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Working trials originated in Great Britain as competitions for working police dogs, at that time all German Shepherds. The exercises in trials today reflect the skills needed for working as a police dog.
There are 4 grades, or stakes as they are called: Companion Dog, Utility Dog, Working Dog, Tracking Dog.
The first CD was held in Ireland in 1980 and the first UD in 1983. A couple of years later we were holding all four stakes. Today about 9 full trials are held every year between September and March.
CD is the only stake where there is no tracking. All stakes have a search, heelwork, sendaway and agility, which consists of clear jump, long jump and scale. In all tracking stakes there is steadiness to gunshot. In CD, UD and WD there is a retrieve, which is replaced by speak on command in the TD.
To qualify excellent, you must get 70% in each section and 80% overall. If you qualify twice in one stake the dog can use the appropriate letters after its name; e.g. CDEx. If a dog wins 2 TDs on qualifying marks under different judges, the dog is then Working trials Champion.
What is working trials?
See the article on the Dtail website
Can any breed of dog do it?
No. Although most breeds could do some of the exercises, the breed needs to be the ‘tool for the job’
What breeds of dog are most suitable?
The commonest breeds are Border Collies(or working sheepdogs), German Shepherds, Labradors,
Malinois and cross breeds, including spaniel crosses. There are also Golden Retrievers, Pointers , Setters,
Rottweilers and working cockers. Very small breeds only get reduced jumps in CD and UD.
What are the dimensions of the jumps?
For all but the very small 3 foot clear jump. 9 foot long jump, 6 foot scale.
Can you do it without land being available to you?
It is difficult, but not impossible. Tracking can be taught in your local park early in the morning, although
it is always useful to be able to train on different types of land.
What types of land are used in trials?
Grass, stubble, rolled plough, crop of varying lengths and types(eg. rape, winter wheat), even
occasionally rough plough.
What about the health status of the dog?
Dogs should be slim, fit and sound. If a pedigree, it is a good idea to have the hips x-rayed and scored.
How much time does training take?
Training is a continuous process and should not be undertaken unless a lot of time can be dedicated to
it.
Can I train on my own?
Most working trials training is done alone, but it shouldn’t be undertaken for the first time without help.
Exercises like stays should be practiced with other dogs before competing.
What age does the dog have to be to start training?
Introduction to articles can be undertaken at a very young age. Tracking can also be started young, but
no dog should start jump training until they are at least a year, more in the case of very large breeds.
 
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