View Full Version : Field Trials - Sophie and Lili's Mom - can you help me?
The local doxie club is hosting a field trial training day and they gave me the info to "try it out."
I had been interested in getting into FT, but it was my understanding that only fully AKC registered dogs could participate, NOT PAL or ILP registered ones. But, I heard conflicting reports this weekend.
Anyway, I was thinking about going, but I wanted to know if you could give me a run down so I don't look like a total idiot.
areese
07-27-2009, 09:46 AM
Yes, only dogs with full AKC registration can compete in field trials. They can be neutered though.
Sometimes a club will have an event where the ILP dogs can participate but they aren't official results..so if it's a "fun" day or a try out they could prob. do it.
I'm sure that Sophie and Lili's mom knows a lot more than me...
We've done two. I was totally clueless my first time, and after the first round, Laika was first brace, first bitch. I didn't even know that was good (she was in first place) Then a lot of people took notice and began to help me out. YOu do need a long thin line, like that cotton clothesline or special lines that field trial people have. Prob. about 12-20 feet long? It goes through the loop on the collar and you hold the loose ends in your hand so when the dog is on the scent, you can just let go of one end and it will come loose. You don't want and clips or anything. No tags on the collar. People have special collars with a big d-ring so the lead slips out easier..
It's really fun...I am hoping to do it again someday with Laika..I think she is strong and healed enough...
Amy, I didn't know you had done it before.
See, that's what I thought, about the full registration, but I was told that others were told that they could particpate with their PAL dog?
areese
07-27-2009, 10:47 AM
Yeah..we did it. I got one 3rd place!!! Laika is awesome
The club that holds the trials here also has fun days where the ILP or PAL dogs can participate. They even give them ribbons and stuff.
So if it's a training day or fun event, those dogs can do it but there would be no official titles. And the ILP dogs couldn't compete in the real field trials as far as I know.
I took Owen out and let him try but he wasn't very interested-too worried about the people with big sticks (the beaters). They walk and wave big sticks through the brush chasing out rabbits.
Amy, I didn't know you had done it before.
See, that's what I thought, about the full registration, but I was told that others were told that they could particpate with their PAL dog?
Sophie and Lili's Mom
07-27-2009, 05:31 PM
Laika was called back HIGH in her first trial. WOW! She is a true hunter. Congratulations...I must have missed that.
I have been doing trials for about 4 maybe 5 years now and both Sophie and Lili finished their championships in 08. They run in the champion stakes now...which for us is just for fun. I still don't feel like I know what I am doing...and 90 of the time, if the run is bad...it is the handlers fault.
Spayed and neutered dogs can run but not ILPs in official trials. It has to do with the fact that the dog earns a Championship and gets letters in front of the name not the back. Honestly, I think it is really stupid. They say it is because a field trail is to judge breeding stock just like the show ring...but if they are spayed, they aren't gonna be having puppies. I have never really pointed that out though as I want to keep doing them.
Contact the local club and ask them. Perhaps it is not an official AKC trial or they might be having a practice. Do not be afraid to go and tell people you are a newbie. Field Trail folks are usually extremely nice. We WANT people to be interested... because we WANT more trials. It is easier to explain if you are there watching while the explaining is happening. One of the best ways to learn is to volunteer to beat. You need good walking shoes (pref. waterproof boots) and heavy pants if you are going to do this. You will be walking through lots of brush.
Also, if you do fall in love with them and want to go on a regular basis...listen to me and them when we say get some GOOD waterproof boots and other gear (pants and jacket). I was sure I could make due with something I bought at walmart until the first time I had to use it. I learned the hard way!!! Then I went out and bought some top of the line Gortex gear. Wow what a difference. Worth the major bucks spent.
Oh...if you go to dfwdachshund.com and click on their field trial tab (the words field trial), there is a nice video and explanation of a field trial. Those are my peeps and they taught me. In fact, I think Saffyre's momma may be in the video.
I contacted the club and they said we could check it out. Reese has a PAL listing so I guess he can't actually enter trials, but we'll see how it goes.
At NATC event earlier this year, I was told that Bailey seems to be a great tracker, whereas Reese is a hunter. So, I'd be interested to see what Bailey does. He's got a full AKC reg, so if he/we enjoy it, it's something to add to the list.
Either way, I am sure we'll have fun!
Thanks for your responses!
Sophie and Lili's Mom
07-27-2009, 07:37 PM
I contacted the club and they said we could check it out. Reese has a PAL listing so I guess he can't actually enter trials, but we'll see how it goes.
At NATC event earlier this year, I was told that Bailey seems to be a great tracker, whereas Reese is a hunter. So, I'd be interested to see what Bailey does. He's got a full AKC reg, so if he/we enjoy it, it's something to add to the list.
Either way, I am sure we'll have fun!
Thanks for your responses!
How are tracking and hunting different? A good tracker is generally a great field trailer
areese
07-27-2009, 08:46 PM
Laika was called back HIGH in her first trial. WOW! She is a true hunter. Congratulations...I must have missed that.
Yes...and I had no clue what it meant just knew that everyone else was quite excited LOL. But then she didn't find the scent.. then one more and she didn't again, neither did the other dog. so they didn't award 3rd or 4th that day! Next time we went she got a 3rd. I think she could prob. still do that now but the club had some internal crisis and they cancelled their fall trial. I don't know what happened then...I should check it out again this fall.
Sophie and Lili's Mom
07-27-2009, 08:50 PM
[QUOTE=Sophie and Lili's Mom]Laika was called back HIGH in her first trial. WOW! She is a true hunter. Congratulations...I must have missed that.
Yes...and I had no clue what it meant just knew that everyone else was quite excited LOL. But then she didn't find the scent.. then one more and she didn't again, neither did the other dog. so they didn't award 3rd or 4th that day! Next time we went she got a 3rd. I think she could prob. still do that now but the club had some internal crisis and they cancelled their fall trial. I don't know what happened then...I should check it out again this fall.
It will likely be the same weekend as it was last fall. They seldom change that unless it conflicts with DCA.
Oh and I was excited for you and Laika just reading that! That is one of the things I love about field trials is almost always people are just excited for you...even though it means your dog beat theirs!
How are tracking and hunting different? A good tracker is generally a great field trailer
I guess hunting is more of exploring around, searching things etc, whereas tracking is more of picking up a scent and following it?
bittyup
07-31-2009, 10:03 AM
That sounds like fun! Pretty sure by now they don't take dachshund/shar peis. :rolleyes: We will root for you guys tho! Have lots of fun:cheer3:
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