WEST WIND RETRIEVERS & TRAINING
Competition Training
For the competitive dog owner and sportsman
Even if competition is not your ultimate goal, the relationship that training forms between you and your dog will be very rewarding.
Competition Training
You're interested in leaning more about Competitions but not sure where to start? Allow us to help you through the basics.
Q. Why participate in competitions?
A. Hunt tests and Field Trials are family-oriented events. They not only allow your dog to spend more time with your family, but also connect you to a network of great people, who share your same love of quality working dogs. A common misconception is training a dog for Hunt Tests or Field Trials is something different than what people want in a gun dog. This isn't true at all. Elements involved in a Hunt Test or Field Trial are representative of real hunting scenarios your dog is likely to encounter. The biggest difference between a "Gun Dog" and a "Competition Dog" is their level of training and their handling ability. No matter what level of AKC or UKC event you're interested in, West Wind Retrievers & Training can help prepare you and your dog to enjoy them and bring home some ribbons and titles!
Q. What's the difference between a "Hunt Test" and a "Field Test"
A. A Hunt Test, is an event at which the natural ability and training of a gun dog is evaluated against a written standard. Each dog that meets this standard, earns a "Pass." Hunt Tests are organized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), the North American Hunting Retriever Association (NAHRA), and the United Kennel Club (UKC). Hunt Tests are a great way for your retriever to gain titles. Eligible Hunt Test breeds include, but are not limited to: Boykin Spaniels, Chesapeake Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, and Standard Poodles.
During a Hunt Test, your dog is competing against the test, which focuses of certain standards.
A Field Trial is a competitive event, at which retrievers compete against one another. Field Trials are generally considered more competitive than hunt tests, in that success at a Field Trial requires a higher level of training than success at a Hunt Test. For example, in Retriever Field Trials, dogs retrieve over longer distances with a more complex path, than a Retriever Hunt Test would generally provide. Eligible Field Trial breeds include, but are not limited to: Chesapeake Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Labrador Retrievers.
During a Field Trial, your dog is competing against other dogs.
" Mazey"
Call Name: Mazey
AKC:
Breeder: Mary Howley
Owner: Sonny Williams
Trainer: Scooter Kello
Master titled at 22 months old. She has several HRCH passes just waiting on the test to open to get the title. Thank you to Mary Howley for breeding such a fine animal and Sonny Williams for allowing us the pleasure of training her.
" Tigger"
Call Name: Tigger
AKC: Lochmuir Titus Brenjon"
Breeder: West Wind Retrievers & Training
Owner: John & Sara Kello
Trainer: Scooter Kello
AKC Senior Title and UKC HR Title
Our trainers are both knowledgeable and personable at West Wind. We will walk you though all aspects of the Competition.
We also offer award winning handling services for the owner that doesn't like to be in the spotlight.
WEST WINDS WALL OF FAME
Ribbons: Junior Title Owners:
Ribbons: Junior Hunter Owners: Jay and Chris Tinsman
Ribbon: Junior Pass. Owners: Michelle and Brian Vick
Programs & Investment
Please complete the WWRT Training Contract and bring it with you when you drop your dog off for training.
Started/ Junior Hunter
During the Started/ Junior Hunter training your dog will go through basic obedience training (sit, here, and heel), Electronic Collar conditioning, force fetch (delivering to hand), whistle sit, introduction to birds, gunshot, and more.
Upon completion of this level of training your dog will be able to run single marks, delivering to hand after returning the bird to the handler both on land and in water.
This is a 4 Month Min Program
Your investment: $800/Month
Seasoned/ Senior Hunter
During the Seasoned/ Senior Hunter training, your dog will be able to run multiple marks out to 65-100 yards, depending on your dog’s development, both on land and in water, with varying terrain and cover.
They will also be able to run a cold blind on land and water, in which a bird is already planted in the field, and use hand signals to direct them to the bird.
This is a 6 - 8 Month Program
Your investment: $800/Month
Finished/ Master Hunter
At the Finished/Master Hunter level, your dog will have graduated to a highly advanced level of training. Your dog will be able to run triple marks at long distances, multiple blinds, honor another dog running, be able to navigate different terrains (brush, corn, peninsulas, etc.). They will also be able to run off dog stands, out of boats, from dog blinds, and show high levels of obedience.
This is a 9 - 12 Month Program
Your Investment: $800/Month
11368 Windsor Blvd., Windsor, VA 23487
757-353-1741