"Hunt Tests Are Rewarding and Fun For Both You And Your Dog"
It's a great way to meet other dog owners and trainers that have the same interests as you and you'll find your new friends rooting you on to a highly rewarding accomplishment for both you and your dog. If you don't feel comfortable running your own dog, we will be happy to do it for you while you stand by to accept the awards.......
Hunt Tests are tests designed to score your dog on certain abilities that play an intricate part in becoming a hunting retriever. Here the dog is not competing against the other entries, but against a "standard." This "standard" was established by AKC/UKC/HRC as a means of judging good hunting retrievers and is modified periodically as and when needed.
Dogs are judged in four divisions:
JH "Junior Hunter" dog is judged only on marked retrieves, no blinds and the dog need not be steady, but may be held. This is generally the beginning level for most people.
SH "Senior Hunter" is the next step and here the dog in addition to marked retrieves must also be able to deal with relatively easy blind retrieves, honoring another dog's retrieve, and be steady.
MH "Master Hunter" is the top level and here the dog is required to retrieve difficult marking situations such as three or more birds down prior to being sent to retrieve and be able to honor another dog's retrieve. The dog in general must exhibit those qualities which must be expected in a truly finished and experienced hunting retriever.
MNH "Master National Hunter" To qualify for the Master National event, a dog must have a total of 5 MH qualifications in its first 7 attempts each year. In addition, every dog running in the MN event must also have an MH title from the AKC. If a dog does not earn 5 qualifications in its first 7 attempts it can still qualify by passing 8 master tests during the qualifying period.
Trainer / Handler Terminology and Commands
 "Marked Retrieves" retrieves in which the dog sees the bird fall and spots where the bird fell.
"Blind Retrieves" a retrieve that simulates a hunting situation in which the dog does not see the bird fall and must be Handled/Cast towards the bird to get the retriever to pick up the scent.
"Casting" are hand signals given by the handler or trainer to command or direct the retriever in the direction of the bird. (This is mainly done when the dog does not see the fall or doesn't remember it).
"Remote Sit" teaches the dog to sit on command by using a single peep from a whistle while dog in the field or a remote area. The dog is expected to sit and watch for new direction.
"Double T" a drill that teaches casting from left to right, to go backwards and towards you.
"Back" command used to send the dog directly backwards or further back into the field.
"Here" command that tells the dog to come to you.
"Over" command given by way of hand signals/aka Casting to direct the dog from left or right.
"Single, Doubles, Triples" a single, double, triple Marking, Retrieve.
"Poison Birds" birds that are downed but the retriever is not allowed to pick up.
"Diversion Birds" birds thrown to try to distract divert the retriever from the given retrieve.
All test levels are designed to simulate, as nearly as possible, true hunting situations and natural hazards, obstacles, numerous decoys, hunting gear, ducks and pheasants, duck calls and things that make it seem like a real hunting situation....
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