AKC Master Hunting Test

This is an over view of what a dog and handler must undertaking during an AKC Master Hunter Test. Most Master Hunt Test last 30 minutes. Be sure to verify this in the Hunt Test Premium. You should become familiar with the AKC Hunt Test Rule Book contents. All shooting will be done by designated gunners. You will need to carry a blank pistol as you may need to use it on occasion. Every dog's performance is evaluated by a pair of Judges. The following is a list of things on which dogs will be judged:

1. Hunting
2. Pointing
3. Bird finding ability
4. Honoring
5. Retrieving
6. Trainability

A dog at this level should be conditioned to run at least 45 minutes. A dog on occasion could be running in 90 degree heat. You should carry water for your dog during a test.

A dog at this level must have a fast yet attractive hunting pattern. Using the wind, it should effectively investigate the available cover while staying on course. A dog must perform to a high standard in order to pass this test. Handlers are required to carry an empty shotgun or facsimile, and must shoulder it and follow a pointed and flushed bird as if he were shooting it.

A pointing dogs may not break to make a retrieve on a downed bird until commanded to do by its handler. A handler must not move toward the retrieving dog but may move back or sideways so the dog can see him. (Ask the judge before you move). The dog must complete his retrieve by delivering the bird to its handler's hand

A dog must not steal its brace mates point. A dog must honor its brace mate on point without a command to do so. The honoring dog with handler by its side must stand through its brace mates retrieve. The handler may quietly caution it not to move but may not block the dog from moving. After its brace mates retrieve the honoring dog must begin its hunt again in a direction away from the area of the retrieve.

A dog must stop on all wild flushed birds without command and stay until directed, by its handler, to continue hunting. It must not do a delayed chase toward any bird it has seen in flight, but within reason may be directed away from the location of the relocated bird.

Only a handler is allowed to give commands to the dog he is handling. Dogs must hunt a bird field or follow a course set by the hosting club. At any time during the test, direction and some obedience commands may be given to a dog by its handler. Handlers are allowed to direct their dogs into areas they think best, or away from areas thought not good. Remember you and your dog are a team. You should trust your dogs' instinct and nose, but you should give guidance deemed necessary to avoid disqualification or a disqualifying situation.

A Dog that has been tested and gained a Master Hunter Title has demonstrated that it is a finished hunter and should be the pride of any owner. Once you have achieved your goal with your dog you must understand that your task is not over, but only begun. Your dog will make mistakes and backslide. You must keep him tuned up with continued vigilance, training and conditioning. An oterwise qualifying dog which did not complete all task while on corse will be granted a chance to complete those task in a call back situation.

Helpful hints.

• The first and most important objective is for your dog to point a bird. After pointing and correctly handling the point situation the rest of the requirements of the test will be afforded the dog.

• When a bird has moved from its hiding place it is considered flushed. (Read and understand the rules about this). Understanding this may keep you from getting your dog disqualified. Due to types and amount of cover you will find that not every bird pointed will be workable. If allowed by the judge you may heal your dog and move on. However if the judge does not see the pointed bird the dogs point will be considered a non productive point.

• No dog training is allowed anywhere on the hunt test grounds while the Hunt Test is in progress.

• Stay in control. Do not be abusive to anyone or any animals during or after the test.

• Within the rules, help your dog whenever you feel necessary.

• Do not collar your dog unless directed to do by a judge. If you collar your dogs without direction to do so means you are picking it up.

• Most important, if you are in doubt of anything during your test, ask the judge. Judges are there to interpret the rules and judge your dog. It is up to you to handle you dog. Judges will answer any questions you have.

• It is of the up most importance that you understand the AKC Hunt Test Rules before you run you dog. There are a lot of dog disqualified by handler mistakes.

• You must train for call back situations as these will be short tight test situations. Your dog will not have time to run off any excess energy before it is put into this situation.