AKC Pointing Breed Field Handling and Training Seminars

AKC Pointing Breed
Field Handling and Training Seminars

Sponsored by

Attwater Publishing is proud to sponsor Handling and Training Seminars presented by Mark Powell,
AKC Field Trial and Hunting Test Judge, Author of QUALIFY! A Guide to Successful Handling in AKC Pointing Breed Hunting Tests, and Author of the Handling and Training Articles Published in the
Pointing Breed Sports in the Field Website.

The Three Seminars Currently Available by Mr. Powell are:

1) The Pointing Breed Hunting Test Handling Seminar
The two to three hour lecture session includes general information on the AKC Hunting Test Program, Hunting Test Levels and Titles, Hunting Test Judging Categories, Attire and Equipment, Conditioning for the Dog and the Handler, Entering Hunting Tests, Hunting Test Etiquette and Misconduct, General and Specific Situation Handling Techniques, Helping the Host Club, and Progression into Judging. The Field sessions begin with a discussion of the specific dogs, handler experience, and specific problems for each dog/handler team. The dog/handler teams are braced according to level (Junior, Senior, and Master) and problems. Mr. Powell goes out with the handlers for a live Hunting Test brace of about 15 minutes on live birds and coaches the handlers in the field as they handle. The objective of this field exercise and the on the spot coaching is to help the handlers refine their handling techniques so they can qualify in Hunting Tests.

2) The Pointing Breed Field Trial Handling Seminar
The two to three hour lecture session includes general information on the AKC Field Trials, Field Trial Stakes, Field Trial Judging Categories, Attire and Equipment, Conditioning for the Dog and the Handler, Entering Field Trials, Field Trial Etiquette and Misconduct, General and Specific Situation Handling Techniques, Helping the Host Club, and Progression into Judging. The Field sessions begin with a discussion of the specific dogs, handler experience, and specific problems for each dog/handler team. The dog/handler teams are braced according to level (Puppy/Derby, and Broke Dog stakes) and problems. Mr. Powell goes out with the handlers for a live Field Trial brace of about 15 minutes on live birds and coaches the handlers in the field. The objective of this field exercise is to help the handlers refine their handling techniques to maximize their chances of winning Field Trial stakes.

3) Starter Field Training for Pointing Breed Hunting Tests and Field Trials
This seminar consists of a two to three hour lecture and demonstration session, discussing canine psychology, training concepts, canine maturity levels, the relationship between the dog and handler, and the goals of field training. The field sessions begin with a discussion of the specific dogs and their field training problems, and evaluations of dogs just starting out. Mr. Powell then takes each dog/trainer team out in a controlled training session to address the specific training problem or goal. The objective of this seminar is to provide the trainers in attendance with a basic set of training methods which will work for their dog.

General Seminar Information and Costs

All of these seminars are presented in the field, with most of the day consumed in actual field work with the participants and their dogs. Approximately two to three hours of lecture and questions precede the field work. Mr. Powell goes into the field with the dogs and handlers, coaching the handlers in the situations in which they need help. If electricity is present, Mr. Powell wears a remote microphone where the participants observing the field work can hear the coaching process while watching. Through hosting these seminars, clubs have significantly increased their entries in both Hunting Tests and Field Trials because handlers gain the confidence to enter, have fun, and succeed.

The cost of the seminar to the hosting club is free (Mr. Powell's travel, lodging, and meals expenses should be covered however). The hosting club must provide suitable training grounds, birds for the field work, workers for birdplanting and gunning, and horses if the handlers choose to work on horseback. The limit on the number of dogs worked in a one day seminar is 30, with a bird count between 30 and 60.

Field Trial and Hunting Test Judging Assignments

Attwater Publishing also coordinates scheduling of Mr. Powell's Field Trial and Hunting Test Judging assignments. Some clubs have combined a seminar with a judging assignment for a one day trial or test (sanctioned or licensed) in the same weekend. Such a combination for sanctioned events really helps increase entries and dramatically improves the performance of the handler/dog teams which attend both.

For More Information on Hosting
or Scheduling a Seminar or Judging Assignment,
Call Toll Free 1-800-513-3772

About the Author, What the Experts Say about QUALIFY!

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