Severnside Trial 01/05/11

Severnside trial 31st April & 1st May 2011

Judge: H Bohnstedt (GSDL)

When I was asked to judge at Severnside, I happily accepted. Being one of the oldest and largest clubs, they are known for holding well run events. With 16 entries the trial had to be expanded from the originally planned 1 day trial to a 2 day trial.
On Saturday the 31st May the first 5 of the BHs were on, as usual for this level, the standard was varied. The highlight of the day was provided by 16 years old Evie, who produced a very professional looking round. A talented young handler who should do well in the future.
Sunday started early at the tracking fields, the grass was very lush but there was also gusts of strong wind, enough to make the competitors a bit nervous. Everyone passed the tracking phase with the scores ranging from 70 to Travis Fosters excellent 98 points track.
Then it was back to the club to judge the last 3 BHs before lunch. Dean and Mo both produced tidy rounds but unfortunately the 3rd dog didn't have a good day.
After lunch, the first two SchH1 dogs were on in obedience. Both had various problems but Shirley managed 72 points. Richard (SchH1) and David John (SchH2) both produced credible rounds with a few problems resulting in 82 & 83 points respectively. The last two SchH2's were both experienced handlers with young dogs. Travis and Gavin both showed very correct handling and tidy work with minor things going wrong on the day.
With two experienced helpers for the protection work, it ran smoothly. Shirley was first on in SchH1, extra commands throughout were costly but she managed to gain her SchH1 qualification. Alyson was next, a dog with a good attitude, a bit too much on the day, but still managed 70 points. Richard was the last SchH1, a dog showing strong guarding and good attitude, but a few control problems gaining 87 points and his SchH1 qualification. David John was the first SchH2 dog. The dog started well but really got stuck in on the escape and once he got his feet up on the helper he wasn't letting go! So unfortunately he had to be disqualified. Travis put in a very tidy round with excellent control gaining 95 points for an overall SchH2 qualification with 285 points! A team I'm sure we'll be seeing in the big trials. Gavin was the last SchH2 team on the day, a well controlled round with just a few minor problems, gaining 89 points and his SchH2 qualification.
As expected at this experienced club, the trial ran like clockwork and I was very well looked after by the ladies in the kitchen all weekend. Thank you also to the helpers, tracklayers and the trial secretary who all did a very good job. We were lucky to have pleasant mostly sunny weather both days which made it a enjoyable weekend.