“Pat’s Perspective”
This is what Nationals are all about! We are in the 8th series and I am watching a killer water quad. 8 out of the first 11 have either picked up or handled. There are 2 very challenging retired guns. This is one of those tests that the order of pickup presents a quandary. Do you pick up the stand up gun 2nd or the left hand retired gun? What order helps the dogs make sense of the test? These are the questions all of the handlers are asking themselves.
After reviewing my drone footage, there is quite a bit of water that isn’t apparent from the line. Hidden water is water that surprises the dog while en route to their retrieve. Their reaction is often unpredictable. Both the left hand retired gun and the right hand dead bird are thrown across pieces of water. The long middle retired gun is protected by a hidden channel of water. Another factor that has a significant influence are two parallel raised ridges that are between the line and both retired guns. They lay at such an angle that it is difficult to maintain a direct line. This is a beautifully designed test. It is obvious that this series is going to play a huge role in deciding this year's National Amateur Champion.
As I am writing this, I hear a roar from the gallery. Martha and Tubby just hammered it. The suspense is building.
Stay tuned…..
Pat
