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Field Trial Information
What Exactly is a Field Trial?
by Sandi Myers & Brian Gunn
A Dachshund Field Trial is a performance event with ever
growing interest. Started back in 1933, Field Trials were designed to test the
"above ground" hunting ability of the dachshund. These trials help demonstrate
the desirable qualities of the dachshund's aptitude to pursue game in an
energetic and decisive manner. The AKC rules also mention following the game to
ground when necessary and to deal with it with courage and determination.
On any typical field trial morning, the cooks are the first to arrive at
the field trial grounds. Of course someone needs to be sure there is a least a
pot of coffee brewing! More often than not, breakfast and lunch are served at the
grounds. The Field Trial Committee and the Field Trial Secretary are usually not
too far behind, as they need to conduct the procedures for starting the field
trial in a timely manner. Field trial procedures start very early in the morning
to maximize the use of daylight needed to conduct the trial.
While breakfast is being prepared, participants gather in the clubhouse
to start the day with a hearty meal. This is also the time that the Field Trial
Secretary takes entry forms and fees. Next the entries are separated into
"classes". Typically there are 3 classes at a Field Trial: Open All-Age Dogs,
Open All-Age Bitches, and Field Champions. Once all the entries have been
submitted, the Trial Secretary conducts a Roll Call. Roll Call is done for each
class to be sure all entries have been placed in the proper classes and all dogs
have been identified.
Now the dogs are "braced" to determine the running order
for each class. Bracing is accomplished by randomly drawing the dogs from all
the entries received. Bracing is done for each class using the corresponding
call name/number list until all of the dogs in the class have been braced. Each
handler writes the order in a program book so they can keep track of their
entries and the running order. After bracing has been completed, the Judges will
usually announce a designated time to gather out in the field, and how many
braces they would like to have standing by.
The designated Field Marshal directs the handlers and
the gallery to the starting point. The Field Marshal waits for the beaters to line up in a straight, tight
line to flush out the rabbits. The Field Marshal directs the beaters to maintain
the line and keep their eyes open for movement. It is critical to "watch" for
the running path of the rabbit once flushed out. This is the "scent line" that
the braces will be released upon. Beaters carry sticks of some sort ranging from
broom handles to ski poles. They proceed through the brush in unison, beating
the surrounding area in an attempt to drive out a rabbit. When a rabbit has been
flushed out, the person who first sees it yells, Tally Ho!, indicating that a
rabbit has been spotted.
Once a rabbit has been spotted, it becomes crucial for the Judges and
Beaters to be very observant of which way the rabbit ran so they can communicate
this path to the Handlers of the brace that is about to run. After the judges
are confident of the rabbit's direction and path, they request the Brace. At
this point, the Judges will instruct the handlers on where to release their
dogs. Once the brace has been released on the "scent line" the handlers and
beaters remain still and silent while the Judges observe the dogs. Talking or
other noises might distract a working dog off of the line. Also, Beaters moving
around in the brush can accidentally flush out another rabbit, which can lead
the brace into a "sight chase" instead of following the scent.
If the judges have seen enough work from the dogs to make a confident
determination, they will instruct the handlers to pick up their dogs. If the
Judges cannot make a determination, they may have the handlers either restart
the dogs, or they may request that another rabbit be flushed for the same brace.
After the judging is completed, the Judges ask the Field Marshal to request the
next brace and the Beaters go about finding another rabbit for the next brace.
After each brace has run, the judges will discuss the scoring
of the dogs, which will determine which dogs are called back for Second Series.
After the final series in each class have been run, the Field Marshal announces
"Field Trial". This signifies the end of the class. The final four placements
and NBQ (not a placement) are posted in the clubhouse. Sometimes the order is
announced in the field.
The above procedure is done for each class until the conclusion of the
Field Champion class. Then the 1st place winners in both the Open All-Age Dog
class and the Open All-Age Bitch class are braced together for the "Best of
Open", of which, the winner of this class will be braced against the winner of
the Field Champion class for the title of Absolute. Awards are usually presented
at the end of each day's trial.
It is important to note that Dachshund field trials are not intended for
the dogs to catch the game. Dogs are encouraged to track the game not engage it.
If a dog accidentally sees a rabbit while they are working, the judges will have
the dogs picked up. Most trials are held in fenced areas, as this is what keeps
the rabbits in. If someone needs help retrieving their dog, there are usually
plenty volunteers willing to help.
Now you should be set to attend a trial. The Dachshund Club of America offers a
brochure entitled "Introduction To Dachshund Field Trials" that offers greater
detail about Field Trials. Get yourself a copy of this and the rules and you
will be well on your way to enjoying field trials. Good Luck!
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Copyright © 2003 Dachshund Club of Metropolitan Atlanta, All Rights Reserved | |
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