The American Beagler Forum

How do the judges, pick a winner in a akc spo trial or any trial for that case, is there some kind of point system, to determine a winner, for exp points for jumping a rabbit checks and things like that, i was just wondering.

In AKC SPO, there isn't a point system, but judges will score for hunt, checks, drive, accuracy, etc. They will also demerit for faults described in the AKC rulebook: lack of search(hunt), backtracking, babbling, swinging, skirting, running mute, ghost trailing, overrunning, quiting,etc. The rulebook tells what faults should be considered worse than others, but any fault that continually disrupts the smooth running of the pack will get a hound disqualified. Judges are looking for the best overall hound; one that hunts, drives with accuracy & competitive spirit, honest mouth(quiet when he doesn't have the true line & gives plenty mouth when he has it),& works a check reasonably close and doesn't give up on tough losses. There are just so many variables to look at when judging hounds that it can be hard to describe. I suggest reading the rulebook. In the MidWest trials, we believe hounds should try to run a rabbit with good speed when conditions warrant, but be able to adjust and slow down when conditions or terrain make for tough scenting. Some associations believe hounds should never run fast no matter how good scenting conditions are, but I believe they have been mislead by people who have went overboard with style over accomplishment. The AKC rulebook says hounds should run with the intent to overtake thier game.

Thanks for the info wells, my next question would be, can you improve a single dog to eleminate its faults, or is it all in its blood line, or should I say can I as a owner help make the dog a better rabbit dog?

The bloodline is where it all starts. There are some things a handler/owner can improve on or correct but the dog is running the rabbit and the breeding is the foundation on which the handler/owner builds. A bad foundation will never support a great building.

In my opinion it is important to start a young hound out slow with a lot of solo time. Too much pressure from more experienced packmates can ruin even the best young prospect. However too much solo time can make some hounds too independent. I like to pack , solo , and brace all of my hounds from time to time; trying not to do too much of one thing. Some guys run thier dogs with anything ; rough, skirters, mouthy, silent track dogs, etc. and few dogs can survive this type of training without picking up bad habits. If you run your hound the right way and it still continues to be faulty to the extent that its bad qualities outweigh its good, you probably shouldn't use this hound in your breeding program. Not necessarily change bloodlines, but cull the bad ones and keep and breed the good ones.