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Labrador retriever Snuffy showcases his amphibious skills during water retrieval training at the Holyoke fishing pond. Owner Allyn Robinson and his grandson Trey Oakley use the local facility to prep for hunting tests. — The Holyoke Enterprise | Johnson Publications

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Allyn Robinson and his grandson Trey Oakley are pictured from left with their dogs Hap, Snuffy and Bruiser. — The Holyoke Enterprise | Johnson Publications

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Trey Oakley holds Bruiser back as they await the signal to start the retrieve at the Holyoke fishing pond. — The Holyoke Enterprise | Johnson Publications

Local hunters and dogs participate in retriever test

Retrievers and their owners braved sweltering weather to showcase their hunting prowess at a hunt test Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 8-9 in Snyder.

The test is designed to challenge hunting retrievers in environments that are similar to those they would encounter in a real hunt. Most of the tests are held in the late spring or early autumn.

Allyn Robinson, owner of Happy Jacks Barbeque in Holyoke, and his grandson Trey Oakley participated in the event.

“We love dogs,” Robinson said, “but they’ll test you.”

The dogs and their handlers were indeed tested that weekend, as hunters from surrounding areas arrived to make sure they could participate as COVID-19 has reduced the number of available test opportunities across the country.

This was Oakley and his Labrador retriever Bruiser’s first test. Both were excited to be there, and Oakley was happy to note that Bruiser fared better on the second day, which was an indication of improvement.

Robinson has been involved in the tests for four years. His two Labrador retrievers, 3-year-old Snuffy and 4-year-old Hap, have more test experience than the 13-month-old Bruiser. The older dogs have the title of Started Hunt Retriever, which represents the level they have reached based on points accumulated in prior tests.

Participating dogs are awarded points based on their behaviors in the tests. Dogs do not compete against one another, and their points continue to accumulate throughout their lives. The more points a dog accumulates, the higher the level the dog achieves.

Robinson’s retrievers are professionally trained, and they have held their titles for two years. Robinson initially began his involvement in testing with the goal of elevating the hunting skill of his dogs, and he acknowledges the tests and training have developed his dogs’ character and increased their obedience.

In preparation for the event, the dogs practiced at Robinson’s home in the country as well as at the Holyoke fishing pond. They trained with dead ducks in water, scrub and heavy cover to mirror the environment they would see in the test and in a real hunt.

During a test, the dog and handler wait at the starting line, and a person called a thrower hides behind a blind in the field ahead. A duck call sounds, and it is quickly followed by the thrower launching a dead duck into the air.

Rifles loaded with blanks, also known as poppers, simulate real gunfire as the duck lands. The dog is then released and must bring the duck to the handler’s general area. This process is called a retrieve, and the test in Snyder included two on land and two in water.

The tests emphasize dog handling, and the judges make note of each dog’s movements. Handlers use a series of hand signals, whistles and short verbal cues to control the dog.

This control can sometimes be difficult to achieve when the dogs are excited. “They know when it’s test time,” Robinson said with a chuckle, “and they get amped when they hear the gunfire. They associate it with something good and are ready to go.”

Robinson feels that the overall experience was a great growing opportunity, especially for Oakley and his young dog, Bruiser.

“It’s really nice that it’s not a win-or-lose competition between dogs or people,” Robinson said, “and it’s a really good way for dogs to get continued development. It’s just a great bonding opportunity.”

Oakley agrees with his grandfather. He looks forward to participating in future tests and learning with Bruiser along the way.

 

Holyoke Enterprise

970-854-2811 (Phone)

130 N Interocean Ave
PO Box 297
Holyoke CO 80734