Puppy, Special Puppy and Novice Dog Novice Handler at Glewstone
The lake at Glewstone
The Puppy, Special Puppy and Novice Dog/Novice Handler Working Tests were held at Glewstone near Ross on Wye on Sunday 26 July, by kind permission of Andrew and Heather Jackson. Initially two lady judges had been booked, but Mary Jarrod damaged her knee just before the test, so Colin Selwood stepped in to judge with Laurie Pittaway. It was particularly fitting that we were at Glewstone during our 40th anniversary year, as we have been holding working tests there since the very early days of the Area, not least three Area Finals.
The Puppy award winners
In complete contrast to the Saturday which had been warm and dry, Sunday started with heavy rain and everyone was complaining how cold it was. Luckily as the day progressed the rain eased up, with periods of drizzle and a few dry spells. Eighteen puppies ran through four tests in the morning, the first test covered heelwork, with a mark followed by a blind, second was a marked retrieve from water, part of the test being steadiness as two dogs sat up together for this test. The third test was a hunting exercise with two blinds to be picked from an area of cover and finally a marked left and right signalled by shot. The puppies sorted themselves out with very few failures and only one run off required to split second and third, all the award winners were very close with only five marks separating first from the CoM
Puppy results
| Position | Name | Dog Breed/Sex | Dog Name |
|---|
| 1st |
Mr S Hagain |
LRD |
Labdom Black Magic |
| 2nd |
Mrs J Miller |
LRB |
Millerise Jemima |
| 3rd |
Mr S McCallum |
LRD |
Hardingtons Bracken |
| 4th |
Mrs P Constantine |
GRD |
Briabar Flaming Finale |
| COM |
Mr K Spratling |
LRD |
Hemingtons Noggin |
After an excellent lunch prepared by Aileen Jones, it was the turn of the Special Puppies and Novice Dog/Novice Handlers to tackle their four tests and as there were only six dogs competing, we were able to finish at a reasonable time.
They first tackled a walk up with a mark in front and a mark behind, the second test was a marked left and right into cover. The third test was a straightforward blind in cover just off a track and last was a water test which involved first retrieving a mark out of water, then heeling towards the lake and being sent for a blind in heavy cover. If we had had an award for the most enthusiastic handler of the day, it would have gone to a visitor from Austria who could not contain her excitement when her dog after a bit of a struggle, picked the blind on that last test. No run offs were needed and although there was only one Special Puppy running, the judges agreed that his performance was worthy of awarding a first place. In the Novice Dog/Novice Handler category our Austrian visitor was thrilled to receive her first award in a British working test and the winner hadn’t been going to enter, but had been persuaded at the last minute by trainers at his local URC training classes.
At the end of the afternoon we all enjoyed tea and cakes before the awards were presented by our host Andrew Jackson.
None of our working tests could take place without the help of those who give up a day to come and steward, throw dummies, provide refreshments, sell raffle tickets and do all the administration related to running the day, so a big thank you to everyone, from the regular stalwarts to those who are new to the dog game, for making it a successful day despite the weather.
Special Puppy
Special puppy award winner
| Position | Name | Dog Breed/Sex | Dog Name |
|---|
| 1st |
Mr C Marchant |
GRD |
Ocean Red Canvasback |
Novice Dog/ Novice Handler
Novice Dog Novice Handler award winners with our host Andrew Jackson in the centre
| Position | Name | Dog Breed/Sex | Dog Name |
|---|
| 1st |
Mr M Justice |
LRD |
Pegmore Echo |
| 2nd |
Mrs M Edwards |
LRD |
Annervalley Byron |
| 3rd |
Mrs M Sweet |
FCRB |
Enchanters Nightshade |
| 4rd |
Ms M Hlous |
LRD |
Tarnedge Laird |