Practical J-Regs: Dog Drops the Bird — Then Picks It Up Again. What’s the Verdict?

It’s a tense moment on the trial ground — a dog makes the retrieve, but on the return journey, it drops the bird, then picks it up again and delivers to hand.

The question is: does that count as a fault under the J Regulations? And if so, how serious is it?

In this article, we explore what the rules say — and how judges should respond.

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🐕 Scenario: A Dog Drops the Bird Mid-Return

You’re judging an Open Retriever Field Trial. A dog makes a good line, picks the bird cleanly, and heads back to the handler.

About 15 yards from the handler, the dog drops the bird, then quickly picks it up again and delivers to hand.

The delivery is gentle and controlled, and the handler gives no command.

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🧑‍⚖️ Step-by-Step: What the J Regs Say

📌 1. Dropping the Bird Is Not an Automatic Elimination

J(B)5 – Eliminating Faults: This section includes faults such as:

• “Changing game”
• “Hard mouth”
• “Running in”

❌ But dropping the bird is not listed as an eliminating fault on its own.

J(B)6 – Major Faults: Judges may penalise “poor delivery” or a lack of care on return.

✅ So, dropping the bird is not necessarily a cause for elimination, unless:

• The dog changes game
• The drop indicates hard mouth
• The bird is damaged or not delivered to hand

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📌 2. Did the Dog Change Game?

If the dog drops the bird and picks up a different one — even accidentally — that is:

J(B)5 – “Changing game” → ❌ Eliminating fault

If the same bird is recovered and delivered:

• The judge may assess whether the drop was due to clumsiness, distraction, or other cause
• The overall performance is marked down under delivery, but not eliminated

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📌 3. Was the Bird Damaged?

If the dropped bird shows damage, crushing, or tearing, judges must consider:

• Hard mouth (J(B)5 – elimination)
• Or careless handling (J(B)6 – mark down)

🧠 If the bird is intact, it may be a one-off lapse rather than a serious problem.

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📝 Judges’ Book Example

• "Dropped bird 15 yards from handler — recovered and delivered — minor delivery fault — marked down"

If bird was changed or damaged: "Dropped and changed game — eliminated under J(B)5"

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🧑‍🏫 Handler Takeaway

Dogs may drop birds due to:

• Excitement or distraction
• Lack of training on carrying dead game
• Tiredness or soft grip

To reduce the risk:

• Practise longer returns
• Reinforce “hold” under different conditions
• Include distractions on the return route

Judges understand that slips happen — but consistency and clean handling always score higher.

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🧾 Summary Table

Situation	Outcome
Dog drops bird but picks up same one and delivers	⚠️ Minor fault — marked down
Dog drops bird and picks a different one	❌ Eliminated (changed game)
Dog drops bird and leaves it	❌ Eliminated (refusal or failure)
Dog drops and damages bird	❌ Possibly eliminated (hard mouth)

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📚 Further Reading

• Kennel Club Field Trial J Regulations (Mini Guide 2025)
• Hard Mouth or Just Heavy? Judging Delivery Faults
• Changing Game Mid-Retrieve

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👉 Have a scenario you'd like us to cover? Get in touch with the Trialer Team