VGP 2009

The VGP test is finally over in these neck of the woods. It was 6 months of straight training trying to get Hessian and myself ready for this test. It really is the test of all tests. It includes Forest work,Field work,Water work and Obedience. All inclusive is Bloodtracking,Retrieving Fox over Obstacle,Fox and Rabbit drags including retrieving,Independent Forest Search, Dense cover search w/handler,Independent Water search,Gunshot soundness in water,Blind water retrieve in dense cover,Search for wounded duck,Retrieving of duck,Field Search, Pointing,Manners behind game,Feathered game drag,Search for fresh shot bird,Retrieving of feathered game,General Obedience,Drive hunt obedience,Heeling on and off lead,Down Stay with gunfire,Steadiness to wing and shot. Not to mention the manner of retrieve is judged on all retrieves.

It is no easy task and takes alot of work and dedication to get these dogs to where they need to be. My congratulations go to the 7 of 8 dogs who passed this test in Logan this weekend. Good Job you guys, you really made it! Time to enjoy the hunting season and your dog as you are done with testing. Except for maybe the few that are participating in the Armbruster next month.

Now lets discuss the ONE dog that didn't pass............ Ya unfortunately that is yours truly! I know i know...what happened? We worked really hard to make sure Hessian was prepared for all aspects of the test. In all our training i thought we had it for sure. Hessian scored 257 points but no prize....We were 4 points shy on obedience!

Well obedience got me! Hessian had a sloppy off lead heel, he wanted to heel with the judge in front of me at times as well as catching a scent on the ground and wanting to follow that, zigged when he should of zagged too. He moved a little on the Down Stay and the Drive Hunt once the gunshots went off. He really wanted to go see what everyone was shooting at! These are the things that ruined my chance to Prize and Pass this test.

A few quick tips for everyone....when teaching heel to your dog, do not allow the dog to sniff the ground, keep it's head up and correct any pulling away or sniffing the ground on or off lead. it makes that big of a difference trust me.

Also practice making your dog Down and Stay with you walking away and disappearing. Fire gun shots, yell, make lots of noise. Correct any movement or barking or whining. This too added to my demise.

I feel good that we made it to the end! We completed all tasks. We made it all the way to the end of the test. It was just points that hurt us and stopped us from passing.I will be back next year, you can count on that!

Unfortunately i don't think there is a puppy in my future this spring, as Hessian needed to pass this test for that to happen. All is well as I can concentrate more on Hessian and hunting.

Again Congrats to all handlers and dogs. Great Job guys!

I want to say thank you to all the Judges and test coordinators and directors. The judging groups were great guys. Very helpful and very informative. Never left me wondering on anything. Gave everyone an equal and fair chance to do what needed to be done. Also helped to ease the handlers in what is one stressfull time. Thanks again everyone.

I will be posting more on the VGP. I am working on a Slideshow as soon as i have all the pictures together. So keep watching for that. This post was just much needed as i know everyone wants to know the update!