The Cocker is still a Gundog, although it's not very common
these days to use it for dual-purpose... unfortunately, because
I promise - the dog loves it! At this site I want to tell you all
about it - The Field Trial! It's organized by The Swedish Spaniel
& Retriever Club and spectators are allowed. It's always in
the Autumn when Pheasants, Moor cocks etc. are in the open season.
First you've got to pass either The Track and Water
Test or The Water Test, which also can be done in the
Spring because you use a cold Seagull or Mallard. The TWT/WT is
a qualification to The Field Trial which is "live"...
It's divided in 4 different classes dependent on the dog's experience.
The Youngsters class (Ycl) - for dogs up to 2 years of age, Beginners
class (Bcl) - same degree of difficulty as in Ycl but for dogs over
2 years of age, The Open class (Ocl) - higher degree of difficulty,
and finally The Top class - Elite (Ecl), (you must have a 1st prize
in Ocl to be allowed to start in Elite).
| Pheasant  Moor
cock |
The Water Test: (former Ycl and Bcl) You stand on a spot approx.
5 meters from the waterside with the dog at your side. At the Judge's
signal a blank shot is fired and a cold seagull/mallard is thrown
approx. 15 meters into the water. You then send your dog to retrieve
the bird. The dog will go freely in the water and swim well, fetch
the bird with a good grip and deliver it. The Judge writes in the
record how the dog worked, and the dog is approved! (hopefully).
The Track and Water Test; (former Ocl and Ecl). It's the same
Water Test but here it's 40 meters often over hard vegetation. The
Track is trailed with a hare/rabbit through the woods for approx.
150 meters before you begin. You must stay at the spot and send
your dog to search and retrieve. It must fetch the hare with a good
grip and deliver it. The judge writes in the record how it worked. You
have to pass both The Track and The Water to be approved here.
The
Field Trial
When you have an approved TWT or WT you can start at The
Field Trial in the autumn. Now it's for real! The dog searches
in mixed country with you, and also the Judge and two marksmen.
When the dog finds a bird/hare the dog will tap towards it so it
flies up/runs, then stay at that spot so the marksmen can shoot.
If they bring it down you send your dog, on the Judge's signal,
to retrieve it in a good grip and deliver it. Otherwise you keep
going until the dog taps another bird/hare. In Ycl/Bcl the time
for the trial is approx. 20-30 minutes, in Ocl 30-45 minutes and
in Ecl 45-60 minutes. Through the trial the Judge take notes of
the co-operation between you and your dog and how the dog works;
search, tapping, the stability when the bird flies, retrieving etc.
Obedience and trust is everything. The dog must at least
find some birds to be awarded, even if no ones have been shot down,
to see the dogs character. The Judge can then throw a cold bird
which the dog retrieves. (in Ecl a bird/hare must be brought down
to gain 1st prize). The Judge writes a summary of the trial and
gives either 1st prize if everything went excellent (+ a special
prize if you're lucky!), 2nd prize if it went very well and 3rd
prize if it went well. But if the dog unfortunately doesn't pass
all the parts it can't gain any prize... :0( Better luck next time!
NB! New regulations applies as from the
1st July 2001!
To become only Show Champion in Sweden = SU(u)CH
- three Certificates.
To become
only Field Trial Champion in Sweden = SJ(j)CH
- three 1st prizes in Elite class.
BUT
the old regulations still counts if you want the real title!
Swedish Show Champion = SUCH,
three CC's and any prize at Field Trial,
which only a few Cockers has gained as yet in 2001... Congratulations!
Swedish
Field Trial Champion = SJCH,
three 1st prizes in Elite class and at least 2nd prize in quality
at shows,
which only two Cockers has gained as yet in 2001... Congratulations!
Good
luck at the fields!
Author
& Copyright: Ms. A Stjärneving
