The moment of truth arrives PART THREE

RUDI VAN KETS IS A BELGIAN GAME HUNTER WHO SPECIALISES IN DEER DOG TRAINING AND PREPARING HOUNDS FOR TRACKING TRIALS

The intensive training of the past few weeks was over. It was the day of the test and time to see if our students were up to the mark. The first part of the assessment — the shot test — was held in a field close to the hotel where the event was being hosted. Assuming the students passed this section, we would then drive them to the different tracks, which are more than 1km apart. If the dog became timid on hearing the shot, however, it would be disqualified.

Our association’s vice-president carefully chose each