Gun dog trialing is a sport pursued by people and dogs from all walks of life. Whether your dog is a shooting companion, family pet or show dog, it will enjoy working in the field and competing in field trials, and so will you!
You will make lots of friends, travel all over New Zealand, trial in many beautiful locations, keep both yourself and your dog fit and enjoy working together as a team. You will have a lot of fun!
Trials are not just for keen hunters. Sure, you will have to handle a shotgun under supervision and will be taught firearms safety, but you will only be required to fire blank shots. Both men and women compete on equal terms and junior handlers are encouraged.
The camaraderie and friendship engendered by the highs and lows of handling dogs in performance-based competition is terrific. Many people stay in the sport for a lifetime and some families, for generations.