This is a short video of Kimmax Ayscha in training on the second of the water tests (the Wasser Velorensuche or blind retrieve across water) for her HZP at the International Hegewald 2009. Ayscha is 15 months old in this video, about 3 weeks before the Hegewald.

Get the latest Flash Player to see this player.

The ‘Wasser Verlorensuche prufung’ or blind search in water test, is another basic skill required in an HZP.

A dead duck is placed well into long reeds across an open stretch of water whilst the handler and dog has been taken away and cannot watch. There are regulations about the total area of the pond and density of the cover.

The handler is given the general direction by the judge and commands his dog to cross the water. The dog is expected to swim across the open water and locate the duck using its nose. The handler should assist the dog as little as possible to gain a good mark.

As normal, the dog must locate the duck, immediately it finds it retrieve it back to the handler, sit and present the duck without any verbal commands.

This is at least equivalent to an Open Standard water on a UK working test or field trial, but with a 12-24 month old dog, so is very demanding, especially with the restriction on commands.

This test must be completed to progress to the final water test, the ‘Lebens Ente’ or live duck test, the most valuable (on points) and most important of the tests in an HZP. Unfortunately I do not have a video of this test yet as it is forbidden to practice the live duck test, so I need to try and capture one at an actual event.