An introduction for Organisers, Assessors and Participants

Introduction

The WGC is open to all Kennel Club registered gundogs and their handlers. It is not a competition, but each handler/dog partnership is assessed against a set of criteria which is set down in the handbook.

The Aim

The aim of the Working Gundog Certificate (WGC) is to provide credible proof that the handler and dog are a competent partnership, with the qualities to fulfil the general requirements of work on a shoot.

Criteria

1. Control
2. Obedience
3. Temperament
4. Hunting
5. Retrieving.

The Assessment

The WGC can be achieved at a variety of events:

• A shoot using game.
• A WGC day for dogs that retrieve using dummies
• A WGC day for dogs that point
• A Gundog Working Test (GWT)

On a shoot assessors will observe the participants throughout the day as they work their dogs in their usual role.  The assessors will not devise any situations but simply be observing how a handler and dog cope with the specific tasks which arise naturally during the day.

At a WGC day for dogs that retrieve, the criteria will be assessed using simulated shooting field exercises:

• Handlers and dogs walk together to the start area with the dogs off lead and under control.
• A simulated drive with dogs assessed both in the beating line and waiting at pegs.
• Hunting for seen dummies after the drive
• Hunting for unseen dummies after the drive.
• A marked retrieve from water
• A marked retrieve from over an obstacle
• A steadiness exercise where dogs are left together whist handlers collect up decoys.

At a WGC day for dogs that point the dogs will be assessed on hunting, locating, pointing and steadiness.  The dogs should hunt the ground in a regular pattern, point live game, produce on command and be steady to flush and shot. Some participants may wish to take the retrieving assessment which might be organised on the day or at a later WGC day, a GWT or on a shoot.

An assessment at a GWT will be assessed against the criteria either by using separate exercises or using the exercises available on the day.

The certificate may be gained by a partnership at each of several types of event so that all aspects of the dog’s work in the shooting field will be recognised as its training progresses.  Partnerships already fully experienced in working with game may just take the certificate on a shoot.  The certificate will be issued by the KC and will list those tasks achieved on the day.

Successful partnerships will have the distinction of having their names published in the Kennel Gazette.

Should anyone wish to organise an assessment day applications should be made to the Kennel Club Field Trials Department.

Participants will be assessed by a qualified assessor and if there are more than 3 participants, a second assessor will be appointed.  The assessors are all knowledgeable dog people who will have been chosen particularly for their expertise with working gundogs.  They will be helpful to the participants throughout the day giving appropriate explanations, advice and guidance if required.

Please note that there is no need to produce a schedule unless you are advertising for participants.

The WGC Handbook gives full details for organisers, participants and assessors, and these, or further help and advice on this prestigious award, can be obtained from Hilary Gould, The Kennel Club,1-5 Clarges Street, Piccadilly, London W1J 8AB. Tel 020 7518 1059 or email hilary.gould@thekennelclub.org.uk.

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