My first blog will be about my 1st novice test with my young bitch Birdsgreen Griffon , kennel name Gambol.
The test was held at Watlington Hall Estate in lovely parkland the judges were Kieth Willimot Ian Buttle Graham Taylor and Phil Askew . We were divided into 4 groups as the test was judged on the safari system which is great for young dogs as they do not have to hang about for too long .All the tests had loud shots which again is excellent to help the youngsters.Mike ran his young dog Middlegate Vinnie of Brindlebay.Our first test was a mark on water and a blind across the corner just in the undergrowth Gambol picked the mark nicely with one back halfway across as encouragement and when i sent her for the blind she pullled out to the mark as expected so i had to handle her out to the right which she did although coming back to the front edge she then whipped round the edge to pick quickly.
I wont bore you with the rest and as my typing is not that good it would take too long but we had 3 more double exercises .
We then had lunch and 8 of us were callled for a mini drive where Gizmo my terrier joined in as i had forgotten to put her away (whoops). We all had one more retrieve a long blind into the trees away from the drive. Then myself and no 18 were called for a run off for a place this was a long launcher mark .I was very pleased with Gambols overall performance and the day was very well run with a lovely atmosphere , the tests were brilliant for novice dogs and thankyou to the judges and helpers for an excellent day.Gambol was second and the worthy winner was Birdsgreen Firefly bred by myself .
