GUN DOGS: Do you hunt with your Pointing breed dog?
One of the first things people ask me when they learn that I have a “gun dog” is“Do you hunt with him?”
Picture it . . .
Regina, 2017. I’m looking for a somewhat sportier dog than the little cocker spaniel mix we had adopted from the shelter. In swoops my friend Emily, suggesting a Brittany since there was a reputable breeder in Saskatoon. Thus, my journey to learning about my upland bird dog begins!
Patti and Bonhomme – qualifying run during a Field Dog Test, Torrington, Alberta.
Hunting with a companion dog has been done for centuries, and it is still one of the most popular sports in many parts of the world. I figured out pretty early on that my upland bird pointing dog, Bonhomme, was not fully happy unless his nose was working. He made it abundantly clear. In early spring 2019, I signed us up for an online course that taught the fundamentals of hunting with a gun dog. I would come to find that, much like many other resources, this course was geared more towards The Retrievers and less so towards The Pointers. Nonetheless, we were ready for our first hunting season in Fall of 2019, when Bonhomme turned two. I was not prepared for what happened next.
I completely fell in love with the field, and with hunting over my own dog. We did as much hunting as we could that fall, and over the next year, we earned some ribbons and a title in a field dog test. Great!
In 2021, I concerted my efforts to host events locally in Saskatchewan. I hosted a CKC Field Dog Test near Fort Qu’Appelle, under the collaborative auspices of the Brittany Spaniel Club of Canada (BSCC). As event superintendent, the opportunity to learn was bountiful!
Since then, I have traveled several times to Alberta for more competition, and to the Northern US to compete. Below is a basic outline of some popular organizations’ test/trial events.
The CKC Field Dog Test for Pointing Breeds
“The purpose of field dog tests for pointing breeds is to encourage the development and use of those natural abilities for which pointing dogs were originally bred. Pointing dogs were selectively bred from dogs who exhibited pointing and retrieving from land and water instincts. These tests assist breeders who strive to enhance breed improvement by selecting breeding stock that have strongly demonstrated these fundamental breed traits.” ~ Canadian Kennel Club
There are 4 levels of titles in this type of event:
Level 1 • Field Dog Junior Elements required:
Desire to hunt, style running, pace, range, pattern, control, pointing, and reaction to shot.
Level 2 • Field Dog Elements required:
Desire to hunt, style running, pace, range, pattern, control, pointing, reaction to shot, and retrieve on land.
Level 3 • Field Dog Advanced Elements required:
Desire to hunt, style running, pace, range, pattern, control, pointing, retrieve on land, and backing.
Level 4 • Field Dog Excellent Elements required: Desire to hunt, style running, pace, range, pattern, control, pointing, steady to wing and shot, retrieve on land, backing, retrieve from water.
A dog must achieve all of the elements required in each category in order to pass the test with a minimum qualifying score of 85%. They must acquire three qualifying runs before being able to move up to the next level.
The CKC Field Dog Trial for Pointing Breeds
“The purpose of field trials for all CKC recognized pointing breeds is to promote and recognize those dogs that demonstrate the highest pointing dog qualities. They are assessed on a competitive basis in a natural setting using a standard of performance. Pointing dogs were selectively bred from dogs who exhibited pointing and retrieving from land and water instincts. These trials assist breeders who strive to enhance breed improvement by selecting breeding stock that have strongly demonstrated these fundamental breed traits.” ~ Canadian Kennel Club
In a field trial event, there are several stakes and derbys in which dogs can be entered, based on age. A dog is considered to be a “Field Trial Champion” after winning 10 points at approved CKC field trials for pointing breeds.
National Shoot to Retrieve Association (NSTRA)
NSTRA was conceived by a group of hunters in the late 1960’s as a way to extend the normal open upland bird hunting season from a few weeks to a longer period of time. The game is basically the same as a CKC field trial; dogs are braced, and there is usually two fields running concurrently. Trials are scored quickly and dogs move on to compete in round-robin style. There are several US Chapters of NSTRA, and Canada has chapters in Ontario and Quebec. Check out the National Shoot to Retrieve website for more information.
North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association (NAVHDA)
NAVHDA is a group of like-minded people with one thing in common: we all enjoy the thrill of hunting over a well trained versatile dog. NAVHDA has over 95 chapters throughout the US and Canada devoted to helping members train their dogs for upland and waterfowl hunting. NAVHDA hosts four different kinds of tests: natural ability, utility preparatory test, utility test, and invitational test. Judges provide an accurate, complete performance evaluation on each dog that is tested. Three NAVHDA chapters exist in Alberta, and there are also chapters in Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritime provinces.
The bond that you will form with your dog may be the best thing that comes out of training your loyal hunting friend, and it should be fun! Finding a trainer is no easy task here in Saskatchewan, but look for someone who has been working their dogs and can trouble-shoot issues that may crop up in the field. As well, while all dogs will rely on their natural instincts to a certain point, many dogs will require help along the way to acclimate to the field and their job. As with anything, practice makes perfect!
Following the pandemic, the sport of hunting saw a resurgence in popularity. In my experience, it has been the most fun a person can have with their hunting dog. The people I’ve met and made phenomenal friends with, the incredible sporting dogs, and being outdoors are the true prizes in the sport of hunting. If you have a pointing breed, find a way to make it happen for the love of your dog.
Article and photos submitted by
Patti Lee & Randi Benko
Patti Lee and Randi Benko are the founders of Bad Apple Bird Dogs (BABD). They are passionate about upland hunting with their pointing dogs. They have titled in CKC pointing events, NSTRA, and had much success hunting in southern Saskatchewan.
