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Working Cocker Spaniels and Field TrialsHaving had cockers and gundogs before, training them ourselves for shooting, we decided that, as we were involving ourselves strongly in the Working Cocker with the acquisition of two puppies in 2008 as a mating pair, that, perhaps, it might be useful to join some Gundog Clubs and see how other people trained theirs.The first club we joined [we will leave this as anonymous] was very quaint but, to a larger or lesser degree was the blind leading the blind! When Jenny was told off for calling each dog by its name we realised that they did not have a clue when it came to training two dogs from scratch! However we did meet some advisers who seemed to know their way around the trials etc and we did get the name of a Cocker Spaniel specialist, Nick Gregory of Hamptworth, who we switched to very quickly. We now belong to two other Clubs [Dorset and Meon], who also train with Nick, and so our two dogs [and us] get continuity from the individual sessions and the group sessions where they get to socialise with other dogs. Very important when you are out on a shoot keeping your dog steady and watching you!! Learning about the trials, watching some tests [trial previews] has proven to be very interesting. Not difficult but it does require an interest in that which you are doing. For us, it means being out with our dogs in a natural surrounding and enjoying watching them enjoying themselves doing that which comes naturally. Here is what the Kennel Club says about Trials: Field Trials and Working Gundogs" Field Trials have developed to test the working ability of Gundogs in competitive conditions. Trials resemble, as closely as possible, a day's shooting in the field and dogs are expected to work with all manner of game, from rabbits and hares, to partridges and pheasants. Many of our best loved breeds were traditionally developed to help man in hunting. Labrador Retrievers gathered game in the field; Cocker Spaniels flushed and retrieved game; Pointers and Setters ranged over the fields helping us seek out birds and rabbits for the table. A great many still help us in shooting and hunting today. Field Trials are very popular, attract hundreds of competitors and are still very much part of our countryside sports. If you have a love and understanding of the countryside and like to see dogs working as they were intended to, this friendly and relaxed sport may be just what you are looking for. "Results of TrialsWhen you enter trials your dog is tested against others rigorously with two judges who mark the dogs on their ability and their responsiveness. The scores are put together after each dog has been observed by each judge individually. The result is the winner...and here is the Cocker Spaniel Championship results for 2009:The 2009 Cocker Spaniel Championship was held at The Shadwell Estate near Thetford on the 14th and 15th January. 29 dogs qualified and 27 ran. After a cold and frosty start to day one, game was there for all the dogs but often they had to work hard for it and all produced and showed their ability. The second day also produced game for all the dogs who worked in ideal spaniel cover of laid over bracken. Viewing was excellent for the spectators and all seemed to agree it was a superb championship. The judges were Mr K Carter, Mr G Croft, Mr J Iliffe and Mr E Martin and the sponsor was Eukanuba. The eventual winner was Randalyn Black Jazz (pictured left), handled for her owners by Nick Gregory.The bitch was sired by Simon Tyres Ftch Timsgarry Simpson out of Lyn Randall's Randalyn Olga . Full results of the 77th Cocker Spaniel Championships 2009 are as follows: 1st Randalyn Black Jazz Owner Mrs J Tudor Handler Nick Gregory [This is Krug's and Taitti's Trainer] Breeder Lyn Randall 2nd Buccleuch Athena Owner Duke of Buccleuch Handler Dave Lisett Breeder Owner 3rd FT Ch Mallowdale Guppy Owner Mr D Openshaw Handler I Openshaw Breeder Owner 4th FT Ch Mallowdale Ria Owner Mr and Mrs Reid Handler I Openshaw Breeder D Openshaw DIPLOMAS OF MERIT: FTCH Timsgarry Simpson Owner/Handler/Breeder Simon Tyers FTCH Mallowdale Gun Owner/Breeder DJA Openshaw Handler D Openshaw FTCh Windmillwood Daison Owner D Stirling Breeder A Gwynne Handler J Bailey FTCh Wetlands Abe [This is Krug's father] Owner P Jones Breeder A Read Handler Owner FTCh Swallowvale Teazel Owner J Bailey Breeder P Brumby Handler Owner It is interesting to note the strength of the Mallowdale Kennel here who feature prominently in both Krug's and Taitti's Pedigree with Mallowdale Rackateer. |
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