Vizsla Fun Field Day 2012

Coming into the Club house area of Hastings Island 7a.m.

It's going to be a good day.

Starting area for the Novice Puppy run seen from where I was planting birds.

8-month-old Riley and humans enjoying the wet fields in the cool morning air before Riley's Junior run.

Ken and Gordon going out with Bailey and Red in Senior level run

Gathering around the bar-b-que for hamburgers

Waiting for the demonstration of Master level hunting dogs in action

A very nice day after a week of rain.

Gordon and his dogs, Red and Lucky joined by Mike with Riggs.
They put on a show in the field that the 100 or so Vizsla owners enjoyed.

Belle, one of Bailey's pups at 1-year-old, after her  Junior run.

"I Have an Appointment with Spring" - Thoreau

Pictures taken on the first day of Spring 2012 at Garland Ranch Regional Park in Carmel Valley.

Earlier post about this Hidden Treasure:

http://redbirddog.blogspot.com/2012/03/hidden-treasure-garland-park-carmel.html

Dog 101 - The Vizsla in Hungary

Hungarian language TV introducing the current Hungarian smooth coat
 and wirehaired Vizslas.

             click bottom left hand icon to open to full screen.


 Explains basic history, standard look and hunting behavior to a limited degree. Apparently, the Vizsla should not be trained by strict standards like the German standards and the dog seems to be linked to Hungarian culture, food, etc. In no way is it fearful or aggressive.

 Training can be tricky because the dog anticipates to a higher degree than other breeds what is ask and that could be interpreted as stubborn. Overall, it tries to adapt in most circumstances.

 - Posted by a senior  Hungarian Vizsla Forum member.

Bailey Passes First Leg of Senior Hunt Test

 Scoring:

Some of the most frequently asked questions about judging concern the scoring method. Judges must remember that in order for a dog to earn a Qualifying score, it must receive an average of 7 for the entire test, with no ability category scored below 5. For example, a Junior hunting dog could score perfect 10s in three categories and not qualify if the score in the fourth category was below 5.
Another frequently asked question is how do you determine what score from 0 to 10 you should give in any category. “Guidelines for Scoring AKC Pointing Breed Hunting Tests” is provided at the end of this booklet. These Guidelines are meant to provide greater consistency in scoring.
A reasonable approach is for the judge to determine if the dog should qualify in an ability category, which would mean a minimum score of 5. The Judge then determines whether the ability exceeds or falls short of a 5, progressing toward a perfect 10. Knowing the dog must have an average of 7, the Judge then considers whether it earned a 7 or higher. With a 5, the dog would have to make up the average of 7 by scoring higher than 7 in other categories.
A judge might want to compare the scores to grades received in school. A 7 would then be comparable to a passing grade of “C.” An 8 would be a “B,” a 9 would be an “A” and 10 would be an “A+”.

AKC POINTING BREED HUNT TEST RULE BOOK

Ken and Bailey at the starting line of the 30 minute brace

Bailey on point and Ken and gunners getting in position

Ken gives Bailey a "whoa" before sending the bird into the air

link to Bailey's pro trainer's website

Wouldn't have been done without the help of Ken

Just came home from Bailey's passing his first leg of Senior Hunt Test at the Sutter Buttes Pointer Club event. 12 dogs entered and only Bailey and 1 other dog passed. 

Yesterday only 1 in 12 dogs passed in the driving cold spring rain that blew through with winds over 40 mph. It was miserable to say it lightly.

Feels good. 9 attempts before on my own as Bailey's handler. 9 times we failed. Yesterday and today I let Ken take the boy out. We'll do it again next weekend at the German Wirehair Pointer Club of Northern California event. Out in a field doing a hunt test on the day before and Easter day. A wide-open field in nature with good people, dogs, and horses. Nice church if you ask me.

Bailey happy to see Ken and Janet.  Great sign.

Bailey is back with Ken for a week more of tune-up. We are getting there.