[Orion]

Jim,<br> You've mentioned the "companion hunting dog" several times, and you<br> seem to contrast that with a "hunt test dog" in your mind.&nbsp; To me,<br> they are one in the same, at least, if we are talking about HRC flavor<br> hunt tests.&nbsp; The following snips are cut directly from the HRC<br> Rulebook:<br> <br> "The Hunting Retriever Club, Inc. and the United Kennel Club, Inc. are<br> providing a program to develop the hunting retriever to fulfill its<br> intended purpose in life - hunting...The Hunting Retriever Club, Inc.<br> (HRC), in affiliation with the United Kennel Club, Inc. (UKC), provides<br> hunters an arena in which they may train and test their retrievers in<br> true-to-life hunting situations.<br> <br> Judges should strive to set up tests and judge hunting retrievers in<br> natural situations, evaluating the retriever on qualities desirable in<br> a hunting retriever. Although the complexity of the tests will vary<br> from Started to Grand, the underlying philosophy should remain the<br> same; that being to test the retrievers in hunting tests and to<br> evaluate them as useful hunting companions.<br> <br> The purpose of the licensed hunt is to test hunting retrievers afield<br> under actual hunting conditions. Those hunting retrievers that<br> demonstrate desirable hunting abilities will be rewarded with titles<br> and incorporated into a sound-breeding program. The other reward of the<br> program is better hunting retrievers afield during hunting seasons<br> across the country, less lost game, and more enjoyable hunting."<br> <br> Many people have a mistaken notion that some special training, and/or a<br> special dog, (over and above what you would need for a companion<br> hunting dog), is needed for participating in HRC hunt tests.&nbsp; No<br> offense, but I think you are perpetuating this myth.&nbsp; Nothing<br> could be further from the truth.<br> <br> My dog has earned a Hunting Retriever Champion title from the<br> HRC.&nbsp; He is&nbsp; not some kind of special hunt test dog, he is<br> simply my hunting buddy.&nbsp; He is my companion hunting dog.&nbsp; A<br> companion hunting dog is a dog for the average hunter.&nbsp; It is a<br> dog that has been trained to mark multiple falls, and a dog that the<br> hunter has reasonable control over.&nbsp; A companion hunting dog<br> should be able to do well in the HRC Seasoned and Finished<br> categories.&nbsp; I am a licensed Seasoned and Finished judge with the<br> HRC.&nbsp; The question that my co-judge and I answer with each dog<br> that we evaluate is "Would I want to hunt with this dog?".<br> <br> I would be interested to hear your explanation of the difference between a "companion hunting dog" and a "hunt test dog".<br> <br> Regards,<br> Kevin<br> <br>

 

[Orion]

Thanks Jim, sorry if I misunderstood.&nbsp; <br> <br> I just wish that "Average Joe Hunter" would understand the purpose of the HRC hunt test program.&nbsp; Earning ribbons is not the purpose.&nbsp; If AJH could only understand that when they have a dog that can consistently pass HRC Seasoned or Finished tests, they will conserve more game and have a more pleasurable and safer time afield.&nbsp; That's what it's all about.&nbsp; It's just very frustrating...<br>

 

[Orion]

I took the hot dog &amp; clicker comment as humor, and I think Jim did too.&nbsp;&nbsp; I have met&nbsp; CMDUX, and knowing him, he was probably smiling as he typed that response. <br> <br> On the serious side, hot dog chunks and clickers do have their place.&nbsp; I have found HD chunks work great in the initial stages of obedience training a new pup.&nbsp; I have never used a clicker, but understand that many people have gotten great results with this tool.&nbsp; My daughter, who may be getting her first retriever within the year, will probably get trained in the clicker method, because that's what the breeder recommends (these are Boykin Spaniels).<br> <br>