WC. WCI. WCX. What does it all mean?
Once a year, we offer a Working Certificate test, with several test levels that demonstrate the progression of Labs from instinctive hunters to fully trained, skilled hunting companions. For the WC test, we follow the regulations set out by The Labrador Retriever Club Inc. but why should the fun stop there? So we came up with additional test levels for both, more and less experienced dogs (and handlers)!
WC
Working Certificate
The WC requirements are defined by LRC. It’s a test of natural retrieving instincts, not a marking test or meant to indicate the extent of training the dog has received.
Single, live flier on land, back-to-back singles on water (dead birds), 50-yard retrieves, light cover, no decoys. No duck calls. Gunners are visible.
Dog must not be gun shy. Steadiness is not required; dog can be held by collar. Delivery to hand not required but birds need to be returned to a designated area of delivery within easy reach of handler.
No dress code. No honor, diversion shots, or blinds.
WCI
Working Certificate Intermediate
The WCI is intended for dogs beyond the WC level or AKC Junior Hunter level but not quite ready for an AKC Senior Hunter test. It demonstrates a dog’s progress toward the skills required for an AKC Senior Hunter test.
Doubles on land (one live flyer) and water (dead birds), up to 75-yard retrieves, at least 90-degree angle between marks, moderate cover, no decoys. Gunners are visible and use duck calls. On-lead honor on land.
Sight blind on land: Dog and handler will come out of holding blind and a bird will be planted well outside of the marks at about 30 – 40 yards while dog and handler are watching. Dog and handler will briefly return to holding blind then come out again to set up for the double. After the dog has retrieved the double, handler and dog will be asked to run the blind.
Dog must be steady and not gun shy. Controlled break is allowed. Dog must deliver to hand. Proper hunting attire or dark clothing required.
WCX
Working Certificate Excellent
Past Senior? Not ready for Master? Try the WCX. The WCX demonstrates a dog’s progress toward the skills required for an AKC Master Hunter test.
Triple on land (one live flier) and triple on water (dead birds), up to 100-yard retrieves, moderate cover, decoys may be used. Setup should be wide open, with birds shot from left to right or from right to left. Gunners use duck calls and can be hidden. Off-lead honor on land.
75-yard land blind and 50-yard water blind, outside of marks, run after the marks. Diversion shot for the land blind.
Dog must be steady and not gun shy. No controlled breaks allowed. Dog must deliver to hand. Proper hunting attire or dark clothing required.
PeeWee
For our youngest competitors! Just fun. All entries receive a rosette.
For dogs 4 months and older.
Land mark is a hand thrown bumper or dead bird (handler’s choice), up to 30 yards, light cover. Verbal attention calls, no gun shots. No water marks.
Delivery to hand and steadiness not required. Dogs may be held on collar. No dress code.
Veterans
For our older competitors and retirees!
No age limit.
Singles on land and water, up to 50 yards, handler’s choice of dead bird or live flier. Light cover. No decoys. Guns are visible. Duck calls are used.
Delivery to hand or steadiness not required. No blinds. No dress code.