labrador Retriever Bitch Skye Sire: Pocklea Robb (Imp UK) B1-C1 ED00 Dam: Bardale DB's Promise ZA011654B15 Breeders: Miss DA Fabian 900250000181885 Reg Owner: Miss SI Brown Dob: 16-May-2015 Handler: Sharron Brown

17 Eagertrieve ZA Blue Jay of Huntmore Breed: Labrador Retriever Bitch Jaymie Sire: Adamasdor's Rolls Royce B1-A2 ED00 Dam: Eyebright Teazel of Eagertrieve ZA NHR A1-A1 ED20 ZA003318B11 Breeders: Mrs A Van Rooyen 4C107F5D0D Reg Owner: Mrs Y Huysamen Dob: 04-Jan-2011 Handler: Yolandi Huysamen

18 Bardale DB Special Ops Breed: Labrador Retriever Bitch Tango Sire: Ch.FT Tasco Saxon (Imp UK) MHR HD00 Dam: Bardale DB Dakota ZA005779B15 Breeders: Miss DA Fabian 900250000101634 Reg Owner: Miss DA Fabian & Ms DL Brown Dob: 11-Sep-2014 Handler: Dale Fabian

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19 Gospelash Highlander of Chardale (Imp UK) Breed: Golden Retriever Dog Rookie Sire: Joyful Hugo of Philchris Dam: Nordenlights Cheyanne of Gospelash ZA001070C16 Breeders: Mr NJ Coates 953010000952029 Reg Owner: Mr CE Trollope Dob: 09-Oct-2015 Handler: Charles Trollope

20 Wildwings Rizzini Breed: Labrador Retriever Dog Rizzi Sire: Copperbirch Spear of Wildwings (Imp Ire) NHR Dam: Wildspirit Sure Shot Aya of Wildwings NHR B1-B2 ED00 ZA033095B13 Breeders: Dr APR Kloeck 945000001057617 Reg Owner: Dr APR Kloeck Dob: 15-Jun-2013 Handler: Alan Kloeck

21 Lymond Katrine NHR Breed: Golden Retriever Bitch Katie Sire: Ch Ghlenairh Raleigh of Laird CDEX FQ B1-A2 ED00 Dam: Lymond Dunrobin NHR FQ C1-C2 ED00 ZA005000B15 Breeders: Mrs V Watson 953010000509762 Reg Owner: Ms BL Anderson Dob: 27-Dec-2014 Handler: Brenda Anderson

22 Roodehek Orions Longbow of Lymond NHR Breed: Golden Retriever Dog Kester Sire: Dairycott Helianthus (Imp UK) WHR Dam: Tinvane Lowly Flyte of Roodehek FTA MHR ZA011635B15 Breeders: Mr TPG Teale 945000001558115 Reg Owner: Mr T Watson Dob: 09-Mar-2015 Handler: Terry Watson

23 Snowpine Loki of Eagertrieve ZA Breed: Labrador Retriever Dog Loki Sire: Ch.FT Bardale DB's BestFriend GMHR Dam: Ch.FT Ravenside MadamFranki of Snowpine MHR ZA004028B15 Breeders: Mr HJ Emin 945000001506634 Reg Owner: Mrs A Van Rooyen Dob: 18-Oct-2014 Handler: Angelique Van Rooyen

24 Chilliwack Alfred (Imp UNITED KINGDOM) Breed: Labrador Retriever Dog Alfie Sire: Ft Ch Whitesmiths Widgeon Dam: Heavingham Mable ZA001004C17 Breeders: MRS JM Smith 981000004656828 Reg Owner: Mrs SD Honour Dob: 01-Oct-2011 Handler: Dave Honour

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25 Roodehek Orions Diplomat NHR Breed: Golden Retriever Dog AB Sire: Dairycott Helianthus (Imp UK) WHR Dam: Tinvane Lowly Flyte of Roodehek FTA MHR ZA011637B15 Breeders: Mr TPG Teale 945000001558830 Reg Owner: Mrs PM Jordi Dob: 09-Mar-2015 Handler: Paula Jordi

26 Bardale DB's Gift at Roseryal Breed: Labrador Retriever Dog Nash Sire: Ch.FT Abbeystead Into Africa at Bardale (Imp UK) GMHR HD00 Dam: Bardale DB's Legacy NHR ZA020192B13 Breeders: Miss DA Fabian & Mr DV Brown 111100000004618 Reg Owner: Mrs ME Rose Dob: 17-Oct-2012 Handler: Margaret Rose

MAIDEN STAKE RESULTS

1st_____________________________ COM__________________________

2nd ____________________________ GUNS’

CHOICE______________________

3rd ____________________________

SAHRA

Points_________________________

4th

Right: Mr Michael Kloeck’s Ravenside Duke of Delescautlegend NHR, LRKC FT Maiden Stake 2016

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Novice Stake

Novice Stake is confined to Retrievers which have not been placed

first, second, third or fourth in an Open Stake or Championship Stake, or

has won two Novice Stakes prior to the date of the closing of entries.

In this stake, the dogs are being tested for ALL their natural abilities as well

as ALL their taught abilities, as quoted above for the Maiden Stake.

The majority of novice dogs are those that have not yet had the experience to compete in Open stakes on equal footing and in the main, require more

experience before moving up.

A dog running in the novice stake can be expected to:

Do land retrieves and blinds not exceeding 90 meters.

Do water retrieves and blinds not exceeding 70 meters. Be controlled in a marked retrieve, away from not too tempting diversionary

birds and/or fur.

Be controlled to a blind on land and in the water.

Be steady without verbal command once under judge’s orders, or demonstrate obedience to quiet commands for steadiness.

Ignore decoys. Hunt in light, medium and heavy cover. Hunt through any variety of

obstacles.

Pick up both fur and feather.

The handler may be required to carry an unloaded shotgun or facsimile thereof.

The dog may be required to sit outside a hide and be directed by the handler

from within the hide.

The test should include 10 to 12 pickups, of which some may include simple

diversions. At least one blind retrieve should be included.

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Novice Stake Entrants

1 Roodehek Orions Longbow of Lymond NHR Breed: Golden Retriever Dog Kester Sire: Dairycott Helianthus (Imp UK) WHR Dam: Tinvane Lowly Flyte of Roodehek FTA MHR ZA011635B15 Breeders: Mr TPG Teale 945000001558115 Reg Owner: Mr T Watson Dob: 09-Mar-2015 Handler: Terry Watson

2 Lymond Muchalls NHR A2-A2 ED00 Breed: Golden Retriever Dog Muchi Sire: Ch Ghlenairh Raleigh of Laird CDEX FQ B1-A2 ED00 Dam: Lymond Dunrobin NHR FQ C1-C2 ED00 ZA005090B12 Breeders: Mrs V Watson 900088000510298 Reg Owner: Ms BL Anderson Dob: 01-Dec-2011 Handler: Brenda Anderson

3 Walkabout Isle of Ely WHR Breed: Labrador Retriever Bitch Quinta Sire: Ch.FT Burwell Ben of Tashinga GMHR B1-B1 ED00 Dam: Bardale DB's Triumph of Walkabout FTA MHR A2-B2 ED00 ZA007092B12 Breeders: Mrs EM Walker 900008800186696 Reg Owner: Mr CC Brandt & Mrs AS Brandt Dob: 12-Feb-2012 Handler: Annarie Brandt

4 Copperbirch Spear of Wildwings (Imp Ire) NHR Breed: Labrador Retriever Dog Irish Sire: FT Ch (Ire) Copperbirch Zeus of Glenanne Dam: FT Ch (Ire) Ernvale Maud of Copperbirch ZA000179C11 Breeders: Mr K Mathews 985170000861387 Reg Owner: Dr APR Kloeck Dob: 20-Dec-2010 Handler: Alan Kloeck

5 Abbeystead Frolic of Bardale (Imp UK) Breed: Labrador Retriever Bitch Delta Sire: Fenway Brock Dam: Abbeystead Reeve ZA001294C13 Breeders: Mrs L Minchella 941000014994641 Reg Owner: Miss DA Fabian & Mrs DL Brown Dob: 30-Jan-2013 Handler: Dale Fabian

6 Siatham Poppadom of Chardale (Imp UK) NHR Breed: Golden Retriever Bitch Flirt Sire: Hanans Mace Spice of Life Dam: Catcombe Chutney of Siatham ZA001041C13 Breeders: Mr I Falconer 958000002352468 Reg Owner: Mrs E Trollope Dob: 10-Aug-2012

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Handler: Estene Trollope

7 Snowpine Black Adder NHR Breed: Labrador Retriever Dog Adder Sire: Ch.FT Bardale DB's BestFriend GMHR Dam: Ch.FT Ravenside MadamFranki of Snowpine MHR ZA004027B15 Breeders: Mr HJ Emin 945000001506978 Reg Owner: Mr PA Kempin Dob: 18-Oct-2014 Handler: Peter Kempin

8 Snowpine Holly Holland NHR Breed: Labrador Retriever Bitch Holly Sire: Ch.FT Bardale DB's BestFriend GMHR Dam: Ch.FT Ravenside MadamFranki of Snowpine MHR ZA004024B15 Breeders: Mr HJ Emin 945000001604326 Reg Owner: Mr HJ Emin Dob: 18-Oct-2014 Handler: Michelle Emin

9 Roodehek Orions Star NHR Breed: Golden Retriever Bitch Zeta Sire: Dairycott Helianthus (Imp UK) WHR Dam: Tinvane Lowly Flyte of Roodehek FTA MHR ZA011638B15 Breeders: Mr TPG Teale 945000001563597 Reg Owner: Ms N Wilson-Taylor Dob: 09-Mar-2015 Handler: Noleen Wilson-Taylor

10 Wildwings Sureshot Sadie NHR Breed: Labrador Retriever Bitch Sadie Sire: Copperbirch Spear of Wildwings (Imp Ire) NHR Dam: Wildspirit Sure Shot Aya of Wildwings NHR B1-B2 ED00 ZA033093B13 Breeders: Dr APR Kloeck 945000001233632 Reg Owner: Mrs MA Wynne Dob: 15-Jun-2013 Handler: Tony Wynne

11 Lymond Katrine NHR Breed: Golden Retriever Bitch Katie Sire: Ch Ghlenairh Raleigh of Laird CDEX FQ B1-A2 ED00 Dam: Lymond Dunrobin NHR FQ C1-C2 ED00 ZA005000B15 Breeders: Mrs V Watson 953010000509762 Reg Owner: Ms BL Anderson Dob: 27-Dec-2014 Handler: Brenda Anderson

12 Bardale DB Strike Force of Conkasha NHR Breed: Labrador Retriever Dog Ross Sire: Ch.FT Tasco Saxon (Imp UK) MHR HD00 Dam: Bardale DB Dakota ZA005777B15 Breeders: Miss DA Fabian 900250000101639 Reg Owner: Miss SI Brown Dob: 11-Sep-2014 Handler: Gordon Loxton

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13 Wildwings Misty NHR Breed: Labrador Retriever Bitch Misty Sire: Copperbirch Spear of Wildwings (Imp Ire) NHR Dam: Wildspirit Sure Shot Aya of Wildwings NHR B1-B2 ED00 ZA033094B13 Breeders: Dr APR Kloeck 945000001231386 Reg Owner: Mrs CA Kloeck Dob: 15-Jun-2013 Handler: Carmen Kloeck

14 Bardale DB Memories Breed: Labrador Retriever Bitch Annie Sire: Ch.FT Abbeystead Into Africa at Bardale (Imp UK) GMHR HD00 Dam: Bardale DB's Legacy NHR ZA020198B13 Breeders: Miss DA Fabian & Mr DV Brown 111100000006283 Reg Owner: Mrs AS Brandt & Mr CC Brandt Dob: 17-Oct-2012 Handler: Annarie Brandt

15 Ch Trevena Mannochmore Breed: Labrador Retriever Dog Manny Sire: Ch.FT Charway StormPetrel of Trevena (Imp UK) GMHR Dam: Ch Trevena Toffee Damsel ED00 ZA018755B11 Breeders: Mrs DE Holman 900008800169881 Reg Owner: Mrs DE Holman Dob: 23-Sep-2011 Handler: Di Holman

16 Ravenside Duke of Delescautlegend NHR Breed: Labrador Retriever Dog Duke Sire: Chezenko Over and Out NHR A2-A2 ED00 Dam: Ravenside JustJessi MHR ZA033931B13 Breeders: Mr GVH Emerton 7110316B74 Reg Owner: Mr MJ Kloeck Dob: 01-Aug-2013 Handler: Michael Kloeck

17 Chilliwack Alfred (Imp UNITED KINGDOM) Breed: Labrador Retriever Dog Alfie Sire: Ft Ch Whitesmiths Widgeon Dam: Heavingham Mable ZA001004C17 Breeders: MRS JM Smith 981000004656828 Reg Owner: Mrs SD Honour Dob: 01-Oct-2011 Handler: Dave Honour

18 Oliver Twist of Pamley NHR Breed: Golden Retriever Dog Ollie Sire: Ch Catcombe Class Act of Kilifi (Imp UK) NHR FQ HD00 ED00 Dam: Zillenberg Daina ZA025808B13 Breeders: Mr JM Kadish 900008800550802 Reg Owner: Mrs K Hagger Dob: 09-Feb-2013 Handler: Karen Hagger

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NOVICE STAKE RESULTS

1st_____________________________ COM__________________________

2nd ____________________________ GUNS’

CHOICE______________________

3rd ____________________________

SAHRA Points_________________________

4th

Open Stake

Open Stake is for Retrievers without restriction as to age or previous

performance. In order for an Open Stake to carry championship status, the minimum number of dogs taking part in the trial shall be eight.

The difference between a novice and an open dog is CONTROL and STYLE.

Although an open dog must show all the natural abilities, the ability of the handler to direct and control the dog, especially between and/or away from

diversions, will determine its success as a top open dog.

In this stake, a judge will be looking for a dog that heels well and sits quietly

until sent to retrieve. He will expect to observe excellent marking ability, and ability to “hold to a mark” across ditches, fences, dongas, etc. The dog must

exhibit the ability to work a close area of fall at all times, even when the area of fall is out of sight.

On blinds and diversions the dog is expected to take a good line and hold to it. Should handling be required, quiet whistling and directional work, with

IMMEDIATE correct response from the dog is to be expected. A dog running in the Open Stake can be expected to: Do land retrieves with

blinds, not exceeding 100 meters.

Do water retrieves with blinds, not exceeding 100 meters. Be controlled, in a marked retrieve, away from one or more diversionary

32

birds/fur. Be controlled onto a blind on land or in water, away from one or more

diversionary birds/fur. Do single, double, triple or multiple retrieves on land and in the water

Be steady without verbal command once under judge’s orders, unless the Senior Judge permits limited voice control.

Ignore decoys.

Hunt in light, medium and heavy cover. Hunt throughout any variety of obstacles.

The handler may be required to carry an unloaded gun or facsimile thereof. The dog may be required to sit outside a hide and be directed by the handler

from within the hide.

At all times work swiftly, quietly and efficiently. The judges should set a test of 10 or 12 pickups, of which one or more are

blinds on land as well as in water (if possible), including diversionary birds to test the dog’s control.

Open Stake Entrants

1 Knapskoot Lennard MHR Breed: Labrador Retriever Dog Lennie Sire: Zwanenberg Lennard FTA MHR HD00 Dam: Wildspirit Sahara Sand WHR A2-B1 ED00 BZ115124 Breeders: Dr E Van Dyk Reg Owner: Dr E Van Dyk Dob: 07-Apr-2008 Handler: Enette Van Dyk

2 Trevena Gentleman Jack FTA MHR Breed: Labrador Retriever Dog Jack Sire: Ch.FT Charway StormPetrel of Trevena (Imp UK) GMHR Dam: Ch Trevena Toffee Damsel ED00 ZA018757B11 Breeders: Mrs DE Holman 900008800180387 Reg Owner: Mr GA Thomas Dob: 23-Sep-2011 Handler: Gareth Thomas

3 TTF African Tusker of Delescautlegend (Imp USA) FTA WHR Breed: Labrador Retriever Dog Tusk Sire: TTF Ben in the Mississippi Dam: TTF Quivira Dakota Ellie ZA000712C12 Breeders: BH Floyd 956000008505955 Reg Owner: Dr DA Kloeck Dob: 11-Mar-2012 Handler: David Kloeck

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4 Ch.FT Ravenside MadamFranki of Snowpine MHR Breed: Labrador Retriever Bitch Franki Sire: Ch Chezenko DoubleOrNothing WHR FQ HD00 ED00 Dam: Mizz Molly of Ravenside NHR A1-A1 ED00 ZA019980B09 Breeders: Mr GVH Emerton Reg Owner: Mr HJ Emin Dob: 19-Jun-2009 Handler: Michelle Emin

5 Lymond Muchalls NHR A2-A2 ED00 Breed: Golden Retriever Dog Muchi Sire: Ch Ghlenairh Raleigh of Laird CDEX FQ B1-A2 ED00 Dam: Lymond Dunrobin NHR FQ C1-C2 ED00 ZA005090B12 Breeders: Mrs V Watson 900088000510298 Reg Owner: Ms BL Anderson Dob: 01-Dec-2011 Handler: Brenda Anderson

6 Hilost Golden Guinea of Trevena WHR Breed: Labrador Retriever Dog Guinea Sire: Pocklea Robb (Imp UK) B1-C1 ED00 Dam: Highdale Bellabutton D1-C2 ED00 ZA040001B14 Breeders: Mr SE Hayden 900008800715068 Reg Owner: Mr RM Holman Dob: 02-Oct-2013 Handler: Mike Holman

7 Bardale DB TheWayWeWere MHR Breed: Labrador Retriever Dog Mooshus Sire: Ch.FT Abbeystead Into Africa at Bardale (Imp UK) GMHR HD00 Dam: Bardale DB's Legacy NHR ZA020196B13 Breeders: Miss DA Fabian & Mr DV Brown 111100000005096 Reg Owner: Mr JG Le Roux Dob: 17-Oct-2012 Handler: Kobus Le Roux

8 Ravenside Foxy Lady FTA WHR Breed: Labrador Retriever Bitch Foxy Sire: Ch Chezenko DoubleOrNothing WHR FQ HD00 ED00 Dam: Mizz Molly of Ravenside NHR A1-A1 ED00 ZA005600B11 Breeders: Mr GVH Emerton 900088000328645 Reg Owner: Mr PA Kempin Dob: 14-Jan-2011 Handler: Peter Kempin

9 Ch Trevena Mannochmore Breed: Labrador Retriever Dog Manny Sire: Ch.FT Charway StormPetrel of Trevena (Imp UK) GMHR Dam: Ch Trevena Toffee Damsel ED00 ZA018755B11 Breeders: Mrs DE Holman 900008800169881 Reg Owner: Mrs DE Holman Dob: 23-Sep-2011 Handler: Di Holman

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10 Ravenside Rocco of Delescautlegend FTA MHR Breed: Labrador Retriever Dog Rocco Sire: Ch Chezenko DoubleOrNothing WHR FQ HD00 ED00 Dam: Mizz Molly of Ravenside NHR A1-A1 ED00 ZA005594B11 Breeders: Mr GVH Emerton 900088000328551 Reg Owner: Dr DA Kloeck Dob: 14-Jan-2011 Handler: David Kloeck

11 Ch.FT Tinvane Lowly Fleet of Whistlestop GMHR Breed: Golden Retriever Dog Havock Sire: FTW Lowly Raffaello Dam: Chackmoreton Hephzibah of Tinvane (Imp UK) MHR C2-C1 ZA011849B11 Breeders: Mr OP Greenwood 4A5E4E250A Reg Owner: Mr MJ Hoy Dob: 21-Mar-2011 Handler: Mike Hoy

12 Om'anam A.K. of Snowpine WHR Breed: Labrador Retriever Dog A.K. Sire: Ch.FT Ravenside BlueMoon of Snowpine GMHR A2-A2 ED00 Dam: Highdale Tadorna B1-B1 ED00 ZA003343B12 Breeders: Mr PG Forsythe 900008800196373 Reg Owner: Mr HJ Emin Dob: 28-Nov-2011 Handler: Chris Emin

13 Ch O'Flanagan Hurray for Geology of Trevena (Imp Swe) FQ Breed: Flat Coated Retriever Bitch Kara Sire: Sort Guld Nasdaq Technology Index Dam: Camwood Hip-Hip-Hurray ZA000002C12 Breeders: Mrs L Hagglund 752098100550664 Reg Owner: Mrs DE Holman Dob: 16-Mar-2011 Handler: Mike Holman

14 Walkabout Isle of Ely WHR Breed: Labrador Retriever Bitch Quinta Sire: Ch.FT Burwell Ben of Tashinga GMHR B1-B1 ED00 Dam: Bardale DB's Triumph of Walkabout FTA MHR A2-B2 ED00 ZA007092B12 Breeders: Mrs EM Walker 900008800186696 Reg Owner: Mr CC Brandt & Mrs AS Brandt Dob: 12-Feb-2012 Handler: Annarie Brandt

15 Ch.FT Wildspirit Bold Vixen of Lymond GMHR Breed: Golden Retriever Bitch Vixen Sire: Snowpine Savvy's Tikka of Wildspirit WHR A2-A2 ED00 Dam: Kincora Milka of Wildspirit B1-B1 ED00 ZA014646B11 Breeders: Mrs SL Kloeck 4C384D4764 Reg Owner: Mrs V Watson Dob: 11-Jun-2011 Handler: Ronee Watson

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16 Wildwings Misty NHR Breed: Labrador Retriever Bitch Misty Sire: Copperbirch Spear of Wildwings (Imp Ire) NHR Dam: Wildspirit Sure Shot Aya of Wildwings NHR B1-B2 ED00 ZA033094B13 Breeders: Dr APR Kloeck 945000001231386 Reg Owner: Mrs CA Kloeck Dob:15-Jun-2013 Handler: Carmen Kloeck

17 Ravenside Duke of Delescautlegend NHR Breed: Labrador Retriever Dog Duke Sire: Chezenko Over and Out NHR A2-A2 ED00 Dam: Ravenside JustJessi MHR ZA033931B13 Breeders: Mr GVH Emerton 7110316B74 Reg Owner: Mr MJ Kloeck Dob: 01-Aug-2013 Handler: Michael Kloeck

OPEN STAKE RESULTS

1st_____________________________ COM__________________________

2nd ____________________________ GUNS’

CHOICE______________________

3rd ____________________________

SAHRA Points_________________________

4th

Left: Mr Mike Holman’s Hilost Golden Guinea of Trevena NHR, during LRKC Novice Stake 2016

36

LRKC Health Project By Genevieve Alberts

Background

In the 2015 edition of Lab Lines, we announced the commencement of a project in collaboration with Professor Kirberger at Onderstepoort to analyse

and statistically manipulate the elbow- and hip dysplasia scores of approximately 1,000 Labradors scored between 2008 and 2015. The

purpose of the exercise is to confirm the extent of hip- and elbow dysplasia

among our Labrador population, determine whether or not our scores are improving and get a sense of how our scores compare internationally. It is

hoped that we can use the data and conclusions drawn to implement a breeding guideline or protocol to assist our members with future breeding

decisions. The statistical evaluation is complete and Prof Kirberger is

currently writing his paper. It is hoped that the paper will be published in the first quarter of 2017.

Allied to this exercise, we hope to encourage KUSA to better utilize the data

they have on our dogs by introducing Estimated Breeding Value (“EBV”) software, which could further assist us to assess hip and elbow health when

making breeding decisions. EBV’s are already used by many kennel clubs around the world. Basically, it is a mathematical method of predicting the

“breeding value” of a dog relative to all the other dogs in a population when

measuring a specific trait such as hip scores. The software takes into account the hip scores or elbow scores of ALL the dogs in a particular

pedigree, including all ancestors, siblings and progeny, considers the relationships of the dogs in the pedigree with one another and then presents

a conclusion of the dog in question’s relative value as a breeding subject.

Obviously, as more of his family are scored over time, the EBV for this dog becomes more and more accurate.

Given we do not know the genetics of our dogs and whether or not poor hip

scores are due to genetic or environmental factors, EBV’s enable breeders to more accurately evaluate genetic risk by distinguishing between dogs with

bad hips and dogs with the genes for bad hips, essentially separating the potential influence of the environment from the underlying genotype that

the breeder is really interested in. This means that fewer animals will be

removed from the gene pool, because dogs with a bad phenotype (visible expression of a trait) but good genotype (genetic code) for the trait of

37

interest can be kept in the breeding stock for potential use.

Here is an example of an EBV for a dog registered with the UK Kennel Club:

One would always want to use a dog that has an EBV score for its hips and

elbows that is better than the breed average. Therefore, in the example above, you may be satisfied with the EBV for his hips but you would

probably exclude him from your breeding plans based on his elbow value. Remember these values are determined after considering the available hip-

and elbow scores of his entire extended family and are a comparison

relative to the rest of the population. If you want to further explore EBV’s in practice, copy the following link into your browser. Note that you need the

exact name of a dog you want to evaluate.

http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/services/public/mateselect/ebv/Default.aspx

Prof Kirberger’s paper will focus on the genetic aspect of hip- and elbow

dysplasia, so the article that follows will consider the role that the environment plays in the development of dysplasia, what we as breeders

can do to reduce the impact of environmental factors and furthermore, what

recommendations we can offer to puppy buyers to further protect their puppies’ developing joints.

What Does Environment Mean?

In this context, “environment” refers to everything that could affect an

animal that is NOT genetic, for example, the amount of food eaten by a puppy, how much exercise it gets etc. Before we consider the various

environmental factors, let’s first understand their relative impact on dysplasia. If you are going to change or improve a trait using selection, the

38

trait must be genetic, and the degree to which genes play a role in the expression of the trait is called heritability.

The incidence and extent of hip and elbow dysplasia is influenced by both

genes and environment, and it would be very useful to know the relative roles of genetics and environment in determining phenotype. How much can

you improve a phenotype like hip

score by selective

breeding? How much can you improve it by

controlling the environment? When

you are selecting potential dogs for

breeding, it would be

very handy to know if the "better" dogs

have better genes or just got lucky and

had a better

environment. This is heritability. the variation in a trait, not the trait itself and heritability is an

attribute of a population, not an individual, because you need to measure multiple individuals to determine variation. Heritability is a proportion which

is expressed as a value between 0 and 1, or it can be expressed as a percentage (0% to 100%). Heritability tells you how much of the variation

you see in a trait in a particular population of animals can be attributed

to genetic differences in the animals.

The Heritability of Hip Dysplasia

If genetics accounts for most of the phenotypic variation, then selection of a

particular dog based on phenotype will have a good chance of picking a dog

with "good" genes for hips. On the other hand, if the heritability of a trait is low (e.g., 0.2, or 20%), that means that much of the variation you see in

the trait among individuals (80%, in fact) is due to the environment (non-genetic factors) and not genetics. An analysis of some of the studies on

heritability of hip dysplasia in Labradors indicates that heritability is relatively

low – somewhere between 30% and 40%, depending on the study and population of dogs studied (see references at end). The heritability of hip

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dysplasia is only modest at best and non-genetic ("environmental") factors are responsible for a considerable amount of the variation. Similar studies

on heritability of elbow dysplasia also indicate an environmental component (although there is a distinct genetic link).

Carol Beuchat1 believes that, because non-genetic factors can account for

such a large part of the variation in hip phenotype, you might be able to substantially improve the hips in your puppies if you understand what

those factors are and how to reduce their negative impact. This has received

much less attention than genetics for some reason, but it should be possible to dramatically reduce hip dysplasia if we can deal with some of the non-

genetic factors that seem to matter. The list below summarizes some of the key factors identified in research. Remember all hips are perfect at birth!

Food Consumption and Obesity

Food consumption and (therefore) the body weight of the puppy has a

profound effect on the risk of developing hip dysplasia. The Purina Study is a 14-year-long multi-institutional project funded by Nestlé Purina that

followed the lives of 48 Labrador Retrievers. Labrador puppies from 7 litters with lines known to have a high prevalence of hip dysplasia were paired at 8

weeks of age by gender and weight and then randomly assigned to two

different groups. One group were allowed to “free feed” and the other group were fed 75% of the quantity consumed by the free feed group.

Allowing puppies to free-feed from 8 weeks resulted in an increased rate of growth and a higher adult body mass compared with dogs on a restricted

diet, who weighed 25% less from 1 year through adulthood.

When these dogs were screened for hip dysplasia and secondary osteoarthritis (i.e., arthritis that arises as a consequence of hip

dysplasia), about 12% were diagnosed as dysplastic at 1 year old, while in

the restricted food group only about 3% were dysplastic. From there, the proportion of dogs with normal hips dropped quickly in the free feeding

group; about 50% had hip osteoarthritis by age 6, and 80% by 9 years. In the restricted food group, only about 20% of dogs had hip osteoarthritis by

8 years, and only 50% by 12 years! The dogs’ hips were all OFA scored at

two years of age and there were distinct differences in their scores depending on which group they were in.

1 Carol Beuchat, PhD – The Institute of Canine Biology (the author has completed an online

course on canine hip and elbow dysplasia conducted by Carol Beuchat through the ICB and would highly recommend the course to anyone wanting to learn more on the subject)

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This is a very interesting result because the feeding experiment didn't start until the puppies were 8 weeks old and everybody had the same diet until

then. The data show that food consumption after 8 weeks old had no effect on joint laxity, but it made a huge difference in the OFA hip scores.

According to Carol Beuchat there is an interplay of two factors, laxity and body weight, in the development of hip dysplasia. Greater laxity results in

earlier development of dysplasia, and greater weight is associated with more

severe damage.

Body size & type

Hip dysplasia is often characterized as a "large breed" disorder, but the data

reveal a different picture.

According to the OFA's online statistics for hip dysplasia (November 2015),

there are many large breeds towards the top of the list - Dogue de Bordeaux, Otterhound, Neapolitan Mastiff, St. Bernard, etc - but sitting

among them at #2 is the Pug, which is a toy breed (but 72% dysplastic!). There are also large breeds at the bottom of the list that have among the

highest levels of excellent hips, including the Saluki, Borzoi, and Greyhound.

These basic data do not support the generalization that hip dysplasia is a "large breed" disorder. In fact, instead of size, it is body type - robust vs

slender - that correlates best with the rankings for hip score. Breeds that

typically have poor hip ratings are substantially heavier for their height than breeds that tend to have excellent hips. It is this physiology that explains

why Labradors have a worse than average risk of being pre-disposed to HD.

Substrate

There is evidence that the type of substrate puppies were on in the whelping box prior to weaning affects hip phenotype. In a study, Boxer

puppies raised on a floor covered with a "slippery" material were 1.6 times more likely to develop clinical signs of hip dysplasia (van Hagen et al 2005).

The definition of "slippery" in this study was a little loose, including both newspaper and tarpaulin, while "non-slippery" included carpet, rubber,

blankets, sawdust, or straw. In addition, Krontveit et al 2012 found that

puppies that were exercised from weaning to 3 months in a run with a soft surface (dirt or grass) had a lower risk of dysplasia than puppies exposed to

hard substrates like wood, asphalt, or concrete.

Carol Beuchat believes that most substrates people are using in their

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whelping boxes provide inadequate traction for puppies. We expect puppies to be crawling for the first few weeks, so seeing them crawl doesn't register

as "too slippery to walk." It is potentially the single most important thing determining the ultimate hip status of a dog if slipping results in damage to

the round ligament that attaches the head of the femur to the wall of the acetabulum. Joint laxity at two weeks of age is a significant early indicator

of the development of HD later.

The easiest way to tell if puppies are slipping is if you can see the pads on

the underside of the paw. If the back feet are slipping, the leg will end up fully extended to the rear with the pad facing upwards. If the puppy is

crawling, the front legs will be doing what looks like the breast stroke, with the legs stretched out to the side and moving to the rear but the pad is not

on the ground.

Beuchat believes that substrates such as newspaper, wood floors, slippery

tiles, blankets, sheets, towels and quilts are usually too slippery. The idea is to make sure the legs are under the body.

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Riser noted that if hip laxity develops in a young puppy (less than 3 or 4 months), it can be kept in a cage so it will spend more time sitting. Whilst

not suggesting that a puppy should be crated all the time, encouraging a puppy to sit correctly as much as possible makes sense. If the legs

are staying under the dog, the head of the femur stay where it belongs in the hip socket.

Exercise

The Krontveit study of large breeds found that the type of exercise the

puppy was exposed to affected the risk of dysplasia. Puppies that lived on a farm from birth to weaning had a 30% lower risk of dysplasia than those

from suburbia, presumably because of the sort of exercise they were

exposed to. During the post-weaning period through 3 months, puppies that used stairs daily had an elevated risk of dysplasia, and those that got daily

off-lead exercise in park-like terrain had a lower risk. Likewise, a study of adult Labradors in Sweden found that regular exercise chasing a ball or stick

thrown by the owner more than doubled (2.2 to 2.6 times) the risk of hip

dysplasia (Sallander et al 2006), and these activities have also been linked to development of osteochondrosis (Slater et al 1992). Why these particular

activities increase the risk of developing hip dysplasia is unclear but perhaps it involves intensity or repetition.

In addition, puppies do not need long walks or vigorous exercise. Playing in

the garden is sufficient for pups under 5 months old. If you take a puppy out on a leash, a rule of thumb often mentioned is no more than five

minutes walking per day, for each month of age.

Endocrine & Spay/Neuter

This is a controversial area in rescue circles but bears mention. Spay/neuter status can be associated with differences in the incidence of hip dysplasia,

but there are differences by breed, sex, and age. Various studies have

found a positive correlation between early neutering (before 12 months) and incidence of HD. It is not clear why. Beuchat muses that it could be

endocrine, or differences in body mass, or the timing of growth plate closure. Hopefully there will be more studies that shed some light on the

factors involved but in the meantime, the best advice would be to postpone

neutering until the dog is older than 6 months, or even better, once the growth plates have closed.

Nutrition

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There is no evidence that nutrient deficiencies of any sort can result in hip dysplasia (Nap et al 1991), but excesses of some vitamins and minerals can

contribute to development of skeletal disease. Improper levels of some key minerals and "over-nutrition" (excess caloric intake) can have huge effects,

especially in puppies. Calcium and phosphorus (among other minerals) are required in the diet in specific amounts and proportions for proper bone

development. Getting the proper balance of calcium and phosphorus in the

diet is especially critical in large dog breeds. Vitamin D is important for absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the gastrointestinal tract, so the

control of calcium balance depends on the correct levels of vitamin D.

Hopefully by applying what we are learning about the impact of environmental factors on the development of HD and ED, we can help our

puppy buyers reduce the incidence thereof.

References

http://www.instituteofcaninebiology.org/understanding-hip--elbow-dysplasia1.html

Wayne H. Riser, W. Harker Rhodes, and Charles D. Newton. 1975. Hip

Dysplasia.

Lewis TW, SC Blott, & JA Woolliams. 2011. Genetic evaluation of hip score in UK Labrador retrievers. PLoS ONE 5(10): e12797.

Ohlerth S, A Busato, & C Gaillard. 2001. Estimation of genetic population

variables for six radiographic criteria of hip dysplasia in a colony of Labrador Retrievers. Am J Vet Res 62:846-852.

Soo M, NW Sneddon, N Lopez-Villalobos, and AJ Worth. 2014. Genetic

evaluation of the total hip score of four populous breeds of dog, as recorded by the New Zealand Veterinary Association Hip Dysplasia Scheme (1991–

2011). New Zealand Vet J., DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2014.961581.

Sturaro E, L Menegazzo, P Piccinini, G Bittante, P Carnier, L Gallo.

2006. Prevalence and genetic parameters for hip dysplasia in Italian population of purebred dogs. Ital J Anim Sci 5: 107-116.

Vostry L, Z Capkova, N Sebkova & J Pribyl. 2011. Estimation of genetic

parameters for hip dysplasia in Czech Labrador Retrievers. J Animl Breed Genet 129: 60-69.

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Cause and Effect

Trouble Shooting Training Problems

by Evan Graham

Stuff happens

You love to hunt, and you may very well love to run hunt tests, and/or

field trials. It's all great fun, and a wonderful challenge to train your

dog for all of the pursuits you enjoy. While actually doing the work,

especially under judgment, it is natural for certain aspects of your

dog's training to erode. He gets excited and, well, stuff happens!

The dog that remains by your side in training now creeps 10 yards on

each bird while hunting, or at a test or trial. His typically very good

hearing seems to fail him when you take him to one of these events.

His casting only changes his course about half as well as it does in

training. And the little stinker breaks on honors! He has begun to bolt

for the line as soon as you take his leash off in the holding blind. Or

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you let him out of the vehicle when you're out hunting and off he goes

into the darkness!

If none of this sounds familiar, you are clearly not hunting enough,

nor are you running tests or trials! Or, you are running a dog that takes

sedatives. Or, just maybe -- you are running them smart!

You may just be running a test/trial, and then staying home to train for

a week or two before competing or testing again. You may be in the

tiny percentage of trainers who are wise and self-controlled enough

not to overdo it. Your dog spends far more time in a controlled

environment (training) compared to the amount of time he spends in

an uncontrolled environment (testing/trialing or hunting), so he

doesn't tend to fall apart when he is there. He tests and hunts pretty

much as he trains. He's a rare dog. You are a rare human.

Or not, in which case you stand in need of this message on how to

keep a balance sufficient to maintain a fundamentally sound dog. That

is the goal; to maintain a fundamentally sound dog -- a balanced dog.

Make It Count!

This article is as much devoted to understanding how humans work,

as it is to knowing how dogs work. When you observe a dog with

training problems, you are seeing symptoms that were almost

certainly created directly, or indirectly, by a human. Any experienced

pro can tell you this. We mean well, but we get caught up in how

much fun the dogs are and how much fun we have hunting and testing

them. We also have limitations, like available time or facilities.

When you're sick, your body sends you messages. You have pain.

You feel lousy. You get weak. If you are wise, you learn to listen to

your body. You take care of the problems your body says you need

help with.

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It's like that with your dog's training sometimes. His casting just

doesn't alter his course like it used to. He creeps, or tries to switch, or

he pops on marks. His skills are "sick." They are sending you

messages. His once well-tuned abilities are weak. They look lousy,

and are almost painful to watch! Stuff happened.

If you have a headache, and only take a pain reliever, you may very

well get over it and continue in generally good health. But, if you

have chronic headaches, pain relievers alone will only help

temporarily, and may mask some developing health problem that you

need a real cure for.

If your dog's skills have become "sick," and the problems you see are

becoming chronic, you need to take measures that will cure the

problem, not just mask it. But you must understand that the problems

you are addressing may not be cured with some magic bullet; an easy

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cure-all. We are talking about behavior, and the need to modify it.

How you go about it will make all the difference in its lasting effects.

Knowing how dogs acquire a habitual behavior will also help you to

understand how to go about mending behavior that has become a

problem. Habits, whether good or bad, don't just disappear. They are

replaced with different ones. The dog that once stopped sharply to the

whistle may now require fifteen or twenty steps to come to a stop.

Further, he may now only crouch instead of sitting. Or, he may just

stand there and look back at you. Worst of all, he may now do this

chronically. That has become his habit, and it's probably driving you

nuts!

You can take superficial steps in a training session that seems to have

corrected a problem, and then notice that he's right back at it in no

time. That is because you haven't changed his habit. You only did

something one day that made it look better -- for a while. The habit

remains.

Finding a Cure!

Sometimes you can work on more than one problem at a time,

because a certain drill or exercise managed to provide a co-benefit or

two as you addressed some specific problem. Generally, though, it's

best to focus on one problem at a time. First things first.

You may have identified a problem to work on already. Take stock of

the whole dog. Give him a check-up. Isn't all this medical talk

invigorating? It's a very similar approach. Your doctor or nurse isn't

treating your bad heart. They're treating you; the patient with a bad

heart. Heart patients often have other problems that need addressing

besides just their heart. Or they often have other health issues that

have contributed to what has become a heart problem.

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You aren't fixing a pop. You are training a dog that pops. Popping is a

problem your dog has, so you want to fix it. But, have you really

identified what's wrong with your dog? Is popping his only problem?

If you have learned about other problems your dog has, is popping his

most important one? If you don't assess all potential problems in your

dog's training, how can you correctly prioritize? How do you know

that what you have decided to work on first is what was most

important for your dog?

If you periodically give your dog a training check-up, you may save

both of you some trouble by treating the little problems before they

become big ones. Some of you have heard this speech from you

doctor, haven't you? It is a principle that works. It works for your

health, and it works for the health of your dog's training. After all his

behavior, much like ours, is driven by his emotional health status.

As a pro trainer, I had a truckload of dogs in my care, most of which

were hunting dogs, as well as field trial competitors. I never had a

field trial dog that didn't hunt. My job was to keep each one running at

a level near his or her individual peak as much of the time as possible.

Sure I had the usual health and hygiene issues that any dog

owner/trainer deals with, but the lion's share of my time was spent in

the field honing, or repairing their skills.

I came up with a troubleshooting check-up, which I gave my dogs

monthly; the same way I was paid. That's how I knew where I was

with each dog. That's how we stayed competitive running as many as

twenty-six trials in a year. It involves keeping a journal of each dog's

training. It tracks progress, as well as problems.

When I reported to the owners of the dogs I was training, it wasn't just

a progress report. It was a health status record. I reported the state of

the dog's progress, but also the state of his maintenance. That reflected

more accurately what we were doing in training to advance him, and

to evaluate his strengths and weaknesses. Some clients appreciated it

more than others, but I required it of myself.

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If your dog has been cheating exits on water blinds lately, is this a

recurrent theme in his training? Has it always been so? Does it seem

to you that it's new for him? Know your dog, so you can address

things in the priority they deserve. Don't put a patch on a problem that

has shown you that it will keep coming up through inadequate

maintenance.

Hypothetical problem

"My dog is always looking for a way out of the water on water blinds,

especially at a distance." There are a number of ways to look at this

problem, especially when it is occurring during the running of a water

blind. Of course you will want to work toward a solution at that time,

as well you should. But, this problem keeps coming up, even though

you feel you are dealing with it consistently. Let's see if your

approach is actually dealing with a cure for the problem, or if your

treatment of it is only addressing it superficially.

As your dog progresses toward the end of a water blind, the line to it

takes him closer to a distant shoreline, and, as expected, he begins to

gravitate toward the shore. You can really feel the influence growing

because the closer he gets to the shoreline the less course correction

he yields with each cast. He may even begin to be more sluggish

about stopping to the whistle, even though you're certain he still hears

it.

Your response to what is happening might typically be to give bigger

casts away from shore; casts that are more straight "over" instead of

casting the dog literally toward the fall. You may also wait a little

longer to cast the dog after stopping him in order to heighten his

focus. You may even stop the dog and call him toward you before re-

stopping and casting him onward again. All of those things are good

handling techniques that can improve the dog's relationship to the fall.

They are all things a good handler does to help his or her dog to

succeed at a blind.

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Succeeding at blinds does not constitute a solution to shoreline

suction, although upholding standards has beneficial effects. The

problem you continue to see in your dog has a source. It is that source

you need to address or the problem will keep continue to be a large

and nagging one.

If chronic headaches are caused by a problem with a blood vessel,

only repairing the blood vessel in some definitive way will solve the

problem. Pain relievers will merely help you to live with the problem

for a while, masking symptoms. All too soon the pain relievers won't

be able to help anymore. You need a real cure.

This dog that wants out of the water at a distance will continue to

want out sooner and sooner until the real problem is addressed. This

dog has preconceived notions that tell him it's faster and easier to run

on land, and that he still lacks any responsibility to follow a standard

of performance that requires him to take direction as given, whether

on land or in the water. A solution for this will be a program that

replaces his current mindset with one that dictates a different standard,

and promotes a changed inner desire in the dog toward compliance.

Simplify

Break the work down into a simple focused form, and repeatedly

expose the dog to the standard of behavior responsible for a more

consistent desirable result. If you have ever wondered why the term

"drill" comes up so much in dog training these days, you have just

discovered an answer. Drills offer repeated exposure to focused

concepts in training. As dogs repeat any specific concept in their work

they develop and deepen habits of behavior. That also makes drill

work a great way to cure bad habits by literally replacing them with

good habits.

Start your drills with a simple, easy standard. Short distances help to

keep control of the dog low key, and allow the dog to succeed easily

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at the focus of the drill. Gradually extend distance to deepen the new

habit by extending and deepening skill levels, like holding a straight

line in water in the presence of a tempting shoreline. This can be done

by running many cheating single marks with diagonal shoreline exits,

and/or Tune up drills that have numerous water blinds with varying

degrees of diagonal exit, at slightly increasing distances. These

exercises promote a solid standard of not falling for shoreline suction.

By strengthening the core skills involved, your dog can soon return to

full-scale fieldwork with his new sound habits intact, requiring far

fewer corrections. Further, he will have experienced so much success

that his attitudes toward the standards he once resisted will have

softened considerably.

This same philosophical approach can be applied to myriad other

training problems. Drill work is the very essence of attrition, and

tends to produce outstanding results. Good training!

Above: Mr Gareth Thomas’ Trevena Gentleman Jack WHR delivering to hand in the Open Stake 2016

Competitors Information Name Address Telephone Email address Anderson, Ms BL 15 Celtis Crescent, Forways Gardens, Sandton, 2055 (083) 632-1539 brenda@blanderson.co.za Begbie, Mr CJG PO Box 981, Gallo Manor, 2052 (082) 220-3683 chrisbegbie@afrihost.co.za Brandt, Mrs AS 4 Jansen Street, Strand, 7140 (084) 800-0560 lastacia@polka.co.za Brandt, Mr CC 4 Jansen Street, Strand, 7140 (084) 800-0560 lastacia@polka.co.za Brown, Miss SI PO Box 212, Ferndale, 2160 sharron@dogsdogsdogs.co.za Daley, Mrs JM PO Box 786542, Sandton, 2146 (082) 834-6337 jillmariedaley@gmail.com Emerton, Mr GVH 21 Toktokkie, Weltevreden Park, Gauteng, 1709 (082) 577-2566 garry.emerton@gmail.com Emin, Mr HJ PO Box 2883, Honeydew, 2040 (082) 576-9190 michelle@snowpine.co.za Emin, Mrs M PO Box 2883, Honeydew, 2040 (071) 385-9107 michelle@snowpine.co.za Fabian, Miss DA 74 Cross Country Drive, High Riding Estates, Sir Lowry's (082) 425-4019 bardale@telkomsa.net Hagger, Mrs K PO Box 1303, Lanseria, 1748 (084) 688-5226 karen.hagger1810@gmail.com Hoar, Mrs JF PO Box 429, Paulshof, 2056 (082) 852-2609 jane@lwproperties.co.za Holman, Mrs DE PO Box 1518, Lanseria, 1748 (082) 600-7304 holman@trevena.co.za Holman, Mr RM PO Box 1518, Lanseria, 1748 (082) 469-7173 mikeh@trevena.co.za Honour, Mr D 196 Peninsula Drive, Westlake Estate, Skeerpoort, 0233 dave.honour@syngenta.com Honour, Mrs SD 196 Peninsula Drive, Westlake Estate, Skeerpoort, 0233 Hoy, Mr MJ PO Box 97041, Petervale, 2151 (083) 262-6562 hoys@iafrica.com Huysamen, Mrs Y PO Box 1233, Secunda, 2302 (072) 582-8249 huysamen.yolandi@gmail.com Jordi, Mrs PM Postnet Suite 721, Private Bag X29, Gallo Manor, 2052 (082) 823-4024 paula.jordi@gmail.com Kempin, Mr PA PO Box 1392, Kelvin, 2054 (083) 645-9734 peterkempin@gmail.com Kloeck, Dr APR PO Box 11279, Tiegerspoort, Gauteng, 0056 (082) 449-5257 alan.kloeck@merck.com Kloeck, Mrs CA 184 Galanthus Rd, Kyalami, 1684 (083) 480-2718 carmen170886@gmail.com Kloeck, Dr DA 25 Jacaranda Rd, Kyalami, Halfway House, 1684 (083) 606-1086 davekloeck@yahoo.com Kloeck, Mr MJ 184 Galanthus Rd, Kyalami, 1684 (078) 422-2934 mkloeck@fnb.co.za Le Roux, Mr JG PO Box 1793, Somerset West, 7129 (064) 653-0335 kobus@drumbeat.co.za Loxton, Mr G PO Box 212, Ferndale, 2160 (082) 893-1947 gordon@lawnmower.co.za Marshall, Mr MJ PO Box 786542, Sandton, 2146 (082) 448-0809 mikemarshall1204@gmail.com Michael, Mnr M

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Name Address Telephone Email address Murdoch, Mr J 33 Kougar Street, Noordheuwel, Krugersdorp, 1739 (072) 389-5237 slave1@telkomsa.net Phillipson, Mrs DM PO Box 981, Gallo Manor, 2052 (083) 268-3166 diphillipson@gmail.com Pott, Mrs J PO Box 30639, Kyalami, 1684 (082) 458-4496 jane@tecfin.co.za Rose, Mrs ME 29 Robyn Road, Morgenster, Brackenfell, 7560 (083) 300-0612 rosebush@telkomsa.net Rymill, Mrs C PO Box 19915, Ashburton, Kzn, 3213 (083) 412-0416 howellsracing@absamail.co.za Thomas, Mr GA 17 Rose Road, Kyalami, 1684 (079) 491-7013 hayley.lamberti@gmail.com Trollope, Mast C 218 Mimosa Road, Northcliff, 2195 (082) 903-1523 charlest01@telkomsa.net Trollope, Mr CE 218 Mimosa Road, Northcliff, 2195 (082) 903-1523 charlest01@telkomsa.net Trollope, Mrs E 218 Mimosa Road, Northcliff, 2195 (082) 903-1523 charlest01@telkomsa.net Van Dyk, Dr E PO Box 12455, Onderstepoort, 0110 (082) 925-8297 enettevd@gmail.com Van Rensburg, Mrs S PO Box 509, Fourways, 2055 (083) 457-4033 sharon1703@gmail.com Van Rooyen, Mrs A PO Box 11238, Tiegerspoort, 0056 (072) 690-0339 angelique@eagertrievelabs.co.za Van Rooyen, Mr F PO Box 11238, Tiegerspoort, 0056 (082) 799-1779 Francois.VanRooyen@worleyparsons.com Van Tonder, Mrs M 49 Howth Street, Kenmare, Krugersdorp, 1739 (082) 563-2935 kloofzightlabbies@gmail.com Watson, Mr T PO Box 83006, South Hills, 2136 (082) 553-2533 terryw@netactive.co.za Watson, Mrs V PO Box 83006, South Hills, 2136 (082) 452-5367 terryw@netactive.co.za Wilson-Taylor, Ms N PO Box 786, Midrand, 1685 (082) 491-5079 noeleen@hixnet.co.za Wynne, Mr AD PO Box 906239, Magalieskruin, 0150 (083) 700-3310 wynnead@tut.ac.za Wynne, Mrs MA PO Box 906239, Magalieskruin, 0150 (083) 700-6614 wynne@icon.co.za

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