This is general information to help a new person learn more about opportunities to participate in events with their hunting retriever.
Many folks get a dog for hunting and have no intention of participating in any "dog games". I understand this thought process. However, you should not use this as an excuse to not train to the highest level available to you and your dog. So, click on the links below to the rules for the different events. Write down the skills needed at each level. Then decide which skills will be best suited for your hunting style. Even if one does not participate in any game, the dog can still be trained to a level that will make hunting more fun.
Hunting Retriever Club - The Hunting Retriever Club offers Hunt Tests that simulate Duck Hunting. There are 3 levels of tests: Started, Seasoned and Finished. The Started and Seasoned levels are ideal for the average hunter and can be achieved with some effort for the average hunter without a lot of resources such as grounds, water, and cash.
American Kennel Club (AKC) Hunt Tests - These Hunt Tests offer 3 levels of testing: Junior, Senior and Master. These tests have traditionally been offered to primarily retriever breeds. However, in recent years, other breeds have been approved to participate in AKC Retriever Hunt Tests.
AKC Retriever Hunt Test Rules and Regulations
American Pointing Lab Association - This is an organization that tests Labs to see if they have the genetic attributes to be certified as a Pointing Lab. The APLA has a Certification, Advanced and Master tests. The link below will get you to a page where you can click on Hunt Test Rules. Then click on Hunt Test Rules and find the rules for each level of tests. These tests are more for Labs used in the Upland vs Waterfowl However, a lot of Labs excel at both APLA tests and Retriever Hunt Tests like HRC and AKC.
National Upland Classic Series - I reference this type of event as a "Tournament Hunt". This is a timed hunting competition where the hunter and dog enters the field and has a certain amount of time to find, shoot, and retrieve the number of birds allocated.
NUCS Rules: These events are fun and require the dog and hunter to perform as a team.
As you can see, there are plenty of opportunities to get in the field with your hunting dog. If you are curious, you can look for events in your area and go observe how the events are conducted. You might find someone to train with or mentor you on how to get involved.
