Applying the J Regulations: A Practical Field Trial Scenario Explained

Understanding the Kennel Club J Regulations in theory is one thing — but how do they apply on the ground, during a real field trial?

In this article, we’ll walk through a realistic field trial scenario, applying the J Regs section-by-section as a judge would. If you're new to competing or just want a deeper understanding of how judging decisions are made, this example will give you a clear, practical view.

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🎯 Scenario: A Retriever Picks the Wrong Bird

You're judging a Novice Retriever Stake. The line is walking up on sugar beet. Two dogs are in line. A bird is shot to the left, about 70 yards out. The dog on the left (Dog 5) is sent for it.

Dog 5 appears not to have marked the fall well, hunts wide, and picks a different bird from an earlier drive. It returns with the bird and delivers to hand.

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🧑‍⚖️ How the J Regulations Apply

Let's now interpret this through the lens of the J Regs.

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📌 1. Did the Dog Perform the Task as Asked?

J(A)4.e: “Handlers should be instructed where to try from and be given reasonable directions as to where the game fell... If the dogs tried fail to complete the retrieve the Judges should search the area of fall...”

Analysis: Dog 5 was sent to a known fall. It did not get to that area but instead picked a different bird. This may be a wrong retrieve, depending on distance and intent.

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📌 2. Did the Dog Change Game?

J(B)5: “Changing game whilst retrieving” is an eliminating fault.

Clarification: If Dog 5 had picked the correct bird but put it down in favour of another, it would be eliminated. But in this case, it picked only one bird — just not the one it was sent for.

So it did not change game but picked the wrong retrieve.

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📌 3. Is This a Major Fault?

J(B)6: “Picking wrong retrieve” is listed as a major fault, not an eliminating one.

J(B)6 – Judge's Discretion: “...if the items of game are separated by a reasonable distance, then the Judges may take the view that with adequate control the handler should have been able to direct his dog to hunt the area required.”

Analysis: If the bird picked was far from the designated fall, the handler should have stopped the dog and re-directed. If the game was close together and wind conditions tricky, some discretion is allowed.

You may mark down the dog, but not eliminate it — especially in a novice stake where some tolerance is normal.

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📌 4. Should Another Dog Be Tried?

J(A)4.e: “If the dogs tried fail to complete the retrieve... the dogs tried, save in exceptional circumstances, will be eliminated.”

Analysis: If you search the original fall area and the bird is still there, Dog 5 has failed the retrieve. It must be eliminated, as it did not pick the intended bird and the correct game was not retrieved.

In that case, you should try another dog — and if that dog succeeds, Dog 5 has also been eye wiped, reinforcing the elimination.

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📝 Judging Notes to Record

When writing in your book, note:

• Dog did not reach area of fall
• Picked unassigned retrieve
• Original bird still present
• Elimination due to failure and/or eye wipe
• Good delivery to hand (credit where due)

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💬 Summary: What Happens to Dog 5?

Situation	Outcome
Picked a different bird when the correct one was still available	❌ Eliminated (failure or eye wipe)
Picked a different bird because the intended bird was no longer there	⚠️ Judge’s discretion — may mark down
Picked bird from same area (close proximity) in confusing conditions	⚠️ Major fault — not eliminated in novice
Picked correct bird but put it down and took another	❌ Eliminated for changing game

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🧠 Why This Scenario Matters

Many novice handlers (and even spectators) might think “a retrieve is a retrieve” — but in field trials, obedience, marking, and correct handling are key.

Judges use the J Regs to ensure that dogs are being tested fairly and consistently. This is especially important in trials where placements can influence breeding and championship status.

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📚 Want to Learn More?

• Download the Kennel Club J Regs Mini Guide (2025)
• Explore upcoming Working Tests and Training Events
• Read our Beginner’s Guide to the J Regulations

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Need help interpreting a different trial scenario? Let us know — we’ll cover more examples in future articles.