General Rules and Instructions For All APLA Tests

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR ENTERING ALL APLA TESTS

• Costs, date, and time of the tests will be announced in the premium.
• Owners must provide proof that Certified level dogs are AKC, CKC or UKC registered when mailing in the premium. (A photocopy of the dog’s registration papers must be included unless otherwise specified on the entry premium.)
• All owners and handlers participating in APLA events must be members in good standing.

GENERAL RULES FOR ALL APLA TESTS:

• Back-to-back tests (tests within two weeks of each other in close geographic proximity) must use different land, different water, and different judges for the various stakes except as a last resort.
• All tests will be conducted in series with call backs. Dogs that are not successful in one series will not be allowed to continue to the next.
• The series of the test may be run in any order unless otherwise specified in the rules.
• For all Marked Retrieves every effort should be made to have gunners and throwers concealed behind a duck blind or other suitable cover.
• There shall be no poison birds in any retrieving series at any level.  No dog will be required to do a blind retrieve before picking up all marks that have previously been thrown.
• No “remote sends” are required. Although on a marked retrieve, judges may require the dog to sit some distance from the handler’s side while the marks are thrown, the handler may come to the dog’s side to send the dog.
• No “walk-ups” are allowed at the Certification or Advanced level. (For marked or blind retrieves at these levels, the handler must be permitted to bring the dog to the line and sit it before any duck call or shot is heard or a bird is thrown.) At the discretion of the judges, “walk-ups” may be required at the Master level.
• It is recommended that a test dog be run before all retrieving series.
• A dog shall be considered to be under judgment from the time it leaves the last holding blind until it has left the line and is behind the judges in the retrieving series, or from the start of “time” until back on lead in the upland series.
• At the Advanced and Master level the lead should be removed before leaving the last holding blind.  At the Certified level the dog may be brought to the line on lead.
• While under judgment dogs should not be touched, verbally reprimanded, corrected or otherwise intimidated by their handlers except to water the dog, render First Aid to the dog, or give a light tap to release from point while in the upland field.  Excessive loud or intimidating commands may result in a failure.
• Decisions of the judges are final.
• Judges will be available after the test to discuss individual scoring and to answer any questions or concerns about the tests. (During the test itself, if marshals are available, any questions or concerns must be addressed to the stake marshal.)

BITCHES IN SEASON

Bitches in season will not be allowed to run in APLA Tests. If brought to the test, bitches in season must be taken off the test grounds to be aired, exercised, or bred. Further, as a courtesy to other participants bitches in season should be kept well away from the area of the individual tests.

UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT

It will be considered unsportsmanlike conduct if a person, during the running of or in connection with an APLA event, abuses or harasses a Judge, Official, or any other person present in any capacity. Judges, APLA Officials, and the Hunt Test Chair or Committee have authority to expel individuals from APLA events and, if they deem necessary, bring further disciplinary action against such individuals to the APLA Board of Directors. The Hunt Test Chair may convene a committee at the test to investigate allegations of misconduct, and to report to the APLA Board of Directors.

A person displaying any unsportsmanlike conduct toward another individual or toward a dog (e.g., kicking, striking, or otherwise roughly handling a dog) while on the Hunt Test grounds, at any time during the event, may be expelled from the event and subject to further APLA disciplinary action.

CONDUCT OF DOGS

Any dog that exhibits an unprovoked and/or obvious threat to other dogs or individuals, either through attacking or aggressive behavior (,) may be expelled from an APLA Hunt Test. Expulsion of a dog may be the result of a witnessed event by an APLA Judge, an APLA Official, individuals representing the APLA, or the result of reports of such action by other individuals. If a report is made, the Hunt Test Chair and/or other Officials and/or their representatives will perform an investigation of the incident and may choose to eject a dog at that time.

Any dog ejected for aggressive behavior will forfeit the privilege to run in any APLA events that day and shall not receive a qualifying score or pass for those events. Should APLA Officials deem the attack severe enough, the dog may be barred from competing in future APLA events. Handlers who knowingly expose other dogs or individuals to aggressive dogs by bringing them to APLA events will be reprimanded and may be subject to further APLA disciplinary action.

It is recommended that handlers bring copies of vaccination records of their dogs to APLA events. Should an unfortunate incident occur, owners/handlers may be required to provide proof of vaccination or risk impoundment of their dog (as required by state law).

NSF Policy

There is a $35 fee for all checks returned due to non-sufficient funds (NSF). This NSF fee also applies to membership or entry fees paid through credit or debit cards that are rejected by the issuing company.

The member who issues the NSF check or rejected card will be contacted and given 30 days to pay the amount of the NSF check or card amount plus the $35 NSF fee. This total amount must be paid to the APLA via certified check, cashiers check or money order; not a personal check, or a credit or debit card.

After this time if the NSF check and fee amount is not paid the member is considered “a member not in good standing”. The member will receive a certified letter stating this, a request for the monies owed the APLA, and a copy of the APLA NSF Check Policy.

If the treasurer has not received the NSF check and fee amount by 60 days after the letter is received the check is turned over to a collection agency.

APLA membership may resume one year from the date of NSF check and fee collection with payment of APLA membership dues.

As long as the NSF check and fee amount remain uncollected membership in the APLA is prohibited.

Approved by the Board March 2, 2006,
for all tests beginning April 1, 2006, or later.

Certified Pointing Retriever Test (CPR)

PURPOSE

The purpose of APLA’s Certified Pointing Retriever Test (CPR) is to evaluate a combination of basic natural abilities and basic trained behaviors in the upland field and waterfowl retrieves. Natural abilities and trained behaviors are equally important components of a good hunting companion. To score well in this test the dog must respond to basic obedience commands and have had enough exposure to hunting upland birds and water retrieves to show beginning proficiency in each. There is no minimum age for dogs running this test. The test will have two working parts: Upland Work and Water Retrieves. Testing will be scored on a noncompetitive basis on a zero to five (O to 5) scale in one half (1/2) point increments in each of seven (7) categories, for a maximum score of 35 points. Any dog scoring a one and one-half (1.5) or lower in any category of testing will fail immediately and will not be allowed to continue the test. The seven scoring categories are: NOSE, COOPERATION, DESIRE, SEARCH, POINT, LAND RETRIEVES, and WATER RETRIEVES. Nose, Cooperation, Desire, and Search will be evaluated throughout all parts of the test. Point will be evaluated in the Upland Field. A minimum total score of 21 of the 35 possible points is required in order to pass the test. A dog that successfully passes the test will be given the title of Certified Pointing Retriever (CPR).

GENERAL OVERVIEW:

UPLAND

The Upland Field will consist of approximately 3 to 5 acres of light to medium cover (as available). The premium for the test will identify what game birds will be available for the upland work(chukar and/or pheasant). (Good quality quail may be used only when suitable chukar or pheasant are not available.) When returning the premium, handlers will select what combination of three (3) of the available birds they will use for the test. These three birds will be placed at random throughout the Upland Field. The Handler must indicate to the judge whether he himself wants to put up the birds, wants the gunner to put up the birds, or wants to send in the dog to flush the birds after they are pointed. He must also indicate whether he wants any birds shot that the dog puts up without having pointed. The handler and dog must hunt the entire field efficiently searching for three birds. The team will be allowed to remain on the Upland Field for a maximum of 15 minutes. (The time can be shortened by the judges only if the dog has found three birds or if, in the judges’ opinion, because of heat or other factors, continuing the hunt would be dangerous for the dog.) The field party will consist of the handler and dog, two (2) judges, a designated gunner, and at most one apprentice judge. Spectators may be present in a designated area. With the consent of the handler, other designated individuals may accompany the field party, such as a photographer or one other "guest". Should those individuals "bump" a bird in the field or cause a dog to fail to hold a point it is considered the responsibility of the handler and the entry will not be considered for any type of protest or re-run. Guests in the field party may not give any type of verbal communication, directive, or support to the handler, and are required to remain in the holding area while birds are being planted. Guests providing the handler guidance or help risk the dog and handler being disqualified.

WATER

The Water test will use open water (as available), providing retrieves of approximately 50 yards or less. Upon the handler signaling readiness to the judges, a duck call will sound and a dead duck will be thrown from a concealed location simultaneously with a gunshot. The throw will be into the water (with a splash) in a location that encourages both efficient water entries and water returns. This will be repeated in the same manner for a second retrieve.

THE SEVEN SCORING CATEGORIES

NOSE

Effective use of the nose across all bird contacts will be used to determine the overall quality of the nose. Scenting conditions (including direction, shifting, or absence of wind) will be taken into consideration by the judges.

COOPERATION

In all situations, the dog should respond to commands or signals given by the handler. In the Upland Field, the handler will determine the overall pattern of the search, but a well-trained dog will need little assistance in hunting within this general pattern. Scores will be heavily downgraded for a dog that runs with disregard to the handler.

DESIRE

The dog must demonstrate a desire to hunt, retrieve, and please its handler. Desire can be evaluated through the enthusiasm, self-motivation and body language displayed by the dog as it performs its work. Scores will be downgraded for a dog that requires constant verbal encouragement to hunt or retrieve or for a dog that seems intimidated by the handler.

SEARCH

In the Upland Field, the handler must determine the overall pattern of the search with the clear intent to find three birds. Within this overall pattern, the dog should demonstrate purpose and pattern while using its sense of smell, showing a natural ability to locate birds on its own. On all retrieves, the dog should go quickly to the area of the fall, and search efficiently within the area of the fall. Aimless running, walking, or swimming will not be confused with searching either in the Upland Field or during Water Retrieves.

POINT

Judges are to allow for all styles of point. To establish point the dog must become motionless in a standing position (movement of the head or tail is allowed). The dog must clearly establish point on its own prior to any type of command or signal given by the handler. The dog must remain on point for a minimum of five (5) seconds. Only after the judge has started the five second count may the handler give a quiet, non-intimidating, steadying command. The dog may reposition itself while on point, but upon re-establishing point, a new five (5) second count will begin. Repositioning which results in a staunch point indicating that the dog has confidence in bird location will not lower scores. A bird must be produced from the point for the point to be scored. Creeping on point or willful flushing of birds, unless commanded to flush, will result in a lower pointing score. Birds that are determined by the judges to be running that are flushed within gun range will not lower the dogs pointing score. The dog should search, locate and point as many of the birds as possible in the Upland Course.

LAND RETRIEVES

Scoring in this category will reflect work performed in the Upland Field. Retrieves should be efficient. A scoreable retrieve is one that is delivered to within one reasonable step of the handler, but a higher score will be given to dogs delivering to hand. The dog should mark the fall; however, the handler may assist the dog with hand or whistle signals. The handler may reposition himself a short distance, but only enough to get a reasonable view of the flight or fall of the birds or to keep his dog in view. On occasions when the gunner fails to down a successfully pointed bird, a retrieve will be simulated by firing the gun and throwing a dead bird. The dog must retrieve all cleanly killed game and all birds from simulated retrieves that it should see fall within the boundaries of the Upland Field.

All retrieved birds will be examined for evidence of hard mouth. Should a dog exhibit hard mouth, it will receive a zero (0) in Retrieve. Evidence of crushed bone structure, canine tooth penetration or audible crunching while the dog has a bird in its mouth are sufficient to result in a 0 score in Retrieve.

WATER RETRIEVES

Efficient and willing swims to and back with the duck should be completed by the dog. Judges are looking for retrieving desire and swimming abilities as well as the efficiency of a reasonably direct line. Bank running and water entry other than in a reasonably direct line from the handler will severely downgrade the dog's score. The dog is required to complete two (2) single marked water retrieves, delivering to within one reasonable step (on dry land) of the handler. (For top scores, delivery to hand is required.) Judges will signal the handler to send the dog, shortly after the duck hits the water. The handler may quietly speak to his dog in a non-intimidating fashion while waiting for the judge to signal him to make the retrieve. The dog may not leave the handler's side until this signal is given. For the purpose of the Certified Water Retrieves only, the dog may be restrained by a slip lead until the judge’s signal is given. The handler is allowed two attempts to send the dog for each retrieve, and the handler may not take more than one reasonable step from his initial position.

All retrieved birds will be examined for evidence of hard mouth. Should a dog exhibit hard mouth, it will receive a zero (0) in Water. Evidence of crushed bone structure, canine tooth penetration or audible crunching while the dog has a bird in its mouth are sufficient to result in a 0 score in water retrieves.

Approved by the Board March 11, 2008,
for all tests beginning April 1, 2008, or later.

Advanced Pointing Retriever Test (APR)

PURPOSE

The purpose of APLA’s Advanced Test is to provide a format for Pointing Labradors to demonstrate a significantly higher level of natural abilities and trained behaviors than are evaluated in the Certified Pointing Retriever Test. The tested abilities and behaviors are important components of a proficient hunting companion.

To score well in this test the dog must respond to its handler’s commands and must have had enough exposure to hunting situations to demonstrate that it is a good working pointing retriever. A dog must be a Certified Pointer (CP) or a Certified Pointing Retriever (CPR) before running the test.

The test will have four working series: Upland Work, Land Retrieves, Water Retrieves, and a Blind Retrieve. Testing will be scored on a noncompetitive basis on a zero to five (O to 5) scale in one half (1/2) point increments in each of eight (8) categories. Any dog scoring a two (2) or lower in any category of testing will fail immediately and will not be allowed to continue the test. The eight scoring categories are: NOSE, COOPERATION, DESIRE, SEARCH, POINT, LAND RETRIEVES, WATER RETRIEVES, and BLIND LAND RETRIEVE. Nose, Cooperation, and Desire will be evaluated throughout all parts of the test. Search will be evaluated throughout all parts of the test except the Blind Retrieve. Point will be evaluated in the Upland Field. A minimum total score of 24 out of the 40 possible points is required in order to pass the test. A dog that successfully passes this test will be given the title of Advanced Pointing Retriever (APR).

GENERAL OVERVIEW

UPLAND The Upland Field will consist of approximately 5 to 10 acres of light to medium cover (as available). The premium for the test will announce what game birds will be available for the upland work (chukar, and/or pheasant).  (Good quality quail may be used only when suitable chukar or pheasant are not available.)  When returning the premium, handlers will select what combination of four (4) of the available birds they will use for the test. These four birds will be placed at random throughout the Upland Field. The Handler must indicate to the judge whether he himself wants to put up the birds, wants the gunner to put up the birds, or wants to send the dog in to flush after a successful point. He must also indicate whether he wants any birds shot that the dog puts up without having pointed. The handler and dog must hunt the entire field efficiently searching for four birds. The team will be allowed to remain in the Upland Field for a maximum of 20 minutes. (The time can be shortened by the judges only if the dog has found four birds or if, in the judges’ opinion, because of heat or other factors, continuing the hunt would be dangerous for the dog.)

The field party will consist of the handler and dog, two (2) judges, a designated gunner, plus at most one apprentice judge. Spectators may be present in a designated area. (With the consent of the handler other designated individuals may accompany the field party, such as a photographer or one other "guest". But should those individuals "bump" a bird in the field or cause a dog to fail to hold a point it is considered the responsibility of the handler and the entry will not be considered for any type of protest or re-run. The guests in the field party may not give any type of verbal communication, directive, or support to the handler, and are required to remain in the holding area while birds are being planted. Should the guest offer the handler guidance or help there is a high risk of disqualification.)

The minimum number of birds which the dog must locate and point in the Upland Course will depend on that day’s overall Upland Conditions, including (but not limited to) wind, scenting conditions, and how well the birds are holding. It is the responsibility of the handler to organize the overall hunt to maximize both the number of bird contacts and the likelihood of birds being successfully pointed when found. The judges will determine the minimum number of required successful points for the dog after seeing enough of the day’s Upland work to evaluate overall Upland Conditions, which may change throughout the course of the day. In no case can the minimum of successful points be less than one bird, and seldom will it be this low. (Failure of the dog to locate and point a sufficient number of birds may be due to inadequacies in any or all of the following Categories: Nose, Point, Search, Cooperation, or Desire.)

WATER The Water Course will consist of open water (as available - surface skim ice or surface vegetation are acceptable) and will provide retrieves of approximately 75 yards or less. A dead duck will be thrown from a concealed location simultaneously with a gunshot but preceded by a duck call. After a brief interval of 3 to 5 seconds this will be repeated in the same manner for the second bird thrown.

THE EIGHT SCORING CATEGORIES

NOSE Consistency of effective use of the nose in finding birds and across all bird contacts will be used to determine the overall quality of the nose. While use of the nose in hunting on the Upland Field is especially important, nose will also be judged on Land and Water Retrieves. Scenting conditions (including direction, shifting, or absence of wind) will be taken into consideration by the judges.

COOPERATION In all situations, the dog should respond to commands or signals given by the handler. In the Upland Field the handler will determine the overall pattern of the search, but a well-trained dog will need little assistance in hunting within this general pattern. At the Advanced level a dog is not required to be steady to wing or shot on the Upland Field, but a dog that chases unshot birds must be quickly brought under control by its handler. Scores will be heavily downgraded for a dog that runs with disregard to the handler either when searching the Upland Field or when chasing birds. All retrieves must be delivered to hand.

DESIRE The dog must demonstrate a desire to hunt, to retrieve, and to work with its handler. Desire can be evaluated through the enthusiasm, self motivation, and body language displayed by the dog as it performs its work. Scores will be downgraded in this category for a dog that requires constant verbal encouragement to hunt or retrieve or for a dog that seems intimidated by its handler.

SEARCH In the Upland Field, the handler must determine the overall pattern of the search with the clear intent to find four birds. Within this overall pattern, the dog should enthusiastically demonstrate purpose and pattern while using its sense of smell, showing a natural ability to locate birds on its own. On all retrieves, the dog should go quickly to the area of the fall and search efficiently within the area of the fall. Aimless running or walking will not be confused with searching either in the Upland Field or during Marked Retrieves.

POINT The judges are to allow for all styles of point, with no preference to any style. To establish point the dog must become motionless in a standing position (movement of the head or tail is allowed). The dog must clearly establish point on its own prior to any type of command or signal given by the handler. Only after the judge has started the ten second count may the handler give a quiet, non-intimidating, steadying command. The dog must remain on point for a minimum of ten (10) seconds. The dog may reposition itself while on point, but upon re-establishing point the ten (10) second count will be restarted. Repositioning which results in a staunch point indicating that the dog has confidence in bird location will not lower scores. However, repositioning to crowd the bird may lower the pointing score. A bird must be produced from the point to allow the point to be scored. Creeping on point, or willful flushing or catching birds (except after a command to flush upon completion of a successful point) will result in a lower pointing score. Birds that are determined by the judges to be running and are flushed within gun range will not lower the dog’s pointing score.

For top scores the point must be intense and unmistakable. The dog must clearly show instinct to point scent as opposed to sight. Dogs "blinking" or intentionally leaving the area of game are to be strongly faulted.

LAND RETRIEVES

Scoring in this category will reflect work performed on the Upland Course as well as on the Double Land Retrieve. Retrieves must be efficient.

In the Upland Field, the dog should mark the fall, however the handler may assist the dog with hand or whistle signals. The handler may reposition himself a short distance, but only enough to get a reasonable view of the flight or fall of the birds or to keep his dog in view. On those occasions when the gunner fails to down a successfully pointed bird, a retrieve will be simulated by firing the gun and throwing a dead bird. The dog must retrieve all cleanly killed game and all birds from simulated retrieves that it should see fall within the boundaries of the course.

For the Double Land Retrieve, pheasants and/or ducks will be thrown, with each mark approximately 75 yards or less. The dog must remain steady until the handler is instructed by the judge to make the retrieve. Approximately a three second delay will occur from the time the second bird hits the ground until the judge instructs the handler to make the retrieve. The handler may quietly speak to his dog in a non-intimidating fashion while waiting for the judge to signal him to make the retrieve. The dog must stay in close proximity to the handler’s side until the judge’s signal is given. (If the dog does not stay in close proximity to the handler’s side, the judges will instruct the handler to reheel the dog before giving the signal to make the retrieve.)

If at any point the dog starts to break before the judge’s signal is given the handler must stop the dog, possibly using whistle commands and/or strong voice commands. If the handler has to give a whistle command or a strong verbal command to hold the dog at his side, or if the judges ask that the dog be reheeled to its handler’s side, it is a Controlled Break. Each Controlled Break will lower the Cooperation score. An Uncontrolled Break will result in a zero (0) in Cooperation.

The handler is allowed the initial send (sending command from his location) and one re-send from the same location if necessary, but only one re-send will be allowed for the two marks of the Double Land Retrieve.

Dogs may pick up the birds in whatever order they or their handlers choose. But dogs that hunt the area of the fall, fail to recover the bird and leave the area of the fall to search another fall area are said to have switched. A dog that switches lacks perseverance, and will be scored a zero (0) in the retrieve.

Both the Land Double and the Water Double are marking tests. Handling will not be required if the dog can mark the fall and remember the location of both birds. Should the handler elect to handle, handling must be crisp and precise. Once the handler chooses to handle, the burden of bird recovery switches to the handler. In other words, the dog must be handled directly to the fall, not just put in the area and allowed to hunt.

If it is necessary to handle on more than one of the four land and water marks it is normally expected that the dog will be failed on retrieving.

All Birds retrieved will be examined for evidence of hard mouth. Should a dog exhibit hard mouth, it will receive a zero (0) in Land Retrieve. Evidence of crushed bone structure, canine tooth penetration or audible crunching while the dog has a bird in its mouth are sufficient to result in a 0 score in Land Retrieve.

WATER RETRIEVE

This is a marked Water Double, with two marks of approximately 75 yards or less, with each line crossing a significant amount of water. Thrown dead ducks, landing either in water or on land, will be used for the marks.

The dog must remain steady until the handler is instructed by the judge to make the retrieve. Approximately a three second delay will occur from the time the second bird is down until the judge instructs the handler to make the retrieve. The handler may quietly speak to his dog in a non-intimidating fashion while waiting for the judge to signal him to make the retrieve. The dog must stay in close proximity to the handler’s side until the judge’s signal is given. If the dog does not stay in close proximity to the handler’s side, the judges will instruct the handler to reheel the dog before giving the signal to make the retrieve.

If the dog starts to break before the judge’s signal is given the handler must stop the dog, possibly using whistle commands and/or strong voice commands. If the handler has to give a whistle command or a strong verbal command to hold the dog at his side, or if the judges ask that the dog be reheeled to its handler’s side, it is a Controlled Break. Each Controlled Break will lower the Cooperation score. An uncontrolled break will result in a zero (0) in Cooperation.

The handler is allowed the initial send (sending command from his location) and one re-send from the same location if necessary, but only one re-send will be allowed for the two marks of the Double Water Retrieve.

Dogs may pick up the birds in whatever order they or their handlers choose. But dogs that hunt the area of the fall, fail to recover the bird and leave the area of the fall to search another fall area are said to have switched. A dog that switches lacks perseverance, and will be scored a zero (0) in the retrieve.

Efficient and willing swims to and back with the duck should be completed by the dog. Judges are looking for retrieving desire and swimming abilities as well as the efficiency of a reasonably direct line. Bank running not on the line to the fall and water entry other than in a direct line from the handler will severely downgrade the dog's score.

Both the Land Double and the Water Double are marking tests. Handling will not be required if the dog can mark the fall and remember the location of both birds. Should the handler elect to handle, handling should be crisp and precise. Once the handler chooses to handle, the burden of bird recovery switches to the handler. In other words, the dog must be handled directly to the fall, not just put in the area and allowed to hunt.

If it is necessary to handle on more than one of the four land and water marks it is normally expected that the dog will be failed on retrieving.

All Birds retrieved will be examined for evidence of hard mouth. Should a dog exhibit hard mouth, it will receive a zero (0) in Water Retrieve. Evidence of crushed bone structure, canine tooth penetration or audible crunching while the dog has a bird in its mouth are sufficient to result in a 0 score in Water Retrieve.

BLIND LAND RETRIEVE

The Blind Land Retrieve must occur before the dog is worked in the Upland Field.

Either a dead duck or a pheasant will be used for the blind. The judges will identify the location where the bird is located. The distance of the land blind will be about 40 to 50 yards from point of origin to the marked location of the bird. Cover should be light to medium (as available). A shot will be fired from the general location of the blind sometime before the dog is sent to the blind.

For the Advanced Test, blinds may not be located between, or close to, the marks used in any of the other retrieves. No significant amount of water, and no swimming, will be required as part of the land blind. The dog must be handled to the blind, without being turned loose to hunt the bird.

While the land blind may be run in conjunction with the land retrieving series, it should not be related to, or influenced by, the marks.

The judges will describe to the handlers an acceptable corridor within which they expect the handler to keep the dog. The Blind Retrieve will be judged on how well the dog makes progress to the bird (being handled as necessary to insure reasonably direct progress within this corridor), as well as how well the dog makes a good effort to obey the handler’s commands.

The handler is allowed an initial send (sending command from his location) and one re-send if necessary to start the blind retrieve. If more than one resend from the initial position is necessary a “no go” will normally be called and the dog will receive a score of zero (0) for the blind retrieve.

Approved by the Board March 2, 2006,
for all tests beginning April 1, 2006, or later.

Master/Grand Master Pointing Retriever Test (MPR/GMPR)

PURPOSE

The purpose of APLA’s Master level test is to provide a format for Pointing Labradors to demonstrate the highest level of natural abilities and trained behaviors that the American Pointing Labrador Association tests. To accomplish this, all dogs entered are tested on Upland hunts and on both land and water retrieves and blinds. They are then scored on a noncompetitive basis in ten (10) categories. These categories are NOSE, COOPERATION, DESIRE, SEARCH, POINT, STEADINESS TO WING AND SHOT, LAND DOUBLE, WATER DOUBLE, LAND BLIND, and WATER BLIND. Nose, Cooperation, and Desire will be evaluated throughout all parts of the test. Search will be evaluated throughout all parts of the test except the Blind Retrieves. Point and Steadiness to Wing and Shot will be evaluated in the Upland Field. The tests are designed to prove at a high level the versatility of the Pointing Labrador as an all around working dog, bred and developed at the highest levels both for upland bird hunting on a variety of species and for waterfowl hunting.

Testing will be scored on a zero to five (O to 5) scale in one half (1/2) point increments in each of the ten (10) categories. Any dog scoring a 2.5 or lower in any category will fail immediately and will not be allowed to continue the test. A minimum total score of 42 out of the 50 possible points is required in order to pass the test. While the test is demanding, experience shows that qualifying scores are attainable for dedicated hunters/trainers/handlers. A dog must be a Certified Pointer (CP) or a Certified Pointing Retriever (CPR) before running the test.

GENERAL OVERVIEW

UPLAND

The Upland Field will consist of approximately 10 acres of varied cover (as available). Three chukar and two pheasant will be placed at random throughout the Upland Field.  (Good quality quail may be used only when suitable chukar or pheasant are not available.)  The Handler must indicate to the judge whether he himself wants to put up the birds, wants the gunner to put up the birds, or wants to send the dog in to flush after a successful point. He must also indicate whether he wants any birds shot that the dog puts up without having pointed. The dog and handler must hunt the entire field, efficiently searching for five birds. The team will be allowed to remain in the Upland Field for a maximum of 20 minutes. (The time can be shortened by the judges only if the dog has found five birds or if, in the judges’ opinion, because of heat or other factors, continuing the hunt would be dangerous for the dog.) The field party will consist of the handler and dog, two (2) judges, a designated gunner, plus at most one apprentice judge. Spectators may be present in a designated area. (With the consent of the handler other designated individuals may accompany the field party, such as a photographer or one other "guest". Should those individuals "bump" a bird in the field or cause a dog to fail to hold a point it is considered the responsibility of the handler and the entry will not be considered for any type of protest or re-run. The guests in the field party may not give any type of verbal communication, directive, or support to the handler and are required to remain in the holding area while birds are being planted. Should the guest offer the handler guidance or help there is a high risk of disqualification.) The minimum number of birds which the dog must locate and point in the Upland Field will depend on the overall Upland Conditions, including (but not limited to) wind, scenting conditions, and how well the birds are holding. It is the responsibility of the handler to organize the overall hunt to maximize both the number of bird contacts and the likelihood of birds being successfully pointed when found. The judges will determine the minimum number of required successful points for the dog after seeing enough of the day’s Upland work to evaluate the overall Upland Conditions. The dog’s required minimum may be two or three birds, but that minimum may be adjusted up or down depending on the judges’ evaluation of the overall Upland Conditions, which may change throughout the course of the day. Failure of the dog to locate and point a sufficient number of birds may be due to inadequacies in any or all of the following Categories: Nose, Point, Search, Cooperation, Desire, or Steadiness to Wing and Shot.

Note:  There is no longer a requirement to “sit” and walk away from the dog in the Upland Field.

THE TEN SCORING CATEGORIES

NOSE

Quality and use of the nose will be judged throughout the test. The dog must prove not only that it has a good nose, but that it can use it to efficiently find birds. In the Upland Field, the dog should indicate scent where game is present. The distance that the dog first encounters the scent cone and where the dog establishes point are good indications of nose. Repeated non-productive points may be an indicator of a poor nose. Both in the Upland Field and in marked Retrieves, quickly finding downed game in heavy cover also shows a good nose. (Weather and other factors will be taken into consideration in scoring.)

COOPERATION

In all parts of the test, the dog should respond to commands or signals given by the handler. In the Upland Field the handler will determine the overall pattern of the search, but a well-trained dog will need little assistance in hunting within this general pattern. Scores will be heavily downgraded for a dog that runs with disregard to the handler during any part of the test.

All retrieves must be delivered to hand.

For all retrieves and blinds, the handler is allowed an initial send (sending command from his location) and one re-send from the same location if necessary, but if there is more than one re-send throughout the entire Master test “no goes” will be called and the dog will be given a zero (0) for Cooperation.

DESIRE

The dog must demonstrate a strong desire to hunt, to retrieve, and to work with its handler. Desire can be evaluated through the enthusiasm, self motivation, and body language displayed by the dog as it performs its work. Scores will be downgraded in this category for a dog that requires repeated verbal encouragement to hunt or retrieve or for a dog that seems intimidated by its handler.

SEARCH

In the Upland Field, the handler must determine the overall pattern of the search with the clear intent to find five birds. Within this overall pattern, the dog should enthusiastically demonstrate purpose and pattern while using its sense of smell, showing a natural ability to locate birds on its own. On all Retrieves, the dog should go quickly to the area of the fall, and search with purpose in the area of the fall. Aimless running or walking will not be construed as search for any bird, whether in hunting or in retrieving.

POINT The judges are to allow for all styles of point, with no preference to any style. A bird must be produced from the point to allow the point to be scored.

To establish point the dog must become motionless in a standing position (movement of the head or tail is allowed). The dog must clearly establish point on its own prior to any type of command or signal given by the handler. Only after the judge has started the ten second count may the handler give a quiet, non-intimidating, steadying command. The dog must remain on point for a minimum of ten (10) seconds. The dog may reposition itself while on point, but upon re-establishing point the ten (10) second count will be restarted. Repositioning which results in a staunch point indicating that the dog has confidence in bird location will not lower scores. However, creeping or repositioning to crowd the bird may lower the pointing score.  The handler may not reposition the dog once it has established point until the dog is released for the flush or retrieve.

For top scores the point must be intense and unmistakable. The dog must clearly show instinct to point scent as opposed to sight. Dogs "blinking" or intentionally leaving the area of game are to be severely faulted.

Throughout the Upland hunt, any dog that willfully flushes game without command will be severely faulted. The dog may run into the bird from the upwind side, not aware of its presence and "bump" the bird without being penalized. A dog that "bumps" a bird on the downwind side will be penalized in nose, search, or pointing.  Birds judged to have “flushed wild” well in front of a working dog should not be scored as bumped birds.

Throughout the Upland hunt, a dog that actually willfully catches birds (except after a command to flush a successfully pointed bird) will be failed, unless it is determined by the judges that the bird flushed directly into the dogs face or that after being flushed the bird stayed in close proximity to the dog on point and was incapable of flight or other extraordinary circumstances existed.

STEADINESS TO WING AND SHOT

Steadiness to Wing and Shot will be judged on what has been exhibited in the Upland Field. For the dog to receive top scores, cooperative and willing work will be required.

Steadiness to wing begins any time the dog sees a bird flush, or any time a member of the Field Party is sent in to flush a pointed bird. The dog may reposition itself without crowding in, but only as needed either to see the bird being flushed or to see the flight of the bird. The dog should remain standing or seated at all other times. During the flight of the bird or prior to someone going in to flush the bird the handler may quietly steady or sit the dog but may not reposition the dog from where it established point. If a shot is fired, the dog should remain steady. Throughout, the handler may, in a nonintimidating way, reinforce the dog’s steadiness. Excessive loud or intimidating commands may result in failure.  The handler may also reposition himself a short distance, but only enough to get a reasonable view of the flight or fall of the bird or to keep his dog in view during it’s retrieve or if it breaks.

If a bird has been shot, approximately a three second delay will occur from the time the bird is down until the judge instructs the handler to make the retrieve. The dog must remain steady until commanded to retrieve by its handler.

If at any time the dog breaks, the handler must quickly get it under control. If directed by the judges the handler must call the dog back to a heel position. A controlled break will significantly decrease the dog’s score for steadiness. Either an uncontrolled break or two controlled breaks in the Upland Field will result in a zero score for steadiness.

LAND RETRIEVES

Scoring in this category will reflect work performed on the Upland Field as well as during the Double Land Retrieve. Retrieves must be efficient.

In the Upland Field, the dog should mark the fall; however, if necessary, the handler may assist the dog with hand or whistle signals. Excessive handling in the Upland Field will lower the score for Land Retrieves.

On those occasions when the gunner fails to down a successfully pointed bird within the Upland Field, a retrieve will be simulated by firing the gun and throwing a dead bird. The dog must retrieve all cleanly killed game and all birds from simulated retrieves that it should see fall within the boundaries of the course.

For the Double Land Retrieve, pheasants and/or ducks will be thrown, with each mark approximately 100 yards or less. (At the judges’ discretion, either the Double Land Retrieve or the Double Water Retrieve, but not both, may involve a “walk-up” in which the birds are thrown as the handler and dog approach the line from which the dog will be sent.)

The dog must remain steady until the handler is instructed by the judge to make the retrieve. A delay of approximately three seconds will occur from the time the second bird hits the ground until the judge instructs the handler to make the retrieve. The handler may quietly speak to his dog in a non-intimidating fashion while waiting for the judge to signal him to make the retrieve. The dog must stay at the line where it has been sat for the marked retrieves until the judge’s signal is given. (If the dog does not stay in close proximity to the line where it has been sat, the judges will instruct the handler to reheel the dog before giving the signal to make the retrieve.)

If at any point the dog starts to break before the judge’s signal is given, the handler may stop the dog using whistle commands and/or strong voice commands. If the handler has to give a whistle command or a strong verbal command to hold the dog at his side, or if the judges ask that the dog be reheeled to its handler’s side, it is a Controlled Break. Each Controlled Break will significantly lower the Cooperation score. An Uncontrolled Break will result in a zero (0) in Cooperation. Two Controlled Breaks on the four marks of the Double Land Retrieves and Double Water Retrieves will also result in a zero (0) in Cooperation.

Dogs may pick up the birds in whatever order they or their handlers choose. But dogs that hunt the area of the fall, fail to recover the bird and leave the area of the fall to search another fall area are said to have switched. A dog that switches lacks perseverance, and will be scored a zero (0) in the retrieve.

Judges are looking for retrieving desire as well as the efficiency of a reasonably direct line.

Both the Land Double and the Water Double are marking tests. Handling will not be required if the dog can mark the fall and remember the location of both birds. Should the handler elect to handle, handling must be crisp and precise. Once the handler chooses to handle, the burden of bird recovery switches to the handler. In other words, the dog must be handled directly to the fall, not just put in the area and allowed to hunt.

If it is necessary to handle on more than one of the four marked retrieves of the land and water retrieves it is normally expected that the dog will be failed on retrieving.

All birds retrieved will be examined for evidence of hard mouth. Should a dog exhibit hard mouth, it will receive a zero (0) in Land Retrieve. Evidence of crushed bone structure, canine tooth penetration or audible crunching while the dog has a bird in its mouth are sufficient to result in a 0 score in Land Retrieve.

WATER RETRIEVES

This is a marked Double Water Retrieve, with two marks of approximately 100 yards or less, with each line crossing a significant amount of water. Thrown dead ducks, which may or may not land in the water, will be used for the marks. (At the judges’ discretion, either the Double Land Retrieve or the Double Water Retrieve, but not both, may involve a “walk-up” in which the birds are thrown as the handler and dog approach the line from which the dog will be sent.)

The dog must remain steady until the handler is instructed by the judge to make the retrieve. A delay of approximately three seconds will occur from the time the second bird is down until the judge instructs the handler to make the retrieve. The handler may quietly speak to his dog in a non-intimidating fashion while waiting for the judge to signal him to make the retrieve. The dog must stay at the line where it has been sat for the marked retrieves until the judge’s signal is given. (If the dog does not stay in close proximity to the line where it has been sat, the judges will instruct the handler to reheel the dog before giving the signal to make the retrieve.)

If at any point the dog starts to break before the judge’s signal is given, the handler may stop the dog using whistle commands and/or strong voice commands. If the handler has to give a whistle command or a strong verbal command to hold the dog at his side, or if the judges ask that the dog be reheeled to its handler’s side, it is a Controlled Break. Each Controlled Break will significantly lower the Cooperation score. An Uncontrolled Break will result in a zero (0) in Cooperation. Two Controlled Breaks on the four marks of the Double Land Retrieves and Double Water Retrieves will also result in a zero (0) in Cooperation.

Dogs may pick up the birds in whatever order they or their handlers choose. But dogs that hunt the area of the fall, fail to recover the bird and leave the area of the fall to search another fall area are said to have switched. A dog that switches lacks perseverance, and will be scored a zero (0) in the retrieve.

Judges are looking for retrieving desire and swimming abilities as well as the efficiency of a reasonably direct line. Efficient and willing swims to and back with the duck should be completed by the dog. Bank running not on the line to the fall and water entry other than in a direct line from the handler will severely downgrade the dog's score. Bank running not on the line to the fall and water entry other than in a direct line from the handler will severely downgrade the dog's score.

Both the Land Double and the Water Double are marking tests. Handling will not be required if the dog can mark the fall and remember the location of both birds. Should the handler elect to handle, handling must be crisp and precise. Once the handler chooses to handle, the burden of bird recovery switches to the handler. In other words, the dog must be handled directly to the fall, not just put in the area and allowed to hunt.

If it is necessary to handle on more than one of the four marked retrieves of the land and water retrieves it is normally expected that the dog will be failed on retrieving.

All birds retrieved will be examined for evidence of hard mouth. Should a dog exhibit hard mouth, it will receive a zero (0) in Water Retrieve. Evidence of crushed bone structure, canine tooth penetration or audible crunching while the dog has a bird in its mouth are sufficient to result in a 0 score in Water Retrieve.

THE DIVERSION BIRD

Either the Land Double or the Water Double will include a “diversion bird”. This will involve the simulated shooting and throwing of a dead duck or pheasant from behind a blind or other concealed location. This location should be well away from either of the lines to the marked retrieves. The throw will occur while the dog is returning to the handler on its second retrieve of the double, and the throw will be preceded by a duck call.

The goal is to demonstrate the dog’s willingness to complete the assigned retrieve before carrying out the diversion retrieve. The dog will be failed if it switches and picks up the diversion bird before returning the marked retrieve. No intimidating gestures or commands may be given to prevent a switch. However, the dog may be whistled or otherwise quietly called off the diversion bird. If the dog drops the bird it is carrying or if it must be handled, it will be penalized in retrieving, perhaps severely.

The arc of the diversion bird should be readily visible to the working dog as it returns to its handler, but the bird should not fall so near as to make the temptation severe. The bird should land at least 10 yards from the return line of the dog, and should be placed so that the dog can easily see the bird as it falls.

After the return with the marked retrieve it is carrying, the dog will be sent to retrieve the diversion bird (handling if necessary).

BLIND LAND RETRIEVE

Either a dead duck or a pheasant will be used for the blind. The judges will identify the location where the bird is located. The distance of the land blind will be about 100 yards or less from point of origin to the location of the bird. (At the discretion of the judges, a shot may be fired.) The dog must be handled to the blind, without being turned loose to hunt the bird.

This is a test of how well the dog handles, so the handler should “challenge the line to the blind”. That is, the dog should be handled to keep a reasonably tight line to the blind.

BLIND WATER RETRIEVE

A dead duck will be used for the blind. The judges will mark the location where the bird is located. The distance of the water blind will be about 100 yards or less from point of origin to the marked location of the bird. (At the discretion of the judges, a shot may be fired.) The dog must be handled to the blind, without being turned loose to hunt the bird.

This is a test of how well the dog handles, so the handler should “challenge the line to the blind”. That is, the dog should be handled to keep a reasonably tight line to the blind.

TITLES

The tests for Master (MPR) and for Grand Master Pointing Retrievers (GMPR) are identical and are run together. One qualifying (i.e. one passing) score earns the MPR title. Two qualifying scores earn the GMPR title.

Approved by the Board March 2, 2006,
for all tests beginning April 1, 2006, or later.