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Working Dog Certification Program
The primary objective in the establishment of this program is to encourage the development and use of those natural working and retrieving abilities for which the Chesapeake Bay Retriever was originally bred. Additionally, it is hoped that the program will provide another available means to help determine future breeding stock.
Dogs must be at least six months of age and American Kennel Club (AKC) or Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) registered.
Questions? Send an email to the WD Chair . . .
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THE WORKING DOG STAKE AND CERTIFICATE
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The requirements for the Working Dog Certificate are designed primarily to test a dog's natural abilities and therefore, abilities acquired through training are not emphasized. For the most part, the WD Stake should follow the rules in the AKC "Standard Procedure for Non-Slip Retriever Field Trials" and the "Retriever Advisory Supplement." While this point certainly applies to judgment standards and trial mechanics, it is especially important in terms of serious faults, general manners, and correction of dogs under judgment. Areas in which the stakes differ should be those aspects of line manners and test characteristics described below. These are pass/fail non-competitive stakes.
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I. Requirements
A. Description of Tests
1. Land Singles. This test consists of two consecutive singles.The first mark should be a dead bird thrown into light cover so that it is invisible from the line and should fall about 50 yards out. The throw should be accompanied by a blank shot. This long mark in cover will demonstrate whether or not a dog can mark and, if he does not immediately find the bird, is willing to hunt it out. In order to obtain a dead bird for this first mark, one live bird should be shc-t in the area of the fall. The second single should be a live bird shot as a flyer but in a different area from the first mark. The guns should be approximately 20 yards from the line and this bird should fall in light cover. The close position of the shotguns will demonstrate whether or not the dog has a tendency to be gun shy.
2. Water Singles. This test consists of retrieving two ducks as consecutive singles. The first bird shall be a dead duck, thrown in the water, approximately 40 yards from the line, and accompanied by a blank shot. This duck may have a flotation device so that it will float high in the water and be easily seen from the line. The second bird shall be a live mallard shot as a flyer. The line or starting point should be moved so that the duck will fall in a completely different area from the first fall. This second bird should be approximately 30 yards from the line. The reason for the second single is to prove that the dog is willing to enter the water a second time and will retrieve a freshly shot duck.
B. Judges
1. Satisfactory completion of the above tests shall be determined by two judges. Between the two judges they must have judged:
a. Two AKC or CKC licensed Field Trials Qualifying or above, or
b. Two AKC Hunting Tests Senior or Master Level, or
c. Each judge must have judged two WD/WDX/WDQ stakes.
2. Judges should be mailed the requirements for Working Dog Certificates two weeks prior to the tests.
C. Special Points
1. Dogs are not required to be steady and may be held on line while birds are thrown or shot. However, a dog should not be sent until his number has been called by one of the judges.
2. Delivery of a bird within two paces of the handler is acceptable. Hand delivery is not required.
3. Decoys should not be used.
D. Field Trial Credit - Hunting Test Credit
1. Dogs who have successfully completed all series in any stake of an AKC or CKC Licensed Field Trial shall be considered as having fulfilled the requirements for a Working Dog Certificate in lieu of the tests described under "A" above.
2. Dogs who have received a Qualifying score in any Stake of an AKC Licensed or Member Hunting Test shall be considered as having fulfilled the requirements for a Working Dog Certificate in lieu of the tests described under "A" above.
3. A $5.00 fee must accompany the Certificate request to the ACC WD Chairman to cover administrative costs.
II. Management
A. Conditions Governing Working Dog Stakes
1. A Working Dog Stake may be run at any event that is held under the auspices of the ACC.
2. A Working Dog Stake may be held as an adjunct to any AKC Licensed Field Trial.
3. Entry in a Working Dog Stake is the privilege of any owner of a Chesapeake Bay Retriever.
4. A fee of $30.00 will be charged for entry in the Working Dog Stake to Members of the ACC. A fee of $35.00 will be charged for entry in the Working Dog Stake to non-members of the ACC.
B. Organization and Administration
1. Organizational details of the Working Dog Program shall be the responsibility of the Regional Directors. Each Regional Director should:
a. Maintain a supply of application blanks for the Working Dog Certificate.
b. Receive all completed applications and fees. Applications should be verified and checked for accuracy and legibility. Applications and fees, less expenses, then shall be forwarded to the Working Dog Certificate Program Chairman.
c. Provide information about the program and attempt to initiate and organize periodic events at which Working Dog Stakes are held.
d. Be present and assume the role of "field trail chairman" at all Working Dog Stakes in his region or appoint a representative to so function.
e. Ensure that the judges follow the "description of the tests" as previously outlined.
2. The Working Dog Certificate Program Chairman shall be responsible for coordinating the administrative details. As a part of this responsibility the Chairman should:
a. Supply applications and information requested by the Regional Directors.
b. Maintain a record of the names and owners of all dogs issued a certificate.
c. Provide to the Board of Directors at the end of each year a report which lists details and financial outcome of each WD/X/Q Stake held during that year.
d. Issue Working Dog Certificates to dogs who have successfully completed the requirements and for whom a completed application and fee have been submitted.
e. Provide to the ACC Bulletin Editor a listing of the names, numbers, and owners of newly-certified dogs.
3. The Regional Directors and the Chairman should function as a team ensuring that the procedure outlined below is followed for each Working Dog Certificate issued:
a. Application blank is obtained from the appropriate Regional Director.
b. Upon completion of the requirements, the application is signed by both judges.
c. The completed and signed application is returned along with the fee to the Regional Director.
d. The completed and signed application and fee, less expenses, are forwarded to the Chairman who enters the names of the dog and owner in the record.
e. A Working Dog Certificate is sent to the dog's owner.
C. Privileges and limitations of the Working Dog Certificate
1. The receipt of a Working Dog Certificate entitles the owner to indicate his dog's achievement by including the letters "W.D." after the dog's name in documents other than those considered "official" by the AKC.
2. The title "Working Dog" and the so designated letters "W.D." are recognized by the ACC but not necessarily by any other organization.
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Revised 3/93
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WORKING DOG EXCELLENT CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
The following are the extensions to the Working Dog Certification Program to form the Working Dog Excellent Certification Program. Except where noted, all conditions for the WDCP apply to the WDXCP. This should be read and followed in conjunction with the "Working Dog Certification Program" and the 'Guidelines :o Judges and Handlers.'
Dogs must be at least six months old.
I. Requirements
A. Description of Tests
1. Land Single. A dead bird thrown into medium to heavy cover so that it is invisible from the line and should fall about 100 yards out. This long mark in cover is to show that a dog can "mark," has a "good nose" and "perseverance" (willingness to hunt).
2. Land Double. This is to be a true double with no less than 45 degrees between the birds. A dead bird (memory bird) is thrown into light to medium cover, not visible from the line, and should fall about 75 yards out. The second bird should be a live bird shot as a flyer. The guns should be approximately 50 yards from the line, and this bird should fall in light to medium cover.
3. Water single. A dead duck thrown into light cover so that it is invisible from the line and falls about 75 yards out. This long mark is to show that a dog can "mark," has "perseverance," and is confident in water. Decoys are to be used.
4. Water Double. This is to be a true double with no less than 45 degrees between the ducks. A dead duck (memory bird) should fall about 60 yards out. The second duck, shot as a flyer, should fall about 40 yards out. The birds should be in swimming water.
B. Special Points
1. Dogs are required to be steady. Dogs must show a "reasonable degree of steadiness and general obedience." Dogs should not be touched or verbally reprimanded on line.
2. Dogs are required to deliver to hand but not necessarily at heel position.
3. All throws should be accompanied by a shotgun shot or blank shot. Water tests should not encourage bank running or breaking.
4. No handling will be allowed.
C. Field Trial Credit - Hunting Test Credit
1. Dogs who have successfully completed all series in any regular stake of an AKC or CKC Licensed Field Trial shall be considered as having fulfilled the requirements for a Working Dog Excellent Certificate in lieu of the tests described under "A" above.
2. Dogs who have received a Qualifying score in a Senior Hunter Stake or above in an AKC Licensed or Member Hunting Test shall be considered as having fulfilled the requirements for a Working Dog Excellent Certificate in lieu of the tests described in "A" above.
3. A $5.00 fee must accompany the Certificate request to the ACC WD Program Chairman.
D. Privileges and Limitations of the Working Dog Excellent Certificate.
1. The receipt of a Working Dog Excellent Certificate entitles the owner to indicate his dog's achievement by including the letters "W.D.X." after the dog's name in documents other than those considered "official" by the AKC.
2. The title "Working Dog Excellent" and the designated letters "W.D.X." are recognized by the ACC, but not necessarily by any other organization.
II. Management
A. A fee of $35.00 will be charged for entry in the Working Dog Excellent Stake to members of the ACC. A fee of $40.00 will be charged for entry in the Working Dog Excellent Stake to non-members of the ACC.
Revised 3/93
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WORKING DOG QUALIFIED CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
The Working Dog Qualified Certification Program is designed to be an extension of the previously established Working Dog and Working Dog Excellent Programs. In addition to testing a dog's natural abilities, additional training attributes are required. A WDQ Stake should be a fairly demanding test of those abilities expected in a competent, working retriever. Emphasis should be on testing straight forward abilities without resorting to tests containing 'trick" elements.
The following describes extensions to the WD/WDX Programs that form the basis of the WDQ Program. Except where noted, all previously described conditions of the WD/WDX Programs apply to the WDQ Program. -This description should be read and followed in conjunction with the "Working Dog Certification Program," the "Working Dog Excellent Certification Program," and the "Guidelines to Judges and Handlers."
Dogs must be at least six months old.
I. Requirements
A. Description of Tests
1. Land Double. A dead bird (memory bird) should be thrown into medium cover and fall 100 to 130 yards out. A second bird should be a live bird, shot as a flyer, landing approximately 90 yards out in medium cover. There should be no less than 30 degrees between the birds. This should not be designed as a switching test.
2. Land Blind. A dead bird should be placed in light to medium cover about 80 yards from the line. A minor obstacle should be incorporated into the test to encourage handling. This could be a small ditch in front of the line, a sharp angle entry into cover, changes in cover, etc. This should be a down wind bird.
3. Combination Triple. This test is to be a triple mark consisting of two birds in water and a third on land. The area for this test should be chosen carefully to provide reasonably open swimming water with enough adjacent land to run a medium length land mark. The first bird down should be dead and fall on land in medium cover about 80 yards out. A second bird, a dead duck, should be thrown in partial cover in swimming water about 40 yards out. The third bird, a dead duck should be thrown in open, swimming, or running water about 20 yards out. There should be approximately 90 degrees between the land bird and the first duck (second bird thrown). The birds may be retrieved in any order.
4. Water blind. This test must contain at least some swimming water. A dead bird should be placed about 50 yards out so that it is not visible from the line. It can be in light cover. If there is not enough deep water, some running water is acceptable. In this case, the blind should be lengthened, but should never be longer than 70 yards. The line should be 5 to 10 feet back from the shoreline. While a slight angle entry into the water may be necessary, a straight entry is preferred. Sharp angle entries should be avoided.
B. Special Points
1. Items contained in Section B 1-3 of the WDX description apply here.
2. The blinds are expected to be handling tests, and the dogs should exhibit a reasonable willingness to stop and take casts when so commanded. An "out of control dog" who happens to stumble on the bird should not be considered to have passed the test.
3. While marking is of prime importance, handling on marks is permissible. However, if a handler decides to give assistance, the dog should respond readily and handle to the bird in a controlled manner.
4. All birds thrown should be accompanied by a shotgun or blank shot.
5. Dogs are required to deliver to hand, but not necessarily at heel position.
C. Field Trial Credit - Hunting Test Credit
1. Dogs who have successfully completed all series in either a Qualifying, Amateur, Open, or Limited All-Age Stake in a AKC or CKC Licensed Field Trial shall be considered to have fulfilled the requirements for a WDQ certificate. Application must be made to the ACC WD Program Chairman.
2. Dogs who have received a Qualifying Score in an AKC Licensed or Member Hunting Test in the Master Hunter Stake, shall be considered to have fulfilled the requirements for a WDQ Certificate. Application must be made to the ACC WD Program Chairman.
3. A $5.00 fee must accompany the Certificate request to the ACC WD Program Chairman to cover administrative costs.
D. Privileges and Limitations of the WDQ Certificate
1. Receipt of a WDQ Certificate entitles the owner to indicate his dog's achievement by including the letters "W.D.Q." after the dog' s name in documents other than those considered "official" by the AKC.
2. The title, "Working Dog Qualified," and the designating letters, "W.D.Q." are recognized by the ACC, but not necessarily by any other organization.
II. Management
A. An entry fee of $35.00 will be charged for the WDQ Stake to members of the ACC. A fee of $40.00 will be charged to non-members.
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Revised 10/01
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SUGGESTIONS FOR LINE PROCEDURE FOR
WD/WDX/WDQ STAKES
On arrival, sign in and report to the marshal that you are present and ready to run your dog. He will give you your running number. "Air" your leashed dog in space provided and put him back in his crate. Do not let your dog see the tests
Before the test begins, the judge usually will explain the rules of the stake to all handlers. A "test dog" will be run on the first test. Question the judge if you do not understand the test.
There are usually one or two "holding blinds" from which the dog cannot see the tests.
The marshal will call your number and tell you where to take your dog; for instance, he may say, 'Number 1 in first holding blind, number 2 in second holding blind, numbers 3 and 4 get ready." After you have proceeded to the first holding blind and the preceding dog has completed his test, the marshal will call you to the line. The following is the Procedure for Singles:
1. Walk to the line, which judge or marshal will indicate, with dog at heel on lead.
2. Tell judge your number. He will indicate the line. If necessary (WDXMIDQ), remove lead and hand it to marshal.
3. Tell dog "Sit" ("Stay," if necessary). "Mark" - show guns (or throwers) to dog, and leave dog facing that direction. Repeat "Sit" or "Stay" command. Do not touch, knee, or shove dog.
4. Signal judge, when you and dog are ready, by waving your right hand behind you so that it is not visible to the dog.
5. After signaling, do not speak to dog again until after your number is called. Do not touch your dog until after he has run. The judge will signal the gunner to shoot or throw the bird."
6. When the judge calls your number or says, "Dog," send the dog. Take your time. Be sure that he is ready and looking in the right direction. If the dog "breaks" (goes before his number is called), order him to "heel," but do not threaten or intimidate him. If he heels promptly, it is called a "controlled break," and he is still eligible to continue the stake. When the judge calls your number, send the dog.
7. Stand quietly until the dog picks up the bird. If the dog doesn't find the bird, the judge will signal the gunners to help dog or tell you to "pick-up" (call) your dog.
8. When the dog picks up the bird, blow a few sharp whistle blasts, a "come-in."
9. Repeat whistle if necessary to get the dog to come directly back. As the dog approaches, firmly call him to heel. Do not threaten him. Take the bird from the dog anytime AFTER he has crossed over the line. If the dog retrieves the bird to heel position, take it and place it behind your back. Do not put it on the ground. The judge, marshal, or bird steward will take it.
10. If the dog drops the bird before crossing the line, you may tell him to fetch it. Be firm! If you touch the bird before dog has crossed the line, you have failed the test. If the test does not require delivery to hand, as in the WD Stake, and the dog drops the bird after crossing the line, you may pick the bird up.
11. Put lead back on the dog and leave the line. In tests that require dogs to be steady, the lead is replaced after the dog is behind the judges' chairs.
Procedure for Multiple Retrieves: Generally, the dog who is ready for multiple retrieves is 'Steady'. He will stay on the line until he is sent. In WD/WDX/WDQ tests, the dogs may be brought to the line on leash. In field trials, with the exception of the Derby, leashes are removed behind the judges' chairs.
1. Walk to line, with leashed dog at heel, give your number to the judge, and he will indicate the line.
2. Tell dog to "Sit" and "Mark." Question the judge if you do not understand the test. Indicate all gunners to the dog, in the reverse order in which the birds are to be thrown, so that the dog is left facing the first bird to be thrown or shot. Repeat command "Sit," or "Stay."
3. Signal judge when you and your dog are ready, by waving behind you.
4. Do not speak to your dog again until after judge has called your number. You may not touch your dog until test completion.
5. After the first bird is shot and the dog has marked it, pivot towards the next bird to get the dog in position to mark the fall. The judge, not you, will signal for the next bird. If it is a triple retrieve, you will pivot towards the third bird, and the judge will signal for it. When the judge calls your number, send your dog for the last bird down. Be sure the dog is looking at the bird; if necessary, point at it with your left hand, or move a step towards it. When the dog retrieves the bird to heel position, before you take the bird, try to have him lined up towards the next bird to be retrieved. It will help him to remember it. After the dog has retrieved his first bird, you may line him up on the next bird by patting your leg. Take your time. At your discretion, send him on the next bird WHEN HE IS LOOKING IN THE CORRECT DIRECTION.
*DO NOT TOUCH DOG BETWEEN BIRDS-DO NOT PICK UP BIRDS FROM GROUND
6. When test is finished, put your dog back on leash, and walk off the line before you praise the dog. (you also may give a big sigh of relief!)
Note: Always hand bird to the judge or hold it behind you until someone takes it from you. Do not drop bird on the ground.
Revised: 10/01
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