I always forget that your dogs don't flush! Here dogs must search, point, flush on command, stop on command (during which the bird is shot) and then wait until it is allowed to retrieve. Some dogs have a lousy flush or avanceŽas we call it and usually this is taken into consideration when selecting dogs for breeding here.
Yes, the tradition in North America is for the dog to remain still after the point is established. In trials and tests, moving even the slightest bit after the point is not allowed. Our dogs must also be steady (remain motionless) when the bird flies and is shot. They should only retrieve on command.
All of the above applies to most trials and test situations. However, there are sometimes a great deal of difference between those situations and real hunting situations. I train my dogs to be steady for tests and trials. I allow them to move after the bird is flushed in real hunting situations however. They do not have to remain steady, and they will retrieve game as soon as it is shot, without a command. I will also tell them to flush the bird sometimes...if the bird is sitting in very tight cover for example.
I sometimes compare tests/trials and hunting to how we speak or write. In some situations (in front of an audience or a judge for example) we must choose our words very carefully and use a more formal version of our language. In other situations such as everyday conversation, when we need to communicate an idea urgently, we use a different version of our language...less formal, more pointed..."vulgar".
When I hunt with my dogs it is just me, the dogs and the game we pursue. We engage in a three-dimensional game of chess...with potentially grave consequences for the loser. In such situations, formal rules tend to go out the window in favour of a more primitive sort of interaction. _________________ facta non verba
When I hunt with my dogs it is just me, the dogs and the game we pursue. We engage in a three-dimensional game of chess...with potentially grave consequences for the loser. In such situations, formal rules tend to go out the window in favour of a more primitive sort of interaction.
Know what you mean...
I think most people here think like that too. When we go out with our dogs to hunt we don't really give a rat's ass about trial rules. We just enjoy being out there and try to get some game if possible. If the dog does it's job properly, there will be something to bring home, regardless if the dog has done everything according to the book or not.
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