Working Trials

Working Trials are a competitive sport based on the civilian equivalent of police dog work. They develop and test many canine skills – obedience and control, intelligence and independence, searching and tracking, agility and fitness. Trials are physically demanding for both dog and handler, but are also great fun and extremely rewarding.

Trials always take place out of doors, often in very attractive landscapes, and are run right through the year. Because Working Trials tests, especially the tracking exercises, tend to be dispersed over a relatively large area of land, trials rarely attract many spectators apart from the competitors themselves - the exception being the annual Kennel Club Working Trial Championships, the 'top' event of the Working Trials calendar.

Almost any dog of any breed of can take part in Working Trials, provided they are fit and healthy. The lower levels of competition – called ‘stakes’ – are geared to virtually any size of dog; however smaller dogs are not normally able to attain the top stakes (TD and PD) due to the height and size of the equipment used for the ‘agility’ exercises. Any Kennel Club registered dogs (pedigree or non-pedigree) can take part, but they must be 18 months old before they can compete at a Working Trial.

Learn More→ What are Working Trials?

Details of the new Introductory Stake

Canine Sports Science Seminars
The Kennel Club is hosting a series of seminars which explore best practice when taking part with your dog in active sports such as agility, heelwork to music, flyball, working trials, field trials or obedience, and for treating and preventing any possible injuries, taking a holistic approach.

Each seminar includes a number of presentations on different techniques and disciplines and their roles in the treatment of the canine athlete.

The next seminar in the series will be held on Sunday 31 October 2010, 8.30am – 4.30pm at The Kennel Club Building, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, CV8 2LZ. Subjects will include

Core Stability
Osteopathy in the Working Dog
Nutrition for the Canine Athlete
Hydrotherapy, Rehabilitation

Download full details and application forms

Working Trials illustration from beginners packs

Working Trials training heelwork Training
Training for Working Trials takes place at societies and clubs across the country, as well as at a number of training weekends and courses, and there is a friendly social scene to be enjoyed. Punitive or harsh handling are not tolerated, and all training is based on encouragement and positive reinforcement, leading to happy, well-trained dogs.

Structure
The Kennel Club provides a structure for Working Trials including regulations for trials, training and approval of judges, registration of training clubs and societies, resolution of objections and complaints and sponsorship of the annual Kennel Club Working Trial Championships, the sport’s flagship event. Two-way communication and liaison with competitors and clubs is organised through representatives elected on to the Working Trials Liaison Council, which normally meets twice a year.

Further information
Background Guide to Working Trials (PDF)

For details of training clubs please contact the Kennel Club on 0844 463 3980, extension 226 or 212, or email clubsandtraining@thekennelclub.org.uk

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Working Trials long jump composite