Info on herdg Instinct Tests at Natls-Ohio in Oct

[MaggieRoseLee]

Instinct Testing - Wednesday & Thursday, Oct 14-15.

Instinct testing will be on-site at the National! Two days of testing, two styles of test and two certificates to earn, four judges. For the first time ever, Tending Style Instinct Testing will be available!

Round Pen Testing (the style most familiar) uses 3-5 sheep in a small, circular control pen. The dog has to demonstrate an interest in the sheep, abililty to keep the sheep grouped & willingness to work with and listen to the tester. There is a maximum of 40 test dogs per day for Round Pen Testing.

Tending Instinct Testing evaluates the dogs aptitude to patrol a border. The dog will work with a flock of sheep and need to demonstrate an interest in the stock and a willingness to honor the border between dog and sheep. This style of testing takes longer, as the dog is taught to honor the border. There is a maximum of 20 test dogs per day for Tending Instinct Testing.

Instinct tests are judged pass or fail. Dogs earning qualifying scores earn the GSDCA Herding Instinct Test Certificate AND one leg of AKC's Herding Instinct Test Certificate. AKC green & white rosettes for qualifiers.

A dog may enter under a second judge to earn the final leg of the AKC HITC.
Four judges allow for certificates to be earned both days.
AKC's HITC considers both styles of testing equal, there will be no notation on the certificate as to whether the dog qualifed on Round Pen or Tending.
Dogs may enter on both styles of testing.

Entries are $60. Send completed entry (don't forget to sign the waiver!) and check made to GSDCA to:
Ann-Marie Ely
100 Basswood Road
Windsor, CT. 06095
Questions? Email: raegsd@juno.com

If you're anticipating a conflict with Temperament Testing, Agility or other events, let Ann-Marie know so she can schedule the test to fit into your busy day!
Instinct test entries typically fill.

Day-of-event entries will be taken, space permitting, but if you really want to test your dog, enter early!

Help Support Herding Events at the National!

2009 Herding Committee
Chair: Theresa Royer
Co-Chair: Debbi Humble