Training Resources and Title Info

The Upland Series
The upland field will consist of approximately 3 to 5 acres of light to medium cover (as available). Three (3) chukar will be placed at random throughout the upland field. A maximum of 15 minutes will be allowed for the upland portion of the test. Multiple bird contacts are required if upland conditions permit. Each contact is an opportunity  for judges to evaluate the dog's performance. For a point to be considered, the dog must establish point on his or her own and remain on point for a minimum of five (5) seconds. The dog does not need to be steady to wing and shot, nor wait for the judge to release them to retrieve. All cleanly killed game must be retrieved to within one reasonable step of the handler. The entire body of work, point, search, control, as well as others, are considered in scoring in the upland series.

The Water Series
The dog is required to complete two (2) single marked water retrieves, and deliver to within one reasonable step (on dry land) of the handler. For the CPR test, the marks will be less than 50 yards, and both will be a "splash" in open water. As explained in the intro, the dog may be restrained with a slip lead, and only released upon instruction by the judge(s).

Obtaining the CPR Title
The Certified Pointing Retriever "title" is obtained with two (2) successful test passes. Each pass is awarded a green CPR ribbon, with the second pass's ribbon having a "Title" ribbon attached. Once titled, the dog owner will receive a frame-able title certificate from the United Kennel Club (UKC).  

The Land Series
In the advanced category, the land series is introduced. The dog will be expected to mark and retrieve a double mark, with marks no greater than 75 yards. The purpose is to judge the dog’s “marking” ability, and the dog is expected to mark the fall(s) and remember where they are. Handling is permitted if needed. Retrieves shall be to hand.

The Water Series
The water series at the APR level is two water retrieves that become a double mark. The marks will be no greater than 75 yards. The marks may be “splashes” in the water or land on the land for retrieval after crossing the body of water. Retrieves shall be to hand.

The Land Blind
Independent of the marks, the dog will be expected to perform a modest blind retrieve in light to medium cover. The area is free of distractions such as equipment hides, holding blinds, and old falls. At 40-50 yards in length, the dog is expected to remain in a reasonable corridor (as defined by the judges) when sent by the handler, and take handles, if needed, to the blind and retrieve to hand. The land blind must be completed prior to the dog running in the upland field.

Obtaining the APR Title

If you are running your dog in the natural progression of titles, having obtained your dog's CPR title, the advanced title is achieved with one Advanced Pointing Retriever (APR) test pass. If you have chosen to start your dog's APLA hunt test career at the APR level, two test passes will be required for the APR title. As with CPR, each pass will be awarded a ribbon, the second of which has a "Title" ribbon attached. Upon titling, the dog's owner will receive a frame-able title certificate from the United Kennel Club (UKC).

The dog is required to complete two (2) single marked water retrieves, and deliver to within one reasonable step (on dry land) of the handler. For the CPR test, the marks will be less than 50 yards, and both will be a "splash" in open water. As explained in the intro, the dog may be restrained with a slip lead, and only released upon instruction by the judge(s). 

The Land Series
In the Master category land series, the dog will be expected to mark and retrieve a double mark, 100 yards maximum, as well as perform a blind land retrieve, 100 yards maximum, in the same area. The purpose is to judge the dog’s “marking” ability, and the dog is expected to mark the fall(s) and remember where they are. Handling is permitted if needed, however, on only one marks of the four marks (land or water). Retrieves shall be to hand.

The Water Series
The water series at the Master level is two water retrieves, double mark. The marks will be 100 yards maximum. The marks may be “splashes” in the water, or land on the land for retrieval after crossing the body of water. Retrieves shall be to hand. The water blind will also be at a maximum of 100 yards.

The Upland Series
The upland field shall consist of approximately 10 acres of varied cover (as available). Four (4) chukar are planted for each dog randomly throughout the field. A maximum of 20 minutes is allowed for the upland portion of the test. Multiple bird contacts are required as conditions permit. Each contact is an opportunity for judges to evaluate the dog’s performance. For a contact to be considered a “point”, the dog must clearly establish point and remain on point for ten (10) seconds. The dog must remain steady to wing and shot and not leave for the retrieve until released by the judge(s). All cleanly killed game must be retrieved to the handler’s hand. No dog at the master level shall catch or chase game in the upland field. An uncontrolled break, or two (2) controlled breaks results in failure in the upland field and in the retriever series at the Master/Grand Master level.

MPR to GMPR to 4xGMPR Titles

If you are running your dog in the natural progression of titles, having obtained your dog's APR title, the Master Pointing Retriever (MPR) title is achieved with one MPR test pass. If you have chosen to start your dog's APLA testing career at the MPR level, two test passes will be required for MPR title. As with each other level, each pass will be awarded a blue ribbon, the second of which has a "Title" ribbon attached. Upon titling, the dogs owner will receive a frame-able title certificate from the United Kennel Club (UKC).

Once an MPR title is achieved, the next MPR test pass earns a Grand Master Pointing Retriever title. A purple ribbon is awarded and a frame-able certificate will be sent to the dog's owner by the UKC. Each subsequent test pass earns a 0.5 (1/2). Each pass receives a purple ribbon, and each whole number step (2x, 3x, 4x) receives a frame-able title certificate from the UKC. The 4xGMPR pass earns a gold ribbon and a gold band.