(Passages in italics are important clarifications or new items in the 1995 printing of this Rule Book.)
NOTE: The passages enclosed in parentheses are additional guidelines for judges.
SECTION 1: A Started Hunting Retriever Field Test shall consist of only (5) single bird marking tests at least two of which shall be marked water retrieves and at least two of which shall be marked land retrieves. The fifth marked retrieve may be either land or water.
(The purpose of the Started Hunting Retriever Field Test is to bring started dogs along as hunters. Desire and cooperation with the handler are important factors. It should consist of basic tests to evaluate the dog's natural and basic trained abilities.)
(The judges shall evaluate the dog' s temperament, as displayed in its spontaneous behavior, in order to assess its suitability as a hunting companion. Hyperactivity, wildness, jumping about, barking, excessive disobedience, lethargy or lack of interest shall be marked down. Repeated evidence shall be justification for elimination.)
SECTION 2: A dog is required to be steady at the point of origin; however, it may have a leash, line or slip lead around its neck and/or may be held by one hand only, to assist in achieving steadiness. No dog shall be permitted to make a retrieve wearing a collar, leash, line or similar device. A controlled break shall not fail a dog but shall be marked down. If a dog is immediately brought under control, a controlled break is a minor infraction. (As soon as the dog leaves the point of origin and manifests an intent to make the retrieve, without being so ordered, it must be stopped.)
SECTION 3: A Started dog is not required to deliver to hand. However, the dog must deliver the bird within a reasonable radius of the point of origin which is easily accessible to the handler. Therefore, it is not appropriate to require the dog to deliver the bird into a boat or blind. (The dog should return to the handler without delay. Moderate voice or whistle commands may be used. Repeated evidence of delayed return or excessive voice and whistle commands may be grounds for elimination.)
SECTION 4: A Started dog will usually be cast from the point of origin only once. However, a second attempt or "recast" may be granted if, in the opinion of the judges, a dog exhibits confusion at the point of origin. Also, if an initial misdirection is taken by a Started dog and the handler immediately brings the dog back to heel, it may be given a "recast". A "recast" shall never be granted to a dog that goes out into the field, establishes a hunt, does not find the bird and returns to the handler. This is grounds for elimination rather than a second chance. After two unsuccessful attempts the judges shall step in and direct the handler to pick up his/her dog. (See Chapter II, Section 17 for "no-goes.")
SECTION 5: A Started dog may be handled on marked retrieves with voice/whistle/hand signals, if, in the opinion of the handler, the dog cannot find or has missed the mark. (The dog is being tested for its marking ability, not handling, however, a crisp cast is preferable to a long hunt. Repeated evidence of lack of marking ability or lack of control may be grounds for elimination.)
SECTION 6: Tests for this event shall be held in appropriate cover.
a. Maximum test distance on land shall not exceed 75 yards.
b. Maximum test distance on water shall not exceed 50 yards.
c. Dogs shall not be required to honor another dog in this event.
d. Diversions and dry shots (i.e. shots for which no bird appears or falls) shall not be allowed.
SECTION 7: The handler may be required to carry necessary hunting paraphernalia, including a shotgun. However, a handler shall never be required to hold the shotgun in the firing position.
SECTION 8: Walk ups to simulate jump shooting may be used in this event. The dog shall be brought to an area designated as the point of origin at heel. It is the handler' s option to utilize a leash, line or slip lead around the dog's neck. Section 2 shall be in effect. The judges may signal for the bird while the handler and dog are walking.