ATB: Fall Field Events for Your Brittany

Tis the season for yardwork, field training, birdwork and more if you are heading into the woods this fall with your Brittany.  No matter the age (yours or theirs) this is the season where the real fun begins for those who love the great outdoors.  Of course not everyone has the same passion for bird hunting or working with your dog in field events towards titles and awards.  But for those who do not it's still a great time of year to enjoy your dog, to get out there and be active, and simply have some fun. Last year John and I enjoyed hooking up with many of the ATB family at a couple of local New England AKC Hunt tests as the photo above shows.  Those new to hunt testing had a lot of fun as their dogs received impressive qualifying scores. A few of them finished their respective titles.  We had a great time each time we went to one of the tests. 

Does this appeal to you?  If so the following information will be helpful:

AKC EVENT CALENDAR LINK  To find out where there will hunt tests, field trials, and other events. Be sure to look at the tests for your respective breed such as POINTING tests and trials for Brittany dogs. Not Retriever etc. Your dog must be 6 months old on day of event and registered with the American Kennel Club. All information is included on each premium for a specific event.  Usually (not always) a hunt test weekend consists of Saturday and Sunday. Some Pointing breed clubs offer double headers with 4 instead of 2 tests held over a weekend. We typically test at Sharpes Farm in Hopkinton NH where several clubs hold their respective events. . Even if you have a well trained bird dog, we would suggest you initially sign up for a JUNIOR HUNTER test just to get use how a hunt test is run.  (As for field trials there are several grounds throughout New England and various trials offered by different clubs for your consideration.  If there are enough entries most clubs will offer puppy 'stakes' at their field trial for those new to the sport to have a little fun and see what it's all about.)

AKC POINTING BREED HUNT TESTS INFORMATION

AKC POINTING BREED FIELD TRIAL INFORMATION

NAVHDA EVENT CALENDAR  For testing the versatile hunting dog. Several J&A's Brittanys have done well in NAVHDA testing.  We just joined NAVHDA ourselves and will soon be testing for the first time in Natural Ability. 

TESTING YOUR DOG INFORMATION (NAVHDA)

If you find an event you are interested in all you have to do is call is call that event secretary for a premium (entry form) to be sent to you.

Also, Central Maine Brittany Club where both John and I are officers will not be holding their annual fall field trial. They will however be having a "Fun & Instructional Field Trial" on September 6th at the bird dog grounds where the trial is typically held.  Truly a unique opportunity to anyone who just doesn't 'get' field trials and would like to participate in a mock trial while being taught at the same time.  Entries for this will close September 3. Contact Gary Anderson, CMBC Field Trial VP for more information.

REALLY really look forward to meeting up with some of the ATB family of close working gundogs again this fall.  We have a couple of our own crew to finish as Junior Hunters, two who are very close to their Senior Hunter title, one who is testing as a Master dog and a couple of pup pups who are quite impressive under a year old! 

I'm not sure whether or not I will actually be in the field handling a dog that is being tested.  I only recently took hold of the checkcord to hold/heel Holly Beth during a field demo.  I also heeled her on leash across a field back to the truck. I shall not despise small beginnings for there was no limp and no pain.

Take care and God bless you as always - John, Ann, and All Things Brittany