Retriever Trials
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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" with the fewest infractions will be crowned champion.
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.
In the 2002 Great Outdoor Games, Alex Washburn of Plains, Va., and her Black Lab Ticket, slipped past Jerry Day and Super Sue, 2001 gold medalists, by what equated to one whistle or one breath of air, finishing the medal round with a score of 30 points.
Day and Super Sue had 32 points, and bronze medalist Larry McMurray and Pepper finished with 34 points.
"I'd do anything if I could go back and swallow one of those whistles," Day said.
Jerry Day will get his chance this summer in Reno, Nev., at the 2003 Great Outdoor Games.
Qualifying Criteria
The three medal winners from 2002 will be extended automatic invitations.
The remaining competitors qualified as follows:
