New Zealand Gundog Trial Association
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Junior Gun dog training Scheme

As an Executive we are concerned that people, joining the sport, start in novice without their dogs being able to walk at heel, be steady without breaking, and do simple retrieves and deliveries. We believe that a basic graded system of voluntary, training sessions will give competitors the tools to achieve at a novice level, and the motivation to stay in the sport and attempt higher levels with success.
The following graded system of training is based on a similar UK qualification that has been going for the past 11 years. We have our qualification based on these grades that competitors can attach to their dogs pedigree – similar to what the NZKC Obedience and Agility have at present.  The qualifications will be
  • Suffix FTBB (Field Trial Beginner Bronze) on being assessed to have achieved Grade 1
guide_to_assessors_trainers_and_competitors_-_field_trial_beginner_bronze__ftbb_.pdf
File Size: 859 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

  • Suffix FTBS (Field Trial Beginner Silver) on being assessed to have achieved Grade 2
guide_to_assessors_trainers_and_competitors-_field_trial_beginner_silver__ftbs_.pdf
File Size: 786 kb
File Type: pdf
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  • Suffix FTBG (Field Trial Beginner Gold) on being assessed to have achieved Grade 3
guide_to_assessors_trainers_and_competitors_–_field_trial_beginner_gold__ftbg_.pdf
File Size: 871 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Trialists may train their dogs themselves, join an Obedience club, or train at their local Gun dog trials club. If you live remotely and cannot find a trainer in your area the NZGTA can arrange a mentor who may be able to help you via email, phone, or Skype.
Competitors must be assessed by one of the NZGDA assessors. A list of these will be posted as soon as it is finalized.
On behalf of the NZGTA Executive we hope that you take this opportunity to train your beginner puppies and dogs so that when trialing starts in earnest you will achieve and have success more quickly.


To acknowledge success at a novice level in pigeon trials and field new suffixes and prefixes can be attached to your dog’s pedigree.
New Titles:

Suffix FTN (Field Trial Novice) and FN (Field Novice) This will be awarded when dogs have won out of novice class and will supersede the FTB (Field Trial Beginner Bronze, Silver or Gold) - make sure you keep your first prize novice aggregate certificates as proof
FTN and FN will be superseded by a new Suffix FTN adv. (Field Trial Novice Advanced) This will be awarded when a dog wins out of present limit class and becomes an open dog. (keep your first prize limit aggregate cards for proof later on)
FTN adv. will be superseded by the Prefix FTW (Field trial winner) and FW (Field winner) Awarded to any dog that has won a challenge in field or field trial events- similar to the British system
Existing Titles:

FTW and FW will be superseded by the Prefix FTCH (Field Trial Champion)and/or FCH (Field Champion) - current awards
Superseded by Prefix GFTCH (Grand Field Trial Champion) and/or GFCH (Grand Field Champion) - current awards
The slide show below shows members of our Tasman club getting some training in.
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  • Gun Dog Trialing
    • Overview >
      • Retriever Pigeon Trials
      • Spaniel Natural Game Trials
    • History of NZGTA
    • Rules & Regulations
    • Achievement Titles
  • Contact
  • Upcoming Events
    • Scheduled Trials
    • 2021 Calendar
  • Junior Gun Dog Training Scheme
  • Resources for Club Secretaries
    • Judges
  • NZGTA
    • NZGTA Executive
    • NZ Gundog Clubs & Club Secretaries
  • From The Executive
  • Register with the NZGTA