1. Gundog Working Test (GWT)

A gundog is any purebred dog registered in Group 3 (Gundogs). Many are shown in conformation, or compete in agility, jumping or obedience. Some gundogs also compete in Gundog Working Tests (GWT). There are two levels of the Gundog Working Test (GWT): novice and open.

GWT Novice:

The Novice level is judged out of 100 points and includes obedience and retrieving components. The obedience part of the test is not as demanding as the novice level of obedience trials; it is intended to demonstrate that you have your dog under control.

To attain a qualifying score, a dog must receive at least 50 per cent of available points in each exercise and an overall score of not less than 75 percent of available points. The handler may use whistles, voice and hand signals to control the dog, which must complete all exercises without lead or collar.

GWT Open:

The second level in the Gundog Working Test, the open competition is judged out of 100 points. As in the novice competition, a qualifying dog must earn at least half of the available points in each exercise, and no less than 75 per cent overall. Voice and hand signals are perfectly acceptable, as are whistles, but leads and collars must be removed.

The first two exercises, the heel and the recall, are each worth 15 points and are the same as in the novice level of testing: a straight heel of 30 metres and a simple recall at the same distance.

2. Retrieving Trials (RT)

When their owners want to really test the abilities their dog has shown in the GWT, they work in Retrieving Trials (RT). Both the GWT and RT competitions are only open to registered gundogs.

The basics

There are three levels of competition in RTs; all test the dog’s abilities at a higher level than the Open competition of the GWT. Novice is the introductory level, followed by Restricted, and the top level is All Age.

At RTs, the dogs have to retrieve over much longer distances than the GWT. Retrieves of up to 100 metres can be expected in the Novice competition, and up to 150 metres in Restricted and All Age.

GWTs are normally held by obedience clubs, or at Gundog Group shows and obedience trials. They tend to be held at ovals or dog club grounds, so have limited area and terrain.

RTs are held on country properties, where the terrain is much more challenging; it may be up hills, through gullies, and with thick cover. The cover may include tussocks or long grass, which conceal the retrieve and force the dog to use its nose to scent it out.

RT challenges

Usually, RTs test dogs over three ‘runs’, sometimes more. Each run includes heeling and general obedience in the control area, plus the retrieves.

In the RT control area, the handler removes the lead and collar, takes the gun, and heels to the ‘firing’ point. The handler sends the dog for the retrieve and may use voice, whistle, and hand signals to control the dog if necessary.

Guns are not used in GWTs, but as RT dogs must be tested as to gun shyness, the handler or a gun steward fires a shotgun over or near the dog.

Dogs in RTs must retrieve through or into water. At least one run must involve the dog swimming; in winter this may be in freezing water, and the dog must face the challenge.

More information on tests, latest trials and training is available from http://www.australianworkingretrievercentral.org.au/