Judging Approach
Judges are assessing:
- A defined set of abilities
- Against a fixed standard
They are not comparing dogs against one another.
Scoring System
- Each exercise is scored out of 20
- Scores reflect both natural ability and trainability
Judges should consider:
- Consistency
- Efficiency
- Control
- Overall impression of a working retriever
Balance of Assessment
While both elements are important:
- Natural ability carries particular significance
- Training demonstrates how effectively that ability has been developed
Role of the Judge
Judges should:
- Apply standards consistently
- Be clear and fair in their decisions
- Support handlers with constructive feedback
They are encouraged to refer to the Royal Kennel Club ‘J’ regs (Working Test Regulations) to guide their decisions.