Working Together

Ray

Toby pointing grouse at Lauder

Working Together Assessment

The Assessment for Working Together will take place during the IRWS Club of GB Open or Championship Shows or at special events.

Participants will already be entered at the show or, if not taking part in the show, will be entered for the Assessment on a designated entry form.

Each dog will complete the assessment criteria and will be marked by the assessor against a standard of excellence. The assessor will be someone of experience of what is required of a dog in the field.

Level 1 Bronze Shot

1. Walk dog calmly round field on lead.

2. On command from assessor, drop dog at side. Release lead and walk away from dog for a minimum of 6 feet (dog to remain in drop position) and return to dog.

3. Command dog to sit. Release lead and walk away from dog for a minimum of 6 feet. On command from assessor, call dog to come to hand.

Level 2 Silver Shot

1. Walk dog calmly round field on lead. On command from assessor drop dog at side using whistle and or hand signals. Walk away from dog and return, at assessor's command.

NB: This exercise must be repeated at least three times.

2. Release dog from lead and send away. Re-call dog to hand using whistle and hand signals.

3. Release dog and send away. On command from assessor drop dog at distance using whistle and hand signals. Walk to dog and re-attach lead.

Level 3 Gold Shot

1. Drop dog and send away at 900 to the wind. Turn dog at least three times, using whistle commands.

2. On assessor's command, drop dog at distance using whistle. Owner walk forward to dog and re-attach lead.

3. Walk forward and on assessor's command, drop dog and send away at 900 to the wind. Turn dog at least three times, using whistle commands.

4. Recall dog to hand.

A certificate of achievement will be awarded to all dogs who pass their assessment. At the end of each year the qualifying dogs will be awarded a rosette, to be presented at the Club's Annual General Meeting.

The Working Together handbook has been revised and the new pages are available free of charge to people who have already purchased a copy (see below for details). Send an A5 sae to Judi Whiting.

The 'Working Together' handbook is also now available (cost £4.50), copies can be ordered for collection at shows or be sent by post. Please add £1.00 to cover postage and packing for the UK. Overseas postage rates will be supplied on request. Cheques made payable to Irish Red and White Setter Club of GB and sent to Karen Lockwood (Working Together Secretary), 1 Church Farm Cottages,

Cransford, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP13 9PA .

Tel: 01728 663723.

Pointer Breed Training Weekend February 2008