Dog Days in Duchess County, New York. 5 th and 6 th October 2004.

Having received the invitation to judge two Open Cocker Spaniel Trials for the English Cocker Spaniel Club of America, Edward was anxious to read up on the standard and rules that might apply, in very different circumstances to the British

Scene. He was duly sent a copy of the American rulebook and was happy to read of the overall similarity.

We arrived in Massachusetts to a warm welcome from our American hosts and enjoyed a fantastic ‘rest weekend’ in their lovely home. They kindly invited all the ‘Brits’ to join them for dinner on the Saturday evening and a very jolly time was had by all.

We drove down to the Shooting Club where the Trial was due to take place, on the Monday, in order for Edward and Wendy Openshaw, the other judge, to walk the ground, inspecting the area and placing the flags which marked the course.

Having been blessed with fantastic weather throughout our trip, it was a little damp on this day. The countryside in Duchess County is very beautiful, undulating countryside of hills and valleys, covered in the main part by indigenous trees, all getting into their full glorious autumn colours. With rushing rivers in the valley bottoms and a great many small and larger lakes and watery areas, it seemed ideal country for game.

The trial ground itself was light woodland, with mixed cover on the ground, some fallen branches and debris, providing a mixed hunting up area.

The trial day dawned and several of us breakfasted together, after travelling various distances, in a traditional shiny aluminium ‘diner’, repleat with pancakes, bacon, maple syrup and eggs ‘easy over’, we were fit for the day! It is truly amazing the vast distances triallers have to travel in the U.S. Some, indeed, having driven 30 hours and more to reach the ground.

There were 24 dogs running in the stake, on the first day and we set off on the course, with the ‘chukka’s ‘ put down in the area to be followed. The dogs were very free running and bold, here in Great Britain, we would think nearly out of control, some of the time ,with some bold flushing. The birds flew well and guns shot reasonably considering the woodland. The whole exercise being well monitered by radio control.

Both Edward and Wendy favoured the dogs who were under the most control of their handlers, their training really showed through, without detracting from style and ability.

Picture Trial Officials and Winners.

In the evening of the first day a banquet was held in a nearby restaurant for the handlers and officials alike, along with friends and owners of some of the competing dogs. It was very nice to socialize and meet various people connected with the club and society.

After the meal Edward and Wendy were invited to speak and Wendy elected Edward for that job. Edward spoke of his thanks for inviting them and the honour it was to judge in America. He explained that having read the rule book, he was happy to judge under those conditions and had found that the best dogs adhered most closely to those rules. Plenty of the dogs had great style and speed but lacked the discipline we expect at this level of competition. There were several terms he used that competitors were keen to understand the meaning of and many of them came to him afterwards to say they had appreciated his words.!!

Trial Dinner, Speech and Prize – Giving. Picture.

The following day several of the same dogs were competing, in much the same manner, with similar outcome to the first day. Lunches were provided for all competitors and officials by club members and were much appreciated. With long journeys to be made by so many of the handlers, all got underway pretty swiftly at the conclusion of the awards.

This was a very interesting and worthwhile experience, much enjoyed by Edward and Elizabeth, who send their warm good wishes and thanks to all who made them feel so welcome. They hope to be able to reciprocate when any feel like travelling to Britain to see some of our dogs and Trials.