EPPeake Retrievers

Disappointments We will not be returning to the Master Amateur Invitational to be held in Missouri this spring.  Angel came in heat 6 weeks early, and it caused us to scratch from three Master Hunt test in January. She “just” needs three more MH passes to qualify. There were HT three tests scheduled before Feb 28,…

It was a long journey to inaugural Master National Invitational, MAI in Georgia.   Angel started the 2017 Master Amateur qualifying period (March 1, 201 to Feb 28, 2017) with her 8th straight AKC Master pass, but we stumbled on the next few hunt tests. Cleary, we were both a little rusty after duck hunting season.…

Passing six Master Hunt, (MH) tests to qualify for the Master National, (MN) is not an easy endeavor. Handler/dog teams must spend countless hours of advanced retriever training to keep their skills sharp.  Dogs with big hearts, drive and trainability inspire you to make whatever sacrifices are necessary to qualify for the MN.  Angel is…

Good dogs and handlers make mistakes. Nowhere is this more obvious than at a retriever Field Trial.  Small errors committed by either dog or handler separate the top four finishers earning place ribbons from the balance of the field who go home empty-handed. Same rule can apply to hunt tests. It’s not unusual to see…

After months of hot summer time training it was time to take the stage again in the Master B flight of the Sooner Retriever hunt test.  Note: Click on images to enlarge.  The first series setup included several environmental factors and training concepts typical of a master national level hunt test. A perfect test to…