Field trials. Just hearing the words can make a new handler break into a cold sweat. Dogs, judges, competition, and of course, the pressure. But here's a secret: sometimes the most nerve-wracking part isn’t handling the dog—it’s figuring out all the other moving parts. So, if you’re about to embark on your first field trial, take a deep breath. Let’s walk through what you can expect, and by the end, you might even feel (dare we say) excited!
Why Are Field Trials a Thing?
Before we dive in, let’s address the big question: Why are field trials even a thing? The Epagneul Breton is, first and foremost, a bird dog. The CEB-US is fully committed to preserving that rich bird dog tradition and proudly support the hunting community. However, there isn’t a concrete way to measure or document a dog’s hunting performance. Enter field trials: a way to track and evaluate a dog’s ability in a controlled environment, providing valuable data for pedigrees and the overall advancement of the breed.
It’s important to note that field trials are not meant to replace real hunting experiences. They serve as a tool for breeders and enthusiasts to evaluate dogs, but we fully recognize that the trial setup has its limitations and doesn’t perfectly mimic the chaos and excitement of an actual hunt.
First Things First: Finding a Trial
Before you even start daydreaming about ribbons, titles and bragging rights, you need to find a trial to participate in. CEB-US, which is aligned with the United Kennel Club (UKC), offers plenty of opportunities, and the UKC Pointing Dog webpage is your treasure map. Whether you’re an Epagneul Breton fanatic or just dipping your toes into the UKC system, this is the first place you should look. You can also check the CEB-US website, but don’t be surprised if some events aren’t listed there. With the growing popularity of field trials, plenty of non-EB events are cropping up, and you’ll want to keep an eye on the UKC calendar for those.
Now, once you’ve chosen an event that works with your schedule and location (hopefully it’s not too far from a decent breakfast joint because we all know coffee is key), you’ll be faced with... the Premium.
The Premium: Your Field Trial Bible
What is this mystical document known as the Premium? Simply put, it’s the rundown for the event. Think of it as a cheat sheet that includes everything from the location and trial type, to lodging recommendations, contact info, and more. Basically, everything you need to know to survive the weekend.
You can usually find the Premium linked to on the UKC calendar, but if not, don’t be afraid to reach out to the trial host, chairman, or secretary. They’ll send you the goods and answer any of your questions. They’ve heard it all, so don't be shy.
Types of Events: Liberated vs. Wild
Once you have your Premium in hand, one of the first things you’ll notice is what type of event is planned. You’ll come across the terms Type L and Type W. No, this isn't a fancy secret code. These letters simply stand for Liberated and Wild, and trust us, knowing the difference is important.
Liberated (Type L): This trial uses pen-raised birds that are placed in the field by hand. It’s like dropping Easter eggs for bird dogs, and once they find the bird, they’re expected to retrieve it after it’s shot. Liberated trials typically use bobwhite quail or chukar.
Wild (Type W): These trials are a bit more rugged. Wild trials are run on land with—you guessed it—wild birds. No birds are harvested here; instead, handlers will blank gun the flush (essentially mimicking a shot) when the dog finds a bird. Your dog gets all the thrill without any actual game being harvested.
Most folks start out in Liberated trials since they offer a bit more control, but if your dog has a knack for tracking wild birds, give it a go! Besides the expectation for a retrieve, the rules for Liberated and Wild are the same.
The Course: Continuous vs. Limited Successive
The next thing you’ll notice in the Premium is the course type. This is where it gets a bit technical, but don’t worry, it's not as complicated as it sounds.
Continuous Course: In this setup, your run starts where the last one left off. It's as if the field itself is one long story, and you’re just picking up where the previous handler’s tale ended.
Limited Successive Course: In these cases, the course is a loop—an out-and-back sort of deal. Dogs don’t run over the same ground on consecutive runs, which is handy when space is tight.
If you’re new, the course type won’t factor much into your decision-making, but it’s good to know what to expect.
UKC Judging: You vs. the Rulebook (and a Little Competition)
Now, here's where UKC trials stand out from the pack. The judging in UKC is twofold: your dog will be evaluated against the standard laid out in the rulebook, and then—if they pass—they’ll be judged against the other dogs that passed.
The first part is straightforward. As long as your dog checks off all the boxes outlined in the rules, you’ll receive a Pass. No need to stress here—a Pass is a great result! It means your dog performed well and is one step closer to earning a title (but we’ll save that conversation for another time).
Now, after all the passing dogs are tallied, the judge has the option to pick a winner and sometimes a runner-up, comparing the dogs based on performance. This part is where a bit of subjectivity creeps in. Typically, judges are looking for a dog that delivered a standout performance—maybe they had an extra polished retrieve or nailed a particularly tricky find or covered the field with power and grace.
Here’s the cool thing: even if your dog doesn’t take home the top prize, they can still earn a ribbon for their efforts. Unlike some other venues, where it’s all or nothing, the UKC rewards dogs for meeting the standard and acknowledges those that really shine. It’s not a participation trophy—it’s recognition that your dog met the expectations of the trial. And that’s something to be proud of!
Final Thoughts: Ready, Set, Go!
There you have it—Field Trials 101. It might seem overwhelming at first, but just like any good adventure, preparation is key. With the Premium in hand and your dog by your side, you’re already well on your way to a successful trial experience. And who knows? You might just find that it’s not as intimidating as it seems. The next step is picking which class to enter your dog. We will dive into that in part two of the Field Trial 101 series.
And remember, the first step to winning a field trial is showing up. The second step? Having fun.
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