Field Trials For Your Sporting Dog (Part 3)

It’s a good idea to watch a particular breed in action to see if that’s what you’re looking for in a sporting dog. Also talk to other field trialers who are more experienced in this area. They may be able to recommend a breeder. You can also read magazines or books on the subject. Find out as much information as you can before you choose your sporting dog.

Once you’ve chosen a puppy, look the puppy over from front to back. Look for flaws in the structure of the puppy. Does he have unsteady balance? Are his hind legs weak or stiff? Are the front legs bowed? Serious flaws can prevent the dog from performing well out in the field. The fields are not easy obstacles. There may be bushes the dog may have to maneuver through and other obstructions in the way. The dog must be healthy and strong in order to maneuver quickly.

Many field trialers will refer to the nose of the dog as being the animal’s ability to find the scent and pursue. Each dog has its own personality as to how he pursues the game. Some can be very aggressive, while others are more cautious. Each dog may have its own style which is what makes them so unique. One style is not better than another. It is really up to the field trialer as to what he likes better. The way the dog follows the scent is not the most important aspect of the sport. The most important aspect is that he finds the trail and stays on it until he finds the game. How well does their nose perform. When they do lose the rabbit, how far do they wonder off course? Do they try picking up the scent again, once they lost it? These are questions to ask yourself about your sporting dog.

Field trailing is an exciting sport, not only for the sporting dog, but also for the field trialer. If this sport sounds interesting to you, get involved with various clubs that support this type of sport. Go out and give it a try.

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