Every Epagneul Breton owner has their own story of connection, whether it's through hunting, companionship, or simply marveling at the breed's beauty and charm. For Brian Brouckaert, a CEB-US member and first-time field trial participant, that connection led him to step outside his comfort zone and embrace a new challenge at the 2024 CEB-US Conclave.
In his piece, Piper Was Right: Observations from a First-Time Field Trial Participant, Brian shares his journey of learning, preparation, and ultimately experiencing the joy of competing with his dog, Piper. His story highlights the welcoming nature of the EB community — one that encourages all owners, regardless of experience, to explore the full potential of their bond with their dogs.
This article is more than just an account of field trialing; it’s a testament to how the CEB-US strives to be a resource for every owner. Whether you're a seasoned handler or someone who’s simply curious about trying something new, the CEB-US community is here to support you. Together, we celebrate these shared experiences that bring us closer to our dogs and to each other.
Dive into Brian’s reflections, and let them inspire you to create your own unforgettable memories with your Epagneul Breton. Who knows? You might just find yourself at the starting line of your first trial, following in Piper’s footsteps at the 2025 National Conclave.
Piper Was Right - Observations from a First Time Field Trial Participant
[written by Brian Brouckaert]
We all believe we have the best dog ever. We are all correct! I own, and hunt with
Piper, a five-year old, tricolor, female Epagneul Breton. Walking through a southern
pine woods as she searches for our next bird is one of the richest joys of my blessed
life.
Competing in a field trial has always been something others do. Folks with a kennel
and several dogs. Maybe a breeder or a handler. Perhaps even the fortunate few who
retire early and dedicate themselves to a dog or two. A field trial was too much to
consider; too daunting, too scary, just too much for Piper and me to even think about. It
was a world for serious bird dog enthusiasts. A field trial was all those things; until it
wasn’t.
When I received an emailed newsletter announcing the details of the 2024 CEB-US
Conclave in Lumpkin, Georgia, my curiosity was piqued. Lumpkin is only five hours
away from my home on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Maybe I could just go watch those
other guys in action. Yeah, that would be fun, and non-threatening, just go watch. I
called Jackie Hutwagner, he is the breeder that provided me with Piper. Jackie is a first-
rate bird dog man who also happened to be the host, along with his wife Lori, for the
Conclave (Nationals for EBs). A few minutes into our conversation Jackie had me
convinced to enter the fray, not to simply watch. He assured me there are categories
for newcomers like Piper and me to participate in. When we hung up the phone I had
that feeling I get when I stray too far from my comfort zone. Still, the idea of seeing how
my girl Piper measures up to some of the best of our breed, was intoxicating. Jackie
made sure I had the link to register. After a few hesitant ”stop and start” moments, I
finally completed her registration for two events. She would participate in the Water
Retrieve Trial (WRT) and in the Gun/Solo Liberated field trial. At the time, I knew
almost nothing about what this all meant. I only knew there was much to learn, and my
hesitation was being replaced by excitement to dive in.
Getting Ready
To prepare for the upcoming field trial event, I quickly discovered valuable resources to
help a first-time handler and dog. The UKC has a rule book available online, it is long
and intimidating until you begin to focus on your event(s). Most of the rules are rooted
in common sense—for example, your dog isn’t allowed to fight with other dogs. I read
the rules, reread them and subtly applied the demands of the trial to my interactions
with Piper. For instance, dogs cannot compete with correction collars. I backed off on
the number of tone corrections I made during hunts and off leash runs. I took the collar off for the first 15 minutes of each hunt or training session, matching the event’s run
duration.
The CEB-US Conclave then began a three-part instructional newsletter entitled, Field
Trial 101- What to Expect (and Why You Shouldn’t Panic). It was as if someone knew
doubts were forming in me. It was as if the article was written just for me. The opening
line, “Field Trials, just hearing the words can make a new handler break into a cold
sweat.” The cause of my cold sweat was this: I am not a handler, just a guy with an EB
who likes to hunt birds. None the less, the guides were very comforting, walking me
through what to expect step-by- step. It didn’t take long to get comfortable with the
thought that neither Piper nor I were likely to embarrass ourselves. We were going to
be fine.
With a mere month until the event, we did some focused work. We worked on water
retrieves with quail. We worked on firming up point with a single “whoa” command,
excessive instruction is discouraged. We worked without a collar. Almost all of this was
second nature to Piper, she loves to hunt and wants to please. During one of our hunts,
it hit me, the key to this whole thing is simple: Piper doesn’t know anything about UKC
rules or judges or ribbons…Piper just wants to hunt in a way that pleases me. We will
just show up and hunt for 15 minutes while trying to honor a few rules that might get
her/us disqualified. Whatever the judges think is fine with me, I have the best dog ever
(remember, we all do!).
The Conclave Experience
My wife, and I arrived in Lumpkin Georgia the evening before Piper’s two events. It was
the end of day 2 of the Conclave. We met breeders and trainers and officers of the
club. We ate dinner with a table full of new friends. We talked about our dog and
listened to others talk about theirs. We admired some of the most beautiful dogs God
has ever made, we even won a Nebraska prairie chicken hunt at the auction. It was the
perfect evening, but I was getting that feeling again, like I was in very deep water and
never finished my swimming instruction. Piper seemed unfazed.
The next morning, we arrived early, ready to take on the day. Piper was assigned to
battery six. I met the judge for our battery, the Honorable Bud Shipp. He was kind,
helpful and encouraging. We were going to be fine.
Late in the morning Piper performed her Water Retrieve Trial, it was NOT intimidating, it
was NOT stressful. Judge William Crowe guided us through the process. I controlled
the dog, a bird was thrown into the water, a blank gun was fired. Piper swam out and
brought the bird back to me. That was it; it took perhaps 60 seconds, Piper passed, she
would get a nice ribbon. The day was already a giant success. Piper did not seem to
care or even notice. To her, she was just going for a swim and getting to hold a bird in her mouth. As we walked back to the central event, I knew my dog could sense there
were birds around and she wanted to hunt them! I repeat, we were going to be fine.
By mid-afternoon it was time for Piper’s field trial run. Judge Bud Shipp gathered up the
dogs and handlers for battery six and went over some housekeeping items. I had
memorized the rules for our events, so there were no surprises. Piper would run third
of seven dogs. I put her in an assigned crate, and we headed out with the group. In no
time it was Piper’s turn to run. The butterflies in my stomach were so strong it caught
me off guard, Piper didn’t seem to care or even notice. Judge Shipp instructed me to
release my dog, it turned out Piper was right…we were just out hunting birds with a
couple guys who can really shoot a shotgun (there are dedicated shooters at these
events), and another guy taking notes and giving helpful advice (Judge Shipp). The 15
minutes went by in the blink of an eye, we were just hunting birds, it is what we love.
Piper did a fine job of pointing and retrieving a couple of Georgia Bobwhites. As I
leashed her at the end of the run, I could swear she gave me a look that said, “Why
can’t you shoot like those guys?” Piper was right again. In the end, Judge Shipp had
some complimentary words for my dog that only confirmed what I already knew, Piper is
the best dog ever, just like your dog.
In Summary
I am not a trainer, not a handler, I had zero experience with bird dog trials. I had never
been to one. We showed up at the 2024 Conclave with no expectations. We had a
memorable time. We met the finest and most eclectic group of people one could ever
imagine. Everyone was helpful and supportive. The fears and trepidation were for
nothing. All the preparation and study, fun and even slightly challenging. The path to
success was simple, and well laid out by the sequence of newsletters from the club.
Competing in a field trial has always been something others do. Folks with a kennel
and several dogs. Maybe a breeder or a handler. Perhaps even the fortunate few who
retire early and dedicate themselves to a dog or two. Field trials are also for folks like
me and like you. Responsible Breton owners who want to be closer to the breed, who
are curious about how their dog measures up. By now you likely have a little voice in
your head telling you that a field trial is something you can do too. That voice is right,
listen to it. Find an event, sign up, spend some extra time with your dog in preparation,
and get ready for the time of your life. When it comes to being nervous, just follow your
dog’s lead!
Join the Epagneul Breton Community!
Brian’s journey with Piper is a perfect example of how enriching it can be to step into new experiences with your Epagneul Breton. Whether you’re looking to try your first field trial, learn more about the breed, or simply connect with others who share your passion, the CEB-US community is here to support and welcome you.
We invite you to be part of this incredible community. Have questions or want to get started? Contact us and we’ll be happy to provide resources, answer questions, and help you and your EB take the next step together.
Ready to join us in person? Check out our Event Calendar to find upcoming trials, training days, and gatherings near you. We can’t wait to meet you and your amazing EB.