SNC DRAUGHT TESTS LEVELS BEGINNERS, 1, 2, 3 & 4

Congratulations to:

Hosie's Newfoundlove New Edition at Shadowrise "Solo"
Smith's Comfortcove Segno Di Stima "Franki"
Smith's Comfortcove Game Set And Match "Pimms"
Boyle's Syddyn Kia "Lexi"
Clarke's "Boycie"
Cadman's Sassena Lovable Bryn "Bryn"

"Thank you to the SNC for inviting me to judge my first appointment at Parc Bryn Bach. Thank you also to WNAG for hosting the tests and for the lovely food and drinks buffet. We had seven entries in Beginners draught, with many of the teams taking part for the first time.

It was lovely to see the dogs and handlers working so well together and I'm looking forward to seeing them in higher levels. We only had one team 'not quite ready' (they went on to pass the following day).

Thank you also to my co-judge Delphine Richards for all the help and guidance."

Amanda Arnold

"In Beginners, it was so nice to see how Newfs instantly understood what was required of them. In one or two cases, this manifested itself in too much eagerness and wanting to please! Most who attempted this Level were successful but those who weren't, are almost certainly very close to doing so.

Teamwork is the keyword to draught work and it was gratifying to see how many teams were operating in that manner and who will undoubtedly be able to manage this, and higher levels once they have grasped the basics of draught work."

Del Richards

Congratulations to:

Hosie's Newfoundlove New Edition at Shadowrise "Solo"
Cadman's Sassena Lovable Bryn "Bryn"
King's Safeharbour White But Cute "Effie"
Viney's Evanpark Rocket Man for Millthorpe "Badger"
Taylor's Mollynewf Lani Winona "Lani"

Report to follow

Jackie Bagnall

"Level 1 was an interesting test. Some older dogs were a step ahead of their handlers while others needed to have a little more practise on certain parts of the Control round. I was pleased to see how handlers communicated with their dogs and were able to make their wishes known.

I would like to suggest that older dogs are not pushed beyond their limits but nevertheless can carry out some basic manoeuvres within the Level they are attempting, which makes this Level ideal for those who have managed higher levels in the past but who need to take life a little easier now.

With some extra training and focus, there is no reason why any of these teams cannot go on to a higher level with a tad more practise."

Hedd Richards

Congratulations to:

Burridge's Bagglebears Borasco "Jenga"
Taylor's Mollynewf Huritt Ashkii "Ashkii"

"Four dogs entered and the obedience section was of a good standard. Most point accumulated were on tight leads and changing position on the one minute HALT. We had an issue during the down stay where all the dogs ended up in a scuffle; so the down stay was reset and all the dogs did a great down stay.

During the maneuvering section 2/3 caught the gate and could have approached it better, but that was the only fault. All the dogs worked really well on the haul - three great passes, well done to all teams.

Thank you to my co-judge Dave and our stewards, Jane & Neville and to the WNAG group for putting on the event. First time at a draught test where it's not poured with rain all day - we had glorious sunshine!"

Jude Moulsdale

"For once in Wales it did not rain - a nice sunny day, but underfoot conditions were very muddy. We had four dogs, two passes and one dog failed the down stay. Tight leads seem to be becoming less and verbal and hand commands more common.

Many thanks to the stewards and WNAG members for their support, help and friendship. Many thanks to you all."

David Viney

Congratulations to:

Watt's Sheridel Sakami "Theo"
Arnold's Staneberne With Love to Newfarrier "Evie"
Burridge's Bagglebears Gregale "Izzy"
King's Safeharbour The Never Never "Sasha"
Clarke's "Moses"

"My first time judging at this level and I judged the level on both the Saturday and Sunday. Would like to thank Del Richards and Jude Moulsdale for allowing me to judge with them.

We had a really great entry of 13 teams over the two days. The standard was very high and I was very impressed. Some of the teams who I have had the pleasure of judging over the last few years have improved so much in confidence and ability. There were a few problems with the dreaded back up on this level, however not enough of a problem to stop too many teams progressing to the haul. Once out on the haul the backups seemed to be managed a lot easier.

We did two quite different hauls over the two days and all the teams worked exceptionally well with very few points dropped. The difference in routes was done purposely because some of the teams were entered on both days. I think we managed to make the haul different and interesting on both days. All the teams worked really well from all sides of the dogs. It was also interesting to see the dogs taking the different paths available, i.e. avoiding the mud! Very well done to everyone you all so deserved your passes.

I would like to thank all of the WNAG team and all the other judges and everyone who stewarded over the weekend. Without all of this we would not be able to hold such fantastic weekends. Also everyone who entered, it is a privilege to be able to judge our wonderful Newfies. The weather was totally amazing, who would have thought we could get temperatures like that in November. How does the saying go, 'the sun shines on the righteous'!"

Karen Thompson

"A lovely day with sunshine and relatively dry underfoot (until several dogs had been through!). Level 3 had 9 entrants of competent ability although not all were successful today. As is often th case, loose leads and verball communication were the problem today. On the positive side, all dogs seemed to enjoy their attempt at this Level and only failed on minor points that failed to get the total required. Stays are often a problem but not so much today!

It's always great to see dogs enjoying their time in the ring and even more so out on the haul, and today was no exception. Some challenging manoeuvres on the haul showed how handlers and dogs coped in difficult circumstances and came up trumps!

Again the most relevant piece of advice would be to remind handles that you are a 'team' rather than Handler and Dog. Well done to all who took part and even more so to those who passed - a great achievement. I hope you all go on to the next level."

Del Richards