Working Your Retriever

Flat Coated Retrievers are first and foremost a working breed.  As such, we encourage you to get involved with field training.  Working your dog not only provides exercise and mental stimulation, but what you learn about your dog's level of desire and biddability is of great value to your breeder.  Whether you ever intend to pick up a gun and hunt birds, your retriever requires that you at least attempt field training.   Teaching your dog the fundamentals required to work as a retriever not only improves his function as a pet, but also makes him a well-mannered hunting partner that is a joy to have along.  Flat Coated Retrievers are much better at quartering a field and flushing pheasants, or sitting patiently beside you in the duck blind than they are at field trials (field trials differ from hunting tests in several significant ways, and very few FCRs are capable of success at the highest level of field trial competition).  We do not recommend aspiring to field trial competition with Flat Coats, as it requires a huge commitment of time, money and just the right dog.

There are many clubs around the country that offer field training assistance and instruction, and many books can help you get started.  One great resource is Working Retriever Central, where you can find local pro trainers and often other people in your area who are interested in training.  You can contact local game farms and hunting or shooting clubs to find active training groups, and sometimes local kennel clubs know about those training retrievers for field work.  Seminars and workshops can also be great places to get started; ask your breeder if he or she knows of any activities that can assist you.  The internet holds a vast wealth of information, so put "retriever training" into a search engine and start browsing!

There are various titles available that reflect different levels of testing.  Each title tells your breeder something about the dog's trainability and level of talent.  The most basic levels for retrievers are the Working Certificate (can be earned in just one attempt) and AKC's Junior Hunter title.  Other organizations offer starter level titles too, but AKC's titles are most widely recognized.

If you want to get involved beyond an entry-level title, you will progress to the Working Certificate Excellent and Senior and Master Hunter.  All of these titles require more commitment from the trainer, and demonstrate much higher levels of talent and biddability in your dog. 

To learn more about the WC/WCX program, you can download applications on the Flat Coated Retriever Society of America website.  Rules can be found on the Golden Retriever Club of America website (the rules are nearly identical to the FCRSA rules). 

For AKC hunting test rules and regulations, click here.  You may also be interested in United Kennel Club or North American Hunting Retriever Association events.

However you can get involved in the retriever sport, you will find that you, and your dog, will enjoy it!