SNC WATER TESTS SECTIONS A - E

Congratulations to:

Woodhall's Bearhugs Hanataywee "Kotes"
Ormand's Shinglebay Bumming Around "Elvis"
Ormand's Sheenmarie Santa Paws "Ernie"
Haylock's Freddybears Witchy Or What "Jenna"
Haylock's "Maddie" (Barbet)
Viney's Evanpark Rocket Man To Millthorpe "Badger"
Boyle's Syddyn Kia "Lexi"
McPhail's Spirebear Golden Barley "Harry"
Webber's Seamble Majestic "Lincoln"
Burridge's Bagglebears Moonshine "Ellie"
Burridge's Bagglebears Moondance "Dora"
Well's Staneberne Sea Angel "Esme"

"This being my first judging appointment I would like to thank Lynn Whiting for her encouragement and help, thanks Lyn.

This is the first time water tests have been held in Northamptonshire and at such a lovely venue.

There were 12 passes and three near passes. Some very impressive young dogs which boads well for the future; there was also some very good handling. For me a very happy day.

My thanks to our stewards and to Amanda our test manager."

Geoff Burns

"15 entries - 3 fail, 12 passes, including 1 French Water Spaniel. Thank you to the stewards, test manager and the entrants without these people, there would be no tests.

Pleased to see so many young dogs passing their first test. Some very promising puppies, I am looking forward to seeing these dogs progress.

The three dogs that nearly passed were just one element away, with all it was the retrieve that was the problem. So close I am sure it will be a pass for all these dogs next time.

Well done and thank you to all the entrants. Thank you to my co-judge Geoff Burns."

Lyn Whiting

Congratulations to:

Webber's Teddyhawkes Mr Daydream "Rushmore"
Scrutton's "Bonzo"
Burridge's Bagglebears Borasco "Jenga"

"It was the first time we had run a test at our Extravaganza weekend so it was over to the SNC to come up trumps and it was a hugely successful test throughout.

We judged a total of 11 dogs at Sectionl B, with many first time entrants. I am pleased to report that we had three really nice passes with all the dogs performing well. I'm sure we will be seeing much more of these dogs in the coming years.

I would like to thank all the stewards plus Mr. Chris Roberts who judged alongside me. I would also like to thank the first time test manager, Amanda Arnold. I am sure everyone would agree it was a great test and I look forward to judging here next year!"

David Trueman

To follow

Chris Roberts

Congratulations to:

Wood's Sandbears Scrabble "Bella"
Decouto & Turton's "Otis"

"It was the first time Water Tests have been held by the SNC at Billing Aquadrome and I was delighted to be invited to judge Section C. Held the day before the Northern Newfoundland Club's Extravaganza at the same venue, the tests were very well supported by members of working groups north and south, east and west and it was great to see everyone getting involved together and enjoying and supporting each others dogs.

There were seven entrants but only two passes although one or two came close while others failed to complete one or more of the exercises, notably the C2 exercise to tow a stranger from 25 metres. There was the usual mixed bag of controlled and not so controlled swims - this exercise requires practice and works best when dog and handler are relaxed and used to regularly swimming together. In theory, once the dog has got used to the fact that it doesn't have to 'rescue' it's handler/owner, this should be one of the easier exercises but so often I see handlers approach it with trepidation (which can communicate to the dog) and a hope that it might be okay on the day rather than the confidence that this is something dog and handler do as a matter of course. I know it's not easy but try to enjoy swimming with your dogs whenever you get a chance and don't leave it for test day as an exercise to worry about.

Of the two dogs which passed, one was an experienced team and I understand this completed their Multi-Pass for Section C and the other was a very creditable first time pass for a young bitch. Congratulations to those two and for the other five teams, keep working at it and the passes will come.

My thanks to Amanda Arnold, the Test Manager, for all your hard work in ensuring the safety and smooth running of the tests, the efficient stewards and helmsman and my co-judge Kay Burridge."

Paul Dodd

"We had seven entries in this new, very busy venue, unfortunately we had only two passes, Of those that failed, there were a couple who came very close to passing - the main stumbling block for those who didn't pass seemed to be the controlled swim. I think with a little thinking 'outside the box' training for this element could be made into a fun exercise for both handler and dog. Once dog and handler become confident of swimming together I'm sure they will pass this level in the future.

Well done to the 2 teams that did pass. Thank you to the stewards, Amanda and her team and to my co-judge Paul Dodd."

Kay Burridge

"Four entries none gaining a pass. Some of the elements were of exceptional standard, especially the handlers when doing the directional retrieve, superb handling. If continue will get there and obtain a pass.

Thanks to Peter Webber and all the stewards."

Clive Haylock

Awaiting report

Peter Webber

"On the day the four entries did not have their thinking caps on, none passing the elements but with each doing well at different exercises. Each entry has the capability to achieve the necessary standard. The test was set on the corner of a lake ideal for the spectators. Entry to the water was a little stoney.

Thanks to Lyn Whiting, my fellow judge and all the stewards."

Clive Haylock

"A new venue for tests, the entry into the water was rocky and the water went deep quickly, so a little care was needed on entering and leaving the water. The tests went well, thanks to the stewards and test manager.

At this level there is very little room for errors, some excellent sections from all the dogs but none of the entrants passed all of the exercises to complete a pass for E. Well done to all the entrants, I really enjoyed judging.

Thank you to my co-judge Clive Haylock, the stewards who did an excellent job and everyone who made it a success."

Lyn Whiting