Pin Oak HRC June 08 Upland Some of the most fun you can have with your dog . Upland – A Typical Upland Test

1. Pin Oak HRC June 08 Upland Some of the mostfun you can have with your dog.Upland – A Typical Upland Test

2. Skills Required for the Test • Optional tracking test (not covered) • Walk-up • Quartering in the field • Steady to Wing and Shot • Honoring another dog

3. Walk-up/Honor “Normally, performing the Walk-up and Honor first will result in the least amount of walking for everyone.” (Upland Test Guide) • New dog entering the field completes walk-up • Honor dog will be the dog exiting the field

4. Walk up • Handler moving forward • ‘One or more dogs can be in a moving line with one dog out front quartering.’ • ‘A quiet unobtrusive verbal reminder to “sit” is acceptable as the bird flushes or is shot.’ • ‘The Judge should look for the dog that walks attentively at heel and does not have to be loudly reminded to stay in position. Remember the hunter is trying to walk up or sneak up on sitting birds to get a flush and a shot.’

5. Quartering in the field • The dog hunts in a radius ideally from 10 to 30 yards to the side and in front of the Handler. • The live bird is released, flushed (or thrown) in full view of the dog. Yes, you can blow a whistle. • The distance from the bird to the dog should be within scenting distance when the bird is released. • Handler shots popper / Bird is killed (hopefully!) • The dog should immediately return to the previous hunting range upon being called and/or whistle commanded by the Handler.

6. Quartering in the field • The intent of the Quartering test is not to demonstrate running a pattern. • The intent of this test is to demonstrate its natural tendency to hunt and be under control. • One or more dogs can be in a moving line with one dog out front quartering • The Upland Hunting Retriever should hunt the available cover on its own, without continual coaxing by the Handler. • Hand, voice or whistle commands are acceptable to begin the dog hunting, change the dog’s direction or hunt areas, or keep the dog in gun range.

7. Steady to Wing and Shot • ‘The Upland Hunting dog is expected to flush the bird.’ • ‘…the dog should come to a stop on its own or on the command of the Handler.’ • ‘It is not necessary for the dog to sit, but it should come to a stop within a reasonable distance after the flush…’ Then… • Pick up the downed bird (if they hit it) • Back to Quartering

8. Honoring Another DogTypical Scenario • You are exiting the field (either at heel or quartering) • Working dog enters the field in full view • Bird flushes or walk-up thrown • Working dog picks up the bird and you are done

9. Some Details • Pheasants or chukars are used for the test • ‘Any thrown or released bird turning toward the “hunting party” is a no-bird’ • “Excessive noise or intimidation to prevent a “break” should result in failure.”

10. Details • ‘We will be looking for Finished level control and steadiness during the walk-up’ • “A controlled break will result if the dog stops after the flush, then leaves, before being sent by the handler, to retrieve the downed bird or chase a fly away bird, and then is stopped by the handler.” – Mark down for just one • If your points, that’s fine, but he must flush the bird. No exceptions at an HRC Upland test

11. Skills Required for the Test • Optional tracking test (not covered) • Walk-up • Quartering in the field • Steady to Wing and Shot • Honoring of another dog

12. Bottom Line on Skills • Go – Stop – Come • Hunt (get into the cover / take directions) • Flush the bird (wire cages) • Steady (flush / shot – training can help)

13. Upland Hunter Title • 40 Points • Pass four tests