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Event Description: Sporting Dogs Retriever Trials
In this test of overall hunting ability, actual hunting situations are replicated to test the bond between handler and dog. Dummies, or "birds," are launched into the retriever course, which includes grass, meadows and water. There are also decoy "birds" and other elements intended to distract the dog. Time begins and the handler gives the command for his dog to retrieve a selected "bird." The dog will be led by a variety of commands, including hand signals and audio commands. The dog that honors his handler's commands and retrieves the designated "birds" in the quickest time will be crowned champion.
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They are dedicated to their owners and in the case of more than 70% of the competitors here, the dogs sleep in their beds with them. Talk about bonding! ” |
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— ESPN Field Trials analyst Sarah Sanford |
One of the toughest parts of the competition is the blind retrieve. This retrieve requires the dog to retrieve a "bird" that it has not seen land. The dog relies exclusively on the command's of it's handler. If teamwork is not perfect, this is where the gold can be lost.
At the 2000 ESPN Great Outdoors Games Louisiana's Barry Lyons led Skeet to victory on what was an extremely difficult and long retriever course. This year silver medalist Jacob Vidrine and his dog Dish are poised to make a run at Skeet and the title.
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Audio/Video
 Barry Lyons and Skeet bring home gold in Sporting Dog Retrieval Trials.
avi: 1701 k
RealVideo: 56.6 | ISDN
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