Gundog Working Tests
Gundog Working Tests assess the working ability of gundogs under competitive conditions. They try, as closely as possible, to replicate all the scenarios a dog might encounter during day's shooting in the field. So, such things as a long retrieve, or a blind (unseen) retrieve, or a retrieve from water or thick cover or woodland etc. Instead of using game, Working Tests use canvas dummies as the retrieving articles.
Usually run throughout the day, a Working Test typically comprises of between 4 and 6 separate tests, which competitors take it in turns to complete. There are usually between 20 and 40 dogs and their handlers i.e. you, competing against each other.
Each of the four to six separate tests othat make up a Working Test aim to assess the ability of your dog and you the handler on different gundog skills e.g. retrieving; hunting; steadiness; water work; handler control. They are marked by Judges out of a total score of 20 - 20 being the maximum points you can attain.