WHAT EXACTLY IS A FIELD TRIAL? |
| by Sandi Myers & Brian Gunn |
A Dachshund Field Trial is a performance event with ever growing interest. Started back in 1933,
Field Trials were designed to test the "above ground" hunting ability of the dachshund. These trials help demonstrate
the desirable qualities of the dachshund's aptitude to pursue game in an energetic and decisive manner.
The AKC rules also mention following the game to ground when necessary and to deal with it with courage
and determination.
On any typical field trial morning, the cooks are the first to arrive at the field trial grounds. Of course someone
needs to be sure there is a least a pot of coffee brewing!
More often than not, breakfast and lunch are served at the grounds. The Field Trial Committee and the Field
Trial Secretary are usually not too far behind, as they need to conduct the procedures for starting the field
trial in a timely manner. Field trial procedures start very early in the morning to maximize the use of
daylight needed to conduct the trial.
While breakfast is being prepared, participants gather in the clubhouse to start the day with a hearty meal.
This is also the time that the Field Trial Secretary takes entry forms and fees. Next the entries are separated
into "classes". Typically there are 3 classes at a Field Trial: Open All-Age Dogs, Open All-Age Bitches, and
Field Champions. Once all the entries have been submitted, the Trial Secretary conducts a Roll Call. Roll Call
is done for each class to be sure all entries have been placed in the proper classes and all dogs have been identified.
Now the dogs are
"braced"
to determine the running order for each class. Bracing is accomplished by
randomly drawing the dogs from all the entries received.
Bracing is done for each class using the corresponding
call name/number list until all of the dogs in the class have been braced. Each handler writes the order in a
program book so they can keep track of their entries and the running order.
After bracing has been completed, the Judges will usually announce a designated time to gather out in the field,
and how many braces they would like to have standing by.
The designated
Field Marshal
directs the handlers and the gallery to the starting point.
The Field Marshal waits for the
beaters
to line up in a straight, tight line to flush out the rabbits.
The Field Marshal directs the beaters to maintain the line and keep their eyes open for movement.
It is critical to "watch" for the running path of the rabbit once flushed out. This is the "scent line" that the
braces will be released upon. Beaters carry sticks of some sort ranging from broom handles to ski poles.
They proceed through the brush in unison, beating the surrounding area in an attempt to drive out a rabbit.
When a rabbit has been flushed out, the person who first sees it yells, Tally Ho!, indicating that a rabbit has been spotted.
Once a rabbit has been spotted, it becomes crucial for the Judges and Beaters to be very observant of which
way the rabbit ran so they can communicate this path to the Handlers of the brace that is about to run. After
the judges are confident of the rabbit's direction and path, they request the Brace. At this point, the Judges
will instruct the handlers on where to release their dogs. Once the brace has been released on the "scent line"
the handlers and beaters remain still and silent while the Judges observe the dogs. Talking or other noises might
distract a working dog off of the line. Also, Beaters moving around in the brush can accidentally flush out another
rabbit, which can lead the brace into a "sight chase" instead of following the scent.
If the judges have seen enough work from the dogs to make a confident determination, they will instruct the
handlers to pick up their dogs. If the Judges cannot make a determination, they may have the handlers either
restart the dogs, or they may request that another rabbit be flushed for the same brace. After the judging is
completed, the Judges ask the Field Marshal to request the next brace and the Beaters go about finding another
rabbit for the next brace.
After each brace has run, the judges will discuss the scoring of the dogs, which will determine which dogs are
called back for Second Series. After the final series in each class have been run, the Field Marshal announces
"Field Trial". This signifies the end of the class. The final four placements and NBQ (not a placement) are
posted in the clubhouse. Sometimes the order is announced in the field.
The above procedure is done for each class until the conclusion of the Field Champion class. Then the 1st
place winners in both the Open All-Age Dog class and the Open All-Age Bitch class are braced together for
the "Best of Open", of which, the winner of this class will be braced against the winner of the Field Champion
class for the title of Absolute. Awards are usually presented at the end of each day's trial.
It is important to note that Dachshund field trials are not intended for the dogs to catch the game.
Dogs are encouraged to track the game not engage it. If a dog accidentally sees a rabbit while they
are working, the judges will have the dogs picked up. Most trials are held in fenced areas, as this is what
keeps the rabbits in. If someone needs help retrieving their dog, there are usually plenty volunteers willing to help.
Now you should be set to attend a trial. The Dachshund Club of America offers a brochure entitled
"Introduction To Dachshund Field Trials" that offers greater detail about Field Trials. Get yourself a
copy of this and the rules and you will be well on your way to enjoying field trials. Good Luck!
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