AKC Hunt Test Weekend in Delaware

Fieldmans Journeyman Jake - watching the bird he just pointed get flushed

This past weekend Jim and I ventured south to "The First State" to run Cleo in two AKC Senior Hunt braces. I can sum the weekend up in one word....Cold. We drove down in a legit blizzard yesterday and although it didn't snow today it was bitter cold mainly because of the vicious winds. But the dogs were out in numbers and running their hearts out.

Cleo's bracemate on Saturday - Piper

Piper honoring Cleo

 Cleo

Cleo had a so-so weekend. She ran well yesterday passing another leg of her Senior Hunter Title. We were pleased with how she worked although we had hoped she would have honored better considering how much we have been working on it lately. But as a whole she did pretty well and we were pleased. The big surprise of the weekend was when we found out that our brace mates on both days would be handled by Bruce Shaffer. Bruce owns Almost Heaven GSP's out of Springfield, West Virginia. I know Bruce through my friend Jackie as he trains her dog Gunny.

Jim and Bruce walking their brace

Piper

Cleo on point with Jim walking in for the flush

Up until this point Jim and I have only run brace's with other amateur handlers. Bruce is by all means a complete professional. He trains all sporting dog breeds including pointing, flushing and retrieving breeds. Both Jim and I learned a ton just watching the simple nuances of how he handled his dogs. It was a real treat. Today I walked an extra brace with him to take pictures of a dog he trains that's on the up and up.  He is 20 month old Fieldmans Journeyman Jake and boy does he have style and wheels! After watching this dog run today I was a believer....pass over the kool-aid. Lol. Below are some pics of him in action.

Jake right before his brace began

On the go!

Jake came right around a corner and had a fabulous honor

Bruce and Jake

If anyone is looking for a trainer in the West Virginia, Western Maryland and or Western Pennsylvania area I would recommend contacting Bruce. He handles all breeds and runs in primarily AKC Hunt tests and field trials. I will actually be attending my first field trial next Sunday when I head to New Jersey to photograph Snip's Sixth Sense Wyatt MH in action. Wyatt is currently ranked nationally in the top 10 for  field trial dogs with the GSPCA in 2011. I'm looking forward to it!

Below is one more pic of Cleo on point today. It's prob my favorite pic of all weekend....mainly because she's my bff and I always feel she has such a stylish point.

Remember to check us out on facebook and "like us". You can find us here: Adventures of a German Shorthaired Pointer.

The Sweet Taste of Success: Senior AKC Hunt Test

Today Jim and I ventured an hour or so north to Weatherly, PA to run Cleo in an AKC Senior Hunt Test. She passed with flying colors, most notably receiving a score of 10 in hunting. To say the least Jim and I were elated. We ran her back in May with less than desirable results. You can read about that here. But most importantly it really felt great to be successful today. And it just goes to show that you only really fail when you stop trying.

Cleo runs big. On more than one occasion the judges joked about double checking that this was indeed a hunt test and not a field trial. One judge even heckled Jim after the test about investing in a horse. Jim did a great job of handling her and kept her out of trouble. In return Cleo listened wonderfully. She had some really nice points and stayed steady to the shot. She also retrieved to hand.

Cleo on Point

Jim looking to flush the quail while Cleo remains on point 

Jim instructing the gunners on where to stand 

Cleo has to pass her Senior test four times in order to earn her title. We have one down and three to go! Way to go Cleo!

And be sure to check Cleo out on facebook! Her page is titled: Adventures of a German Shorthaired Pointer.

Congrats are in order!

Oak

Today was the day we were supposed to run Cleo in her NAVHDA UT test. For various reasons we decided to pull her. To read more on that check out last weeks post. But two fellow birddoggers we know ran there pups today at the Rock Tavern, NY NAVHDA chapter with fantastic results.

AJ

Rick Affuso who owns Oak the 14 month old Brittany pictured at the top of the blog knocked her first NAVHDA test out of the park with a prize 1, 112 points. Oak pointed and held on 4 birds today, had no trouble with the track and swam like a fish! Congrats Rick and Oak! Job well done.

Frank Capogna who owns AJ the 9 month old handsome black and white DK pictured above also had a phenomenal day and proudly brought home a prize 1, 112 points.  Way to go Frank and AJ!

Rick & Oak

Frank & AJ

Anyone who has participated in a NAVHDA NA test knows that it takes dedication and training. Nothing feels better than watching your dog accomplish all the things you worked so hard for. There is no doubt that Rick and Frank will have a great hunting season this year.

Also, tomorrow is a big day for several of our training buddies. Several of Cleo's siblings from a later litter will be running in their Natural Ability Test tomorrow. Best of luck guys! You will all do great!