Conducting Field Trials/ Training of dogs in Newfoundland and Labrador....

[Edward Smith]

Guidelines for Dog Trails/Training:

 

Dog field trials/training are allowed from September 1st to March 31st annually, without permit or restrictions on areas.

 

Annually, from April 1st to May 7th and August 15th to August 31st field trials/training will be allowed within designated dog training areas (DTA). A written permit is not required to conduct these activities during these dates within the designated areas.

 

Dog field trials/training will not be allowed from May 7th to August 15th, annually, in any area.

 

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Questions and Answers:

 

What is a dog field trial or training exercise?

Dog field trials/training provides the opportunity for dog(s) to be taken into the wilderness to roam freely off the leash, if kept within designated dog trail/training areas.

 

Do I need a permit?

No, if the activity is within the designated field trial/ training areas and dates outlined above.

 

Will it cost me anything?

No, conducting trails/training is free in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

 

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Designated Field Trial/Training Areas in Newfoundland:

1. Hearts Content Barrens, Cabonear
2. Shoal Bay Road, Bay Bulls
3. Northern Pond Road, Cochrane Pond
4. North River, Clarke's Beach
5. Glovers Road, Harbour Grace
6. Witless Bay Line, Butterpot Hills
7. Middle Bight Road, CBS
8. Dildo Pond, Blaketown
9. Island Pond Ridge, Avondale
10. Gander Lake East, Gander
11. Stephenville Crossing
12. Lady Slipper Road, Corner Brook
13. Molliers, Burin Peninsula

Maps of these areas and area descriptions can be picked up at your local Department of Natural Resources or Wildlife Office.

 

Please consult the annual hunting and Trapping guide for further details.

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[Fred Woodman]

My experience has been that for the most part has been that these regulations were put in place for the purposes of running rabbits with beagles or other hounds and taking your pointing dog on the barrens to find a few birds.For many people this what is training.
My experience has been otherwise, if I want to take my dog to a pond for water training or into a large field to do retrieving exercise and obedience work. There has been no issues.

The main reason for this regulation is to protect small rabbits and other small game ( which is not a bad think) but they were largely put in place to allow wildlife to deal with free roaming dogs. Primarily beagles that were running free all summer long.

Use some common sense with your training and you should have no issues.

[Fred Woodman]

One of the best places I have found for training are ball fields. Most areas have an old ball field. Most still have a fence wihich are great for line drills. They are nice and flat for your marking drills, and the older ones have some longer grass for doing blinds and searches.Confined areas are great for obedience work ( COME, SIT,DOWN,HEEL and STAY). All which should be taught on land, and need to be thoroughly learned before moving to the water.
*** Remember to take your dog for a nice long walk before training and to clean up after him.*******

Below is a picture taken at old ball field in Blaketown. This was early tracking training. Note the weiners on ground and tracking collar.