Retrieving For Gundogs

Training & Dog Sports

Retrieving Ability Tests for Gundogs are a great way to get dogs working on what they were bred for.

The Retrieving Ability Tests or Gundogs is an introductory step into retrieving, testing basic obedience, and retrieving skills with two levels of ability, Novice and Open.

Open tests have more complicated concepts including double retrieves. Both Registered and Associate gundogs are allowed to compete in these trials.

RATG Novice

The Novice level is judged out of 100 points and includes obedience and retrieving components. The obedience part of the test is not as demanding as the novice level of obedience trials; it is intended to demonstrate that owners have their dog under control.

The first exercise consists of dogs walking at heel for 20-30m. (10 Points) and the second exercise is a recall (15 Points).

The retrieving component consists (Exercise Three and Four) of two single mark retrieves of approximately 50 metres (30 Points) and 70 metres (35 Points) each, and may include land and water. Dogs are allocated up to 10 points for Style and Action.

RATG Open

The second level in the Retrieving Ability Test for Gundogs, is the open competition which is judged out of 100 points.

The first exercise involves dogs walking at heeling over 30-50 metres including at least three turns (10 Points).

The second exercise is a one-minute stay with a stop on recall at a distance of 30 to 40 metres (20 Points).

Exercise three is a walk up retrieve of approximately 50 metres (25 Points). The fourth exercise is either a double rise at a distance of approximately 70 metres, or a double mark retrieve of approximately 50 and 80 metres (35 Points). Dogs are allocated up to 10 points for Style and Action.

How long has Retrieving Ability Tests For Gundogs been in Australia?
Retrieving Ability Tests for Gundogs has been in Australia in its current form for approximately 15 years.

What natural instinct does Retrieving Ability Tests For Gundogs bring out?
Retrieving Ability Tests or Gundogs test the basic obedience, hunting and retrieving abilities of the dogs. In most instances, the retrieves are conducted on approved dummies.

What States/Territories is Retrieving Ability Tests for Gundogs in?
All States and Territories in Australia can conduct these trials.

How many Retrieving Ability Tests For Gundogs clubs are there in Australia?
The are many clubs around Australia, including Breed clubs, Obedience clubs and Retrieving Clubs who conduct training and trials in this discipline.

Why get into Retrieving Ability Tests For Gundogs?
Retrieving Ability Tests for Gundogs is a good starting point for gundog owners who want to become involved with Retrieving or just want to enjoy their dog’s natural ability.

Retrieving trials allows the owner/breeder the opportunity to test the natural working instincts of their dogs

Open to all registered gundogs, these trials are designed to test the working/retrieving ability of the dogs in a natural environment, both on land and through water. Ideal conditions are ones emulating those that might be found when out hunting. There are three levels of normal competition, each level increasing in difficulty, from Novice to Restricted through to All Age.

Each State can also conduct one State Championship each year, these events have a higher level of qualification with a dog needing to have won at least one Restricted Stake to qualify.

Each year a National Championship trial is held. States conduct this on a rotational basis.

How long Retrieving Trials for Gundogs been in Australia?

The sport has been established in Australia since the early 1960s.

What natural instinct Retrieving Trials for Gundogs bring out?

Retrieving Trials for Gundogs test a dog’s natural hunting ability and their ability to work with their handler as a team.

What States/Territories is Retrieving Trials for Gundogs in?

All States and Territories in Australia can conduct these trials.

How many Retrieving Trials for Gundogs clubs are there in Australia?

There are around 12 specialist Retrieving Clubs around Australia but many individual Gundog Breed Clubs also conduct trials ( see Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Flat-Coated Retriever, German Shorthaired Pointer Clubs) Generally ALL gundog breeds are welcome at breed club trials.

Why get into Retrieving Trials for Gundogs?

Retrieving presents an opportunity for owners to work with their dogs as a team in a natural environment and enhance their dog’s natural ability which they enjoy immensely.

More information

To find your local Retrieving For Gundogs sport club please visit your local State website: