Judge's seminar

Hunt Test judges are required to participate in an AKC-sponsored seminar every five years.  I participated in the 2012 seminar partly to learn what judges look for in a dog and partly with a mind to become a judge--but I'm getting far ahead of myself.

The participants were primarily the spaniel gang, with a flat-coat thrown in for measure.  AKC's Tom Meyer presented, and there was a lively give-and-take from the attendees who knew Tom and each other quite well and have shared many good dog stories over the years.

The primary purpose of the seminar, in my view, is to bring some measure of consistency to judging.  As the AKC rules state, judging should neither be so lax as to make it pointless, nor so severe as to discourage participants.

We discussed some interesting topics:

• Training.  Training is not permitted on the grounds.  What is training?  What are the grounds?
• Collar.  Flat buckle only.
• Course.  Shall be of a size that permits the dog to hunt naturally.
• Water.  The dog must swim the water in the blind, but it is ok if the dog returns on land (circumnavigating a round farm pond, for example).
• Guns.  Safety is paramount.  Only break-open guns allowed.  Blaze is required.  A blaze cap is not sufficient.
• Mechanical Vehicles.  "Should" be kept off the course.  Should does not mean must.
• Birds.  Should not be placed in holes, or in cover that would "impede" their ability to fly or run.
• Judging.  In the event of a disagreement, a dog cannot receive a qualifying score.

AKC's Tom Meyer led the seminar.

Mary Thoroman takes note.

Aunt Susan plays with little Greer, who was attending his first Judges' Seminar.

Susan won't let go of Greer.

Just like the dogs themselves, it's not easy getting  spaniel owners to settle down.