Practical J-Regs: When a Dog Interferes with Another’s Retrieve — What’s the Right Call?

Gundog field trials rely on fairness, discipline, and sportsmanship — so when a dog interferes with another’s retrieve, the judges must act swiftly.

In this article, we explore what the Kennel Club J Regulations require in this scenario, and how to distinguish interference from over-enthusiasm or handler error.

🐕 Scenario: A Dog Breaks and Snatches Another’s Bird

You're judging a Novice Retriever Field Trial. Two dogs are in line. A bird is shot. The judge points to Dog 4 to send for the retrieve.

Before the handler can send, Dog 3 (sitting next to Dog 4) breaks forward, runs into the area, and picks the bird just as Dog 4 is released.

Both dogs reach the area, but Dog 3 returns first with the bird.

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

📌 1. Interfering with Another Dog Is an Eliminating Fault

J(B)5 – Eliminating Faults: “Interfering with another dog’s retrieve” is listed clearly as a cause for elimination.

✅ In this case, Dog 3 has:

Left without instruction (running in)
Entered the area designated for another dog
Interfered by picking the bird first

This is a textbook elimination.

📌 2. What About the Dog That Was Sent?

Dog 4, having been correctly directed by the judge and delayed by the interference, may be:

Re-run on a fresh bird
Tried on a different retrieve
Or placed back in line at judge’s discretion

Judges must ensure the dog that was interfered with is not penalised for the mistake of another.

📌 3. What If Both Dogs Are Released Together by Mistake?

This is more complex.

If the judge inadvertently instructs both handlers (or is unclear), or if the handler releases without instruction, it may be a handling error rather than a fault of the dog.

In such a case:

Judges may stop both dogs immediately
Reset the retrieve
Issue a warning or elimination, depending on who caused the error

📝 Judges’ Book Example

Dog 3 – "Ran in and interfered with Dog 4’s retrieve — eliminated under J(B)5"
Dog 4 – "Interfered with on retrieve — not at fault — offered fresh retrieve"

🧑‍🏫 Handler Takeaway

To prevent interference:

Reinforce steadiness under distraction
Train dogs to honour retrieves and wait for a clear send
Practise sitting beside other dogs during dummies and live game

Dogs must learn that only their name or judge’s instruction means go.

🧾 Summary Table

Situation	Outcome
Dog runs in and picks another's bird	❌ Eliminated (interference)
Dog crowds or bumps another during retrieve	❌ Eliminated (if it affects the other dog)
Dog is interfered with and fails to complete retrieve	✅ May be offered re-run or not penalised
Dogs released together due to handler error	⚠️ Judge’s discretion — may reset or eliminate