Forthcoming Working Gundog Certificate days:
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Working Gundog CertificateThe aim of the Working Gundog Certificate (WGC) is to provide credible proof that the handler and dog are a competent partnership, with the qualities to fulfil the general requirements of work on a shoot. The certificate may be gained at a variety of different events so that all aspects of a dog's work in the shooting field can be observed. The certificate will be issued by the Kennel Club and will list those tasks achieved on the day. Successful partnerships will have the distinction of having their names published in the Field Trials Newsletter.
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Handlers and dogs will be required to demonstrate competence in the following:
- Control - Obedience - Temperament - Hunting - Retrieving |
Where and how will the assessment take place?
The WGC can be achieved at a variety of events:
- A shoot using game
On a shoot assessors will observe the participants throughout the day as they work their dogs in their usual role.The assessors will not devise any situations but simply be observing how a handler and dog cope with thespecific tasks which arise naturally during the day. - A WGC day for dogs that retrieve using dummies
At a WGC day for dogs that retrieve, the criteria will be assessed using simulated shooting field exercises:
- Handlers and dogs walk together to the start area with the dogs off lead and under control
- A simulated drive with dogs assessed both in the beating line and waiting at pegs
- Hunting for seen dummies after the drive
- Hunting for unseen dummies after the drive
- A marked retrieve from water
- A marked retrieve from over an obstacle
- A steadiness exercise where dogs are left together whist handlers collect up decoys - A WGC day for dogs that point
At a WGC day for dogs that point the dogs will be assessed on hunting, locating, pointing and steadiness. The dogs should hunt the ground in a regular pattern, point live game, produce on command and be steady to flushand shot. Some participants may wish to take the retrieving assessment which might be organised on the day orat a later WGC day, a Gundog Working Test or on a shoot. - A Gundog Working Test (GWT)
An assessment at a GWT will be assessed against the criteria either by using separate exercises or using theexercises available on the day.
