The FCRS has been running training for the Working Flatcoated Retriever Development Programme Level 3B on the Welsh Moors this spring and summer.
Level 3B encompasses Control, Obedience, Hunting and Retrieving on challenging ground and cover, and aims to give handlers experience of using the terrain and the wind and dogs experience of taking a line across challenging terrain, control at a distance and hunting in challenging cover. The training was aimed at those with good novice or open dogs, who might enter Intermediate or Open Tests or are preparing for Field Trials.
Today we held the last of four training days with Graham Home of Ripplecourt Gundogs, on his fabulous ground near Newtown, Powys. A total of 10 dogs and handlers have participated in these training days this spring and summer with two handlers, Annica and Anders Reitmaier joining us from Sweden on this last day.
Today we coped with heavy showers and strong winds but were also blessed with spells of sunshine and blue skies. As ever the views were stunning.
The morning was spent practicing walked up scenarios in challenging cover with marks falling out of sight, memories picked from the other end of the line and shot saluting dummies placed to represent shot rabbits. In the afternoon we moved to simulated drives with marks, memories and blinds being picked over gullies, banks and ditches. The dogs coped well with being sent into a strong head wind and handlers learnt about using the terrain and the wind to their advantage.
Five Level 3B Certificates have been awarded this summer. Pictured here are: Annica Reitmaier with Miss Mallorys Once and For All, Anders Reitmaier with Miss Mallorys Let’s Go Crazy, Ann Bracegirdle with Mahinda Bombus Heath and Sarah Young with Waverton I Wish I Could Fly at Larksburn, receiving their Level 3B Certificates from FCRS Hon Secretary Sharon Henesey. (Rachel Birch and Varingo Magic Of Light have also completed this training but were unable to join us today).
