Anna Koritansky/Secretary
WELCOME!
JUNIOR HANDLERS GUIDELINES RUNNING THESE EVENTS!
Get dog
number (running order and if you have 2 dogs running make sure you know which #
belongs to which dog) from the marshal and remember it as you'll need to give to
the judge when it's your turn.
2) You'll line up in running order - usually the marshal will have 4
dogs/handlers lined up at all times to keep events running smoothly. You'll be
spread out and won't be bunched up. The marshal will call out loudly: "Dog 1 to
the line, Dog 2 to the holding blind (meaning that dog/handler should be in the
holding blind awaiting his turn), Dog 3 & 4 get ready". Do not allow your dog
to see the tests whether you are in the holding blind or back in 3rd
or 4th place. Position your dog so that they can not peek.
++There may
be a dog/handler out of order so you'll have to adjust and
listen out. The marshal will announce the order. DO NOT CHANGE YOUR DOG # - YOU
MAY RUN OUT OF ORDER BUT YOUR DOG # DOES NOT CHANGE EVER AT THAT DAYS EVENT AS
THIS IS METHOD JUDGES USE – NOT DOG NAME NOR HANDLER NAME – JUST DOG #
3) You may be given a shotgun at the holding blind to take to the line. Hold
until the marshal takes it from you. Make sure and hold the shotgun end pointed
skyward.
4) As you approach the line SAY HELLO TO THE JUDGES AND GIVE THEM YOUR DOG #
(example: Good Morning Judges, We're dog #6). BE KIND TO YOUR JUDGES.
Afterwards ALWAYS THANK THE JUDGES when you are finished. They volunteer their
time freely and are not paid except through our appreciation.
At the picnic - you can tell the judges that you're new/nervous/never done this
before etc. and if they can show you how.
At the hunt test events - you can't ask the judges for help during your
turn.
5) As a junior dog you are allowed to bring your dog to the line (meaning
the area that the judges set aside for you to run your dog from) on
a leash. You can have a flat buckle collar on the dog and have the
leash attached. For easy release remove leash/lead and loop around the dog’s
neck.
ASK OTHERS
HOW THEY LOOP AROUND DOG/RESTRAIN AT LINE AS THERE ARE SEVERAL METHODS AND
YOU’LL WANT THE ONE THAT WORKS BEST FOR YOU.
BE SMART...use the leash as these dogs get very excited and they do
break and take off for that bird.
6) At the line take time to line up your dog to the area of the mark and to let
your dog look over the area. Don't touch your dog. You can command your dog to
sit, stay, mark, etc. Signal with your hand to the judges by waving your hand
behind you that you are ready. At this point you can not talk to your dog nor
touch your dog. You can not talk to your dog once the judges call for the bird
and until the bird hits the ground. Once the judges have signaled for the
gunners/throwers to throw the bird and say "DOG" then you can release your dog
by dog's name for him to retrieve the bird. As soon as your dog gets the bird
whistle him in.
7) The dog must deliver the bird to hand so be ready for him as
quickly as he comes to within 4 to 5 feet of you - Many of us have
failed because our dogs dropped the birds at our feet and we weren't
quick enough to take it from him. Actually I wasn't patient enough was
my problem! Oh, well.
8) Put the leash back on your dog and line him up for your 2nd Mark and repeat
above.
9) Thank the Judges and as soon as you get behind the judges
put your leash on your dog and leave the area for the next dog/handler. Your dog
is judged from the time you leave the holding blind to run your event and until
you are finished and behind the judges leaving.
At the picnic event you can get a lot of help from judges – use it! Ask questions & take your time.
RELAX - ASK LOTS OF QUESTIONS - WATCH OTHERS – HAVE FUN. pf