Working Trials
What are Working Trials?
Working trials were developed to test the working ability of dogs from traditional roles. The roles are things such as hunting, guarding and the Police. The first event dates back to 1924 when the Associated Sheep, Police and Army Dog Society organised it. The first trial recognised by The Kennel Club was in 1927 which was organised by the Alsatian Breed and Club of Great Britain at Castle Bromwhich.
Working trials are quite a specialist area and are the civilian equivalent of Police Work, but is purely for competition. The competitions are always good fun for everyone and they always take place in the country. You don’t have to be from specialist background to compete as the competitions are designed to test the dogs working ability. This sport can be very popular with dog handlers from the Police and Armed forces.
What Dogs Can Compete?
Any dog can compete in working trials. However if you have a crossbreed it must be on the Kennel Club’s Working Trial and Obedience register. All dogs competing must be physically fit as will the owner need to be as this is a very demanding sport.
What Preparation Do I Need?
You will need to do a lot of training with your dog before you are ready to compete. With work your dog should be ready by the time he is about one to one and a half. Once he is ready seeing his ability to develop into a skilled working dog will reward you.
What are Stakes?
There are elements used in Obedience and Agility included in working trials. There are also other tests designed to test your dog’s working ability. There are five levels of competitions know as STAKES.
1) Companion Dog (CD) Stake
2) Utility Dog (UD) Stake
3) Working Dog (WD) Stake
4) Tracking Dog (TD) Stake
5) Patrol Dog (PD) Stake
Control, Nosework and Agility are the 3 sections in which the exercises are combined. You will be awarded points for each exercise that is completed.
What are the Exercises?
Control There are seven exercises in this combination.
1) Heelwork. This can be done with your dog both on and off lead. Your dog’s shoulder should stay reasonably close to your left leg. You should walk in a natural manner at varying speeds (determined by the judge) going through turns and amongst and round people and obstacles.
2) Speak on Command. Only in the TD and PD Stakes and requires your dog to speak on your command.
3) Sit and Down Stays. Sit – You will give your dog a final instruction to sit and stay. You will then walk to a position indicated by the judge or steward. Your dog should stay perfectly still for 2 minutes until told to return to you. Down – After the final instruction you will leave your dog and remain out of sight for 10 minutes. Your dog shouldn’t move until told to return to you.
4) Recall to Handler. You will be told by the judge to sit or down your dog. You will then move away to a distance the judge has decided. When the judge commands you will call your dog. Your dog should come at a reasonable pace and sit in front of you. When told by the judge you will ask your dog to get into the heel position.
5) Steadiness to Gunshot. Your dog will be walking to heel or free as long as in controlling distance. You will be warned when the gun is about to go off and you will be penalised if your dog barks or shows any sign of fear or aggression.
6) Retrieve a Dumb-bell. When the judge tells you , you will throw a dumb-bell and your dog should retrieve it.
7) Sendaway and Directional Control. You will be asked to send your dog a set distance and when your dog has reached the spot designated by the judge your dog will have to either stand, sit or down.
Nosework There are three exercises in this combination.
1) Manwork. Only in the PD Stake this tests the skills of a patrol dog by a number of exercises such as pursuing and detention of criminals.
2) Elementary Search. An area of 15 to 25 square yards will be marked depending on which stake you are in. You will send your dog in to retrieve articles that have been handled by the steward. They will be found by your dogs scenting ability.
3) Track. The track is half a mile long and is laid a few hours before your dog competes. It may include turns and your dog has to follow it as closely as possible. There are articles left along the track and your dog should locate them.
Agility There are three exercises in this combination.
1) Long Jump. Making up a distance of 9ft your dog must clear a series of jumps.
2) Clear Jump. In lower stakes the height of this jump is reduced for smaller dogs. Your dog must jump a 3ft hurdle.
3) Scale. This is a vertical wall of planks that your dog must get over. You will stop your dog 9ft in front of the scale then send him over. Once on the other side your dog should remain in a stand, sit or down before you call him back over the scale.
What Types of Trials are There? There are four types of competitions at working trials.
1) Matches and Rallies. These are informal events held either between two or more clubs or just for club members. This will probably be your first chance to compete in a competition and is a good opportunity as they are always good occasions where you can pick up some good tips.
2) Member’s Working Trials. This is limited to members only of the organising society. Wins at these competitions cannot be counted to help compete in more senior competitions.
3) Open Working Trials. This is open to anyone wishing to enter. Competition can be fiercer as it may attract competitors from all over the country.
4) Championship Working Trials. This is also open to any one wishing to enter. Competitors will have the opportunity to win the Kennel Clubs top awards, working trials certificates. Winning two can give the dog championship status. With this in mind, some of the top dogs take part at this level.
Rules and Regulations and Contacts
Up to date copies of the rules for the UK are available from the Kennel Club as are contact details.
