Dog Field TrialsDog field trials are fun for competitors and spectators alike. This is where the sporting breeds show their stuff. Breeds best for this activity are retrievers, spaniels, pointers and hounds.
For information about these breeds, please look into the Sporting Dog Breeds section of this site. In trials the dogs are scored on their ability to point, flush and retrieve "game". The "game" is actually a decoy, not a live animal. Judging is on how quickly they do the job. Also when retrieving, the decoy must not be chewed, maimed or destroyed but given to the hunter, in one piece. Dogs compete against one another as to time and quality of game retrieved.
These trials sometimes last for days. Many hunting clubs have their own facilities to carry on these competitions. 
Trials are mostly held in the fall. Clubs may ask a farmer for the use of his field for pheasants and quail, if the trials are actual "shoots". Ponds are used for blinds for duck hunting. The above photos are courtesy of
hedgerow.com
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