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Comments:
Last year 2010, being the first go-round for our Dbl Mark Retrieve, we expected a good many question, and we got’em. Questions like how long is the retrieve, how much time between throws, where do I sit my dog, can I touch my dog to align him for the retrieve, where does the Heel end, etc., etc.. As could be expected and despite literally hundreds of trial test setups our Committee learned during the actual running of the test. Thankfully the consensus is, the T & J Committee and National Board had made right decision in adopting the Dbl Mark. Handlers, Judges, and Gallery now agree, the Dbl Mark is a solid test allowing opportunity for our dog’s to demonstrate marking ability, obedience, retrieving skills, manners throughout, and a commendable step towards achieving the VC title. Oh-boy so what’s to come, well.. there are no big changes like the rumors say… we’re sticking with the concept, so the rules stand, the graphics published last year stand, published guidelines stand.. That said you as example at the Dbl Mark Test you do have to realize retrieve distances and lines to the marks may vary depending on the site, and like last year, could even vary some day to day based on wind and weather condition. One area where we had a surprising number of question was the Heel in and out of the Dbl Mark Test, “where does the heel start and where does it end”, the answer you are under judgment throughout… when your called to run the Dbl Mark, you’ll be met by one of the Judges at a point approximately 50 yards distance, after brief instructions you’ll be asked to remove your lead and leave it where instructed, then heel your dog to the retrieve site where you’re given time to set your dog up for the retrieves and, when ready, call for the birds to begin the sequence, once the retrieving scenarios are complete you’ll be expected to heel your dog out of the Test to pick up your lead and collar your dog. The entire segment is completed off lead, without touching the dog. (Page 32 Aims Programs Test Rules) Blind and Honor… last year during the Blind and Honor segments, some dogs were heeled off lead and some on lead…. In an order to be consistent across all elements and at the level of expectations worthy an Invitational VC title… beginning this year, all Handlers will be required to heel their dogs in and out of the Blind and Honor segments of the VC Test off lead. For this portion of the test there is no ‘Heel Score’ per say, it will be viewed as part of overall obedience. |
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