Excerpts on Handling, II

George and son,  Earl Crangle

One should ride or walk along slightly in front of the judges in quiet confidence, constantly on the alert. Never take your attention off your dog or the direction he is going. Keep the dog to the front with the minimum of loud hollering and use of the whistle. Try to show that your dog is doing it on his own and naturally. This produces the desired psychological effect on all observers — especially the judges.

There are times, of course, when it is necessary for you to use your voice and whistle if the dog is especially bold and independent, which we all love to see, but be quiet when the dog is doing what is expected of him. The noisy, mouthy handler who keeps up a constant chatter during a heat not only keeps his or her own dog’s mind off the hunting and confused, but the bracemate’s as well. People like this should not be tolerated in field trial competition.

“Pointing Dogs: Their Training and Handling” is available through Androscoggin Publishing.