Raising the Bar: A Two-Part Judges Seminar That Reaffirms Our Commitment to Excellence
- clubebus
- May 2
- 4 min read
In February, CEB-US hosted a two-part online Judges Seminar that brought together over 50 passionate field trialers, judges, and aspiring apprentices from across the country. The goal? To ensure consistency in how our breed is judged, reinforce high standards, and elevate the quality and fairness of our events — whether it's TAN, GUN, OPEN, or WRT.
While these seminars were designed with judges and apprentices in mind, they also proved to be a valuable resource for handlers interested in learning more about the rules, expectations, and standards applied to each class. Understanding what judges are looking for — from the field to the water — can empower handlers to better prepare their dogs and improve their own trial strategies. While the content was not presented as a formal handler’s clinic, it's always beneficial to be fully versed in the rules of the game.
Importantly, there is now an updated version of the UKC Pointing Dog Rule Book, available here, which outlines the official standards. However, as was discussed during both seminars, the rule book cannot analyze or predict every real-world scenario. It’s through seminars like these that we build continuity, clarity, and shared understanding — working through gray areas and field experiences to strengthen consistency across regions and events.
Links to the recordings of both seminar sessions will be provided for those who want to revisit the discussions or catch up on what they missed.
“Never settle for mediocrity in your expectations from the dogs you’re privileged to judge.”– Peter Wax, quoting Sandy Gun
Part One: TAN and GUN – Rewarding Excellence, Teaching Fairness
The first evening covered judging the TAN (natural ability) and GUN classes. Wax stressed that a judge’s responsibility is not just to interpret the rules — it’s to apply them consistently, compassionately, and with integrity.
“Judges should reward excellence lavishly, and always be impartial— regardless of who owns the dog.”
Discussions included appropriate leash handling, gallery etiquette, safety protocol, and gunner performance. Participants shared real-world examples of inconsistency in retrieve setups and scorecards. Wax reminded everyone that transparency and clarity build trust.
“Your job is to judge what you see. Not what you think happened. Not what someone tells you. What you see.”
He also emphasized the importance of understanding the spirit of the rules and the standard for each class.
“Gun dogs don’t need to be statues. They just need to show they’re under control and working as part of the team.”
Key Takeaways from Part One:
In GUN, dogs must demonstrate a productive point, with intensity and natural instinct — flagging or false points do not qualify. A point should be instinctive, spontaneous and intense.
In GUN, steadiness is required to flush or lift, but not through the shot; dogs may mark the fall but should remain under control.
The TAN is developmental, not a pass/fail moment — dogs are “deferred,” not failed.
Part Two: OPEN and WRT – Precision, Steadiness, and Big Expectations
The second seminar focused on the OPEN class and the Water Retrieve Test (WRT), diving deep into judging criteria for more advanced performances. This session underscored how much is expected from dogs at this level — and how important it is that judges understand those expectations with nuance.
Key takeaways included:
Open dogs must demonstrate a point, be steady to wing, shot, and fall, and deliver to hand (in liberated trials).
In the OPEN class, any verbal or physical aid after point — including subtle gestures — may reduce a score or result in disqualification.
The WRT evaluates natural ability to retrieve from water — style is less important than intent and completion.
“Open class dogs are not just showing off polish — they’re showcasing instinct, training, and trust under pressure. That’s what makes it such a beautiful thing to judge.” – Peter Wax
In terms of WRT, judges were encouraged to focus on enthusiasm and the natural retrieve rather than style. A cautious water entry is perfectly acceptable if the dog completes the retrieve with purpose and brings the bird to land.
A Culture of Mentorship and Growth
The seminars also highlighted the club’s desire to encourage new judges, empower regional clubs to host more tests, and create a culture where both dogs and people are set up to succeed.
“We’ve got to have a ball. Love the dog. Make new friends. Greet old ones. Immerse yourself in this tribe.” – Peter Wax
From supporting novice handlers to enforcing safety with firm fairness, judges play a key role in preserving the breed’s legacy. The seminars made it clear: while judging is serious business, it’s also an opportunity to contribute deeply to the future of the Epagneul Breton.
Looking Ahead
Whether you're preparing to run your first dog or working toward becoming a licensed judge, these seminars are a must. They reinforce that field trials are not just competitions — they’re guardians of the breed standard.
CEB-US will continue to support educational efforts like these, ensuring that every judge in the field is well-prepared, every handler is treated fairly, and every dog is judged with the respect they deserve.
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