Working Certificate Stakes

Divided into three levels, the dogs are judged against a set of clearly defined standards and not against each other.  One successful pass at each level is required for a dog to be awarded a title.  The initials shall be placed at the end of the dog's registered CKC name.

Working Certificate (WC) is the most basic of the three levels.  It is designed to test the dogs marking ability, style and desire to retrieve.  Although he must demonstrate some manners he is not required to be steady.  The tests involve two single retrieves on land and two single retrieves in the water.

Working Certificate Intermediate (WCI) The degree of difficulty increase as the retriever must now be off leash during the whole event from the point of the holding blind until he returns to a point equal to the holding blind.   The marks are more difficult since they are increasing in distance and density of cover.  It consists of a double land mark which typically includes an honour and a water double.  What is an honour?  Upon completing his marks the working retriever must sit and stay while another dog does its first retrieve. Following the honour the retriever will then heel from the line off lead and under control.  While being judged the handler may not touch his dog, no collars or leashes are allowed and commands may be given only once.  During the dogs retrieve of the marks a handler can speak encouragingly to his dog only on the return within the last 15 yards of the retrieve.  All birds must be delivered to hand.

Working Certificate Excellent (WCX) For this certificate the dog must continue to prove he is steady and demonstrate he has advanced training.  The first series in this stake is a walk up.  While in heel position another dog and handler team walks beside the running team and as they approach the line the judge will signal for the gunners to throw the double mark.  Only after the first shot may the handlers quietly order their dogs to stay.  Besides testing his obedience and continuing to test his marking ability, perseverance and drive in this level; the dog shows he has the ability to handle, i.e. take casts and whistles to find a blind.  A blind is bird already down in the field that the dog didn't see fall.  In total he will do four series: a walk-up to a set of land marks, a land blind, water double and a water blind.