Scott Linden Outdoors

Visit a field trial even if you don't run in it: it's worth the visit

It’s been 15 years since I attended an AKC field trial. Mainly because I’m involved in NAVHDA, but also because I simply didn’t see my dog nor his owner being the competitive sort. (Many will tell you that the principal difference between field trials and hunt tests – AKC or NAVHDA – is that in a trial, there really is a “top dog,” and every other pooch  is, basically, a loser. In hunt tests, there is a set standard and any dog meeting the stringent criteria earns a high score.)

While that’s a simple and often unfair characterization, it is a common perception.

So, why go? Our wirehair club was organizing it. Some old friends were bound to show up. The setting is beautiful. And I might actually learn something. Besides, when do you ever get enough dogs? [You may choose one or more of these rationale next time you’re given the heads-up on a nearby field trial or hunt test.]

All of the above did occur, and more:  I gunned for the callback dogs (testing their retrieve) and picked up my first sunburn of the season.

It sure beats yard work!