WHAT IS THE WORKING GUNDOG CERTIFICATE?
The aim of the Working Gundog Certificate (WGC) is to provide credible proof that the handler and dog are a competent partership, with qualities to fulfil the general requirements of work on a shoot.
The certificate may be gained by a partnership at each level of several types of event so that all aspects of the dogs work in the shooting field will be recognised as its training progresses.
Partnerships already fully experienced in working with game may just take the certificate on a shoot. The certificate will be issued by the Kennel Club and will list those tasks acheived on the day.
Successful partnerships will have the distinction of having their names published in the Kennel Gazette
WHO CAN TAKE PART?
The WGC is open to all kennel Club registered gundogs and their handlers. It is not a competition, but each handler/dog partnership is assessed against a set of criteria which is set down in the handbook.
WHAT IS REQUIRED?
Handlers and dogs will be required to demonstrate competence in the following:
Control
Obedience
Temperament
Hunting
Retrieving
WHERE AND HOW WILL THE ASSESSMENT TAKE PLACE?
The WGC can be acheived at a variety of events:
A Shoot using game
A WGC day for dogs that retrieve using dummies
A WGC day for dogs that point
A Gundog Working Test (GWT)
On a shoot assessors will observe the participants throughout the day as they work their dogs in their usual role. The assessors will not devise any situations but simply be observing how the handler and dog cope with the specific tasks which arise naturally during the day
At a WGC day for dogs that retrieve, the criteria will be assessed using simulated shooting field exercises:
Handlers and dogs walk together to the start area with the dogs off lead and under control
A simulated drive with dogs assessed both in the beating line and waiting at pegs
Hunting for seen dummies after the drive
A marked retrieve from water
A marked retrieve from over an obstacle
a steadiness exersise where the dogs are left together whilst handlers collect up decoys
At a WGC day for dogs that point the dogs will be assessed on hunting, locating, pointing and steadiness, The dogs should hunt the ground in a regular pattern, point live game, produce on command and be steady to flush and shot. Some participants may wish to take the retrieving assessment which might be organised on the day or a later WGC day, a GWT or on a shoot.
An assessment at a GWT will be assessed against the criteria either by using separate exercises or using the exercises available on the day.
WHO WILL CARRY OUT THE ASSESSMENT?
Participants will be assessed by a qualified assessor and if there are more than 3 participants, a second assessor will be appointed. The assessors are all knowledgeble dog people who will have been chosen particulary for their expertise with working gundogs. They will be helpful to the participants throughout the day giving appropriate explanations, advice and guidance if required.
WHO CAN ORGANISE A DAY?
Whether you are a gundog trainer, an individual or part of an organisation you can apply for permission to run an assessment day. Anyone wishing to participate in the WGC should register their interest via the contact form.
The WGC Handbook gives full details for organisers, participants and assessors, and these or further help and advice on this prestigious award, can be obtained from the kennel club.