AKC Senior Hunting Test

This is an over view of what a dog and handler must undertaking during an AKC Senior Hunter Test. Most Senior Hunt Test last 30 minutes. Be sure to verify this in Hunt Test Premium. You should read and understand the AKC Hunt Test Rule Book. 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. Trainability
5. Honoring
6. Retrieving

A Senior dog should be conditioned to run at least 45 minutes. You dog on occasion could on 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 point a bird and demonstrate a retrieve to be able to pass this test. A pointing dog may not break to make a retrieve on a flushed bird until after the gun report to shoot at the bird. The handler of a dog retrieving must not advance toward the dog but may move back or sideways so the dog can see him. (Ask the judge if you think you must move). The dog must complete his retrieve by delivering the bird to the vicinity of the handler.

A dog must not steal its brace mates point. A dog must honor its brace mate on point but may be command to do so.  Once stopped the honoring dog may be collared by its handler to avoid interfering with its brace mates retrieve. After its brace mates retrieve the honoring dog, on command, must begin its hunt again in a direction away from the area of the retrieve.

A dog must stop on all wild flushed birds and may be commanded to do so by its handler. When it’s handler reaches its side it must be sent on to continuing hunting. A dog must not do a delayed chase toward any un-pointed bird it has seen in flight, but within reason can be directed away from the location of the relocated bird.

Only handlers are allowed to give commands to the dog they are handling. Dogs must hunt a bird field or follow a course set by the hosting club. At any time during the test, direction and obedience commands may be given by handlers. 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 Senior Hunter Title has companion and should make its owner proud. Once you have achieved this goal you may wish to stop and just hunt with your dog. However, your dog has the basic skills and with more training can advance to the Master Hunter Level. You must understand that your task is not over, but only begun. While hunting, your dog will make mistakes and backslide. You must keep it tuned up with continued vigilance, training and conditioning.

Helpful hints.

• The first and most important objective is for your dog to point a bird. After pointing and correctlyhandling 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 quantity of cover you will find that not every bird pointed will be workable. At your discretion you may heal your dog out of the area and move on. (Ask the judge before doing so.) 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.

• Execute self 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 except for the honor, 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 your responsibility to handle you dog. Judges will answer any questions you have.

• It is of utmost importance that you understand the AKC Hunt Test Rules before you run you dog. Many dogs are disqualified due to 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.