Storm was “test dog” for last weekend’s hunt test.  The test dog runs the test before it begins so that the judges can make sure it will run smoothly and to see if they need to make any adjustments.  The idea is not to change anything once the dogs that are entered start running, although adjustments can be made if needed.  The test dog is also a visual explanation of the test for the handlers.  Sometimes questions about the set-up crop up as the test dog is running and they can be addressed at that time.

Storm was thrilled to be test dog and I was able to stand nice and close and get some good pictures of her working.  I had to take Freighter’s photos from much farther away so as not to disturb him or the test, but for Storm I was standing up near the line.  Storm will be 8 years old in about a month but she still has a lot of pep in her step especially if retrieving involves birds.

Storm Heading Out To Retrieve The Flyer Through Heavy Cover
Storm Heading Out To Retrieve The Flyer Through Heavy Cover
Returning With The Shot Bird Through Cover
Returning With The Shot Bird Through Cover
Nice Work Storm
Nice Work Storm
Delivering The Second Mark To Hand Behind The Holding Blind
Delivering The Second Mark To Hand Behind The Holding Blind
Storm With A Blind Retrieve
Storm With The Blind Retrieve On Land
Water Mark
Water Mark

The land portion of this test required Storm to get through some heavy cover.  The water series required that she hunt in heavy cover and cattails on the edge of the pond.  This would have been much more difficult for her if she were not in shape.

Thanks to SlimDoggy, MyGBGV Life, and To Dog with Love for the FitDog Friday Blog Hop!

FitDog Friday
FitDog Friday

18 thoughts on “Testing The Test

  1. Great job, Storm!! And great pix, Linda! I love being able to see the joy in Storm’s eye’s as she does the job she’s been trained — oh so well — to do!!

  2. That’s awesome! Nose work has the same thing, but they call it the white dog. Thanks for joining the hop!

  3. Looks like you’re doing a great job and having an equally great time.

    sumskersandearlskers13.blogspot.com

    1. We were the Marshals at the stake (the marshal kind of runs it) so we said we would bring Storm. There were not a lot of dogs entered so we had to be sure to have an extra dog for the honor part of the test too. She was not otherwise entered.

  4. Way to go Storm, test dog is great because your dog gets to run and not have to pay for it. I was snapping pictures of Nellie today and was going to do a post on training test dog or set up dog so great minds think alike today 🙂

  5. Love the water mark retrieve photo! Storm on the fly! Good way to keep her actively involved.

  6. you got a lot of great photos! I love seeing Storm in action, and she’s clearly thrilled (though businesslike).

  7. You can see how much she loves it. I’m glad she can continue to be involved. I bet that helps keep her young.

  8. Nice work! Can the judges evaluate the test dog? With pointing dog tests, you can volunteer your dog to be a “bye” dog, if another dog that’s being tested needs a brace mate. The “bye” dog can be unofficially evaluated by judges if you want.

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