Working

The Curly Coated Retriever is often called The Thinking Retriever, they are bright intelligent dogs who need to use their brains in some way, in whatever discipline or variety of disciplines. The aim of the Curly Coated Retriever Association of Great Britain is to promote responsible ownership, welfare and training. This is made possible by bringing together like-minded people who want to explore and work their Curly and to do this in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, in order to further their knowledge of a Gundog and your ownership. This may lead to some handlers wanting to run their dogs in competitions for others it will be utilising the obedience you learn to have happier, healthier dogs.

The Association offers training to fulfill these requirements and there are also Gundog Clubs which you can join more locally on a regular basis. You may wish to learn the basics or polish your own skills and your dogs abilities. Here at the Association we focus on solutions and not problems. As you progress you may wish to enter Working Tests and these are regulated by the Royal Kennel Club as are others disciplines which are listed below. If you are wanting to take park in Working Tests read the RKC ‘J’ Regs This small section will give you an idea of what WTs are about.

‘GDWT J (G) Instructions for a specific Sub Group (3) Good Marking is essential with a quick pick up and fast return. Dogs should be credited for showing marking ability and initiative.’ You will constantly experience initiative with the CCR who like to use their brains and solve problems but not necessarily in the way you might want!

There are two awards which will help you in the Showring and in the Field.

SWGC (Show Working Gundog Certificate) this is an award to make your dog up to a full champion.The standard is not very high but the dog should be capable of hunting, walking to heel, and retrieving with a soft mouth. They need not be one hundred percent steady as it is looking for working ability’ and the dog’s potential.

WGC (Working Gundog Certificate) ‘This is more exacting. It can be taken on live game or dummies.

The assessor is looking for a partnership, which could go and do a job on a shoot, Not Field Trial perfection. A small squeak from the dog should not see a dog fail. This allows entry to Crufts in the working classes.

Finally working your CCR should be fun but it can also be frustrating as we think round problems and issues we and our dogs have. Others disciplines such as Agility, Rally, Man Trailing, Scent Work are fields Curlies enjoy and having a go at these can give variety to what you do, which is a strength as the CCR likes to have to think about different things.