Club Field Test Program
The NSDTRC (USA) offers four levels of field testing:
Basic Retrieving & Tolling Test (BRT)
The BRT is a test unique to the NSDTRC (USA). No other retriever club has developed or implemented any similar test. While it does not confer a title on dogs that pass, it does fulfill the field requirement in order to achieve a club championship in that, “...a Toller must achieve not only the required conformation points, but also demonstrate the basic instincts and traits necessary to adequately execute the tasks for which it was bred.” It should be noted that the BRT test stands alone and is not the “first step” or a “beginning” part of the club’s Working Certificate 3-step program.
Working Certificate (WC)
The Working Certificate Test is designed for beginning retrievers and handlers. The test is designed to evaluate marking ability and desire to retrieve on both land and water. The dog should exhibit a level of training and control which would enable it to participate in a simple upland or waterfowl hunt.
Working Certificate Intermediate (WCI)
The Working Certificate Intermediate Test is for dogs and handlers that have achieved a higher level of training. The test is designed to evaluate the dog’s memory, and a higher degree of control and trainability. The dog should exhibit a level of training and control which would enable it to participate in a typical upland or waterfowl hunt.
Working Certificate Excellent (WCX)
The Working Certificate Excellent Test is for dogs and handlers that have achieved an advanced level of training. The test is designed to evaluate the dog’s memory, control and the ability to work as team by doing blinds. The dog will exhibit a level of training and control which would enable it to handle the vast majority of hunting situations.
CLICK HERE to download a copy of the Field Test Rules & Regulations in PDF format. (Revised May 2011)
TOLLER CLUB FIELD TITLES CAN NOW BE ADDED TO YOUR DOG'S AKC PEDIGREE
On November 9, 2010, the AKC Board of Directors approved allowing Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Club (USA) field titles, Working Certificate, Working Certificate Intermediate, and Working
Certificate Excellent, to be added to an individual Toller's AKC record and pedigree. The NSDTRC (USA) is only the third breed club to be granted recognition of its Club performance titles.
Applications may be submitted to the AKC any time after January 1, 2011 for titles earned on, or after January 1, 2000. Individual members must submit an application and fee of $30.00 to the AKC to have their Toller's field title recognized. If you would also like an AKC title certificate for your Toller's field title, the fee is $50.00. The AKC will contact Club Records for verification of the titles on receipt of an application.
The urls for instructions and the application form are below. Go to the AKC website www.akc.org.
On the top of the screen click on Events; then on the left side, click on Performance Events; again on the left side, click on Parent Club Performance Events. The instructions and application forms are on the dropdown menu.
If titles build on each other, only the highest level achieved will appear on a dog's pedigree, similar to current usage for obedience, field, agility, etc. Therefore, if you plan on your Toller achieving a higher title than he/she presently has, you might consider holding off on paying for it to be added to his/her record until that higher title is earned.
***Be aware that event superintendents or event secretaries may, but are not required to print AKC recognized Parent Club Titles in events catalogs. Superintendents at national specialties however recognize the importance of these titles, and will work with Clubs to include them in the catalogs
Marile Waterstraat
AKC Delegate
Printed in Fall 2010 issue of Quackers