Grade 1 Gundog Test: Training & Criteria Guide

Beginner’s Guide to the Grade 1 Gundog Test

(Hunter Retriever) 

What is the Grade 1 Gundog Test?

The Grade 1 Gundog Test is a structured assessment designed to evaluate a young or beginner gundog’s foundation skills. It focuses on obedience and retrieving, providing a clear training framework for both handlers and dogs.

For hunter-retriever breeds like Spaniels, this test aligns with their natural working style—hunting close, waiting briefly, and retrieving in rough shooting scenarios. Whether you’re training for fieldwork or simply looking to improve your dog’s discipline and retrieving ability, Grade 1 is a great benchmark.

---

Why Train for the Grade 1 Test?

Many handlers find the Grade 1 criteria useful for structuring their training. It offers:

✅ A clear progression guide for young or beginner dogs
✅ A way to track progress and identify areas needing improvement
✅ A manageable expectation of what a young or beginner dog can achieve

By following the test structure, you can build strong foundational skills that benefit both practical gundog work and general obedience.

---

What Does the Test Involve?

Part 1: Obedience

• Heelwork – 15 yards of controlled heelwork
• Sit-Stay – 30 seconds
• Recall – 15 yards

Part 2: Retrieving

• Marked Retrieve – 15 yards
• Marked Retrieve – 20 yards

The dog must demonstrate control, responsiveness, and confidence throughout.

---

Breaking Down the Grade 1 Test

Heelwork – 15 Yards

📍 Start Position: Your dog must walk loose-lead with no pulling, sniffing or jumping. 
📍 Performance Criteria:
✔️ No tension on the lead
✔️ No sniffing, jumping, or distractions
✔️ A focused and engaged walk alongside the handler

---

Sit-Stay – 30 Seconds

📍 Start Position: The dog sits as you walk 15 yards away.
📍 Performance Criteria:
✔️ Sits immediately in response to a single cue (verbal or whistle)
✔️ Stays without creeping or breaking for the full 30 seconds
✔️ Ideally, no further commands or gestures needed

---

Recall – 15 Yards

📍 Start Position: After 30 seconds, call your dog back to you.
📍 Performance Criteria:
✔️ Responds immediately to recall cue
✔️ Returns directly to the handler without overshooting

---

Retrieving – 15 & 20 Yards

📍 Start Position: The dog is sent for a marked retrieve at 15 yards, then 20 yards.
📍 Performance Criteria:
✔️ Retrieves promptly with enthusiasm
✔️ Returns directly to the handler
✔️ While delivery to hand is preferable, anywhere within 1 meter of you is a pass.

---

How to Train for the Grade 1 Test

Step 1: Set Up Your Training Area

• Use two markers (e.g. a post and a Place Board) 15 yards apart
• Place a third marker 20 yards away for retrieving exercises

---

Step 2: Obedience Training

1️⃣ Settling Circuits
✔️ Walk your dog in loose-lead circles around your 15 yard markers
✔️ Then, progress to rewarding at fixed points.
✔️ Finally, reward the behaviours that you want, e.g. eye contact, matching your pace.

Continue until 1 handful of food has been used to reinforce heelwork.

2️⃣ Sit-Stay

Use a for Place Board steadiness.
✔️Train in short sessions of 5-8 reps. 
✔️ Vary the distance (0-15 steps) before returning to reward
✔️ Don’t always recall from a sit-stay to prevent anticipation, instead reward them in a seated position. 

3️⃣ Recall
✔️ Mix up sit-stay reps with occasional recalls (1-3x per session) to prevent guessing.

---

Step 3: Retrieving Training

1️⃣ Marked Retrieves
✔️ Start with a 15-yard marked retrieve
✔️ Progress to 20-yard retrieves
✔️ Use a Place Board as the start/finish line to reinforce structure

📢 Tip: Less is more! A small number of retrieves maintain enthusiasm.

2️⃣ Clicker Retrieve for Clean Delivery
✔️ Train at home away from distractions
✔️ Reward interactions with the dummy, teach "take it" and "hold".

---

Why Use a Place Board for Grade 1 Training?

A dog Place Board creates a clear start/finish line, reinforcing position and structure in obedience and retrieving exercises. It helps with:

✔️ Consistent heel position
✔️ Steady sit-stays
✔️ Retrieve to hand

If your dog struggles with steadiness, recall, or has retrieve delivery problems, incorporating a dog training platform can help refine precision and focus.

---

Final Thoughts: Is Your Dog Ready for Grade 1?

The Grade 1 Gundog Test is an excellent way to assess and develop your young or beginner gundog’s skills. Whether you’re training for the field or general obedience, it provides a solid foundation for progression.

Ready to put your dog’s skills to the test? Start training today and track your progress!

---

Further Resources

🔹 Shop Place Boards & Training Platforms → Anglian Dog Works Store
🔹 In-Person Training → Gundog Trainer near Cambridge