wildrose hunting retreiver club
2011 is here and we are looking forward to another good year. Training in earnest is just around the corner (provided we get a break in the snow) and it’s time to get the dogs back in top form.

The WRHRC is again hosting its traditional NAHRA test in July near Irricana. A Picnic test is tentatively scheduled for the May 1 weekend (probably Sunday) as well as a number of fun events such as the ‘Seven Singles’, upland training day, and a upland hunting (shoot to retrieve) stake in conjunction with another dog training club. These are a few of the fun events for 2011. I would like to remind everyone though, that the greatest value in joining the WRHRC club, is the members. The club, through the use of the Kathryn grounds and the events listed, provides an excellent forum to meet like minded individuals and develop lasting friendships and training partners.

We often get asked as the club executive, ‘I need someone to train my dog’. While members are often more than willing to help with some advice and allow new people to join their training sessions, it is the responsibility of the owner to train their own dog. If you are like me then I know that you will have gone through a number of ‘tough lessons’ in getting ‘mallard muncher’ to the training level that you aspired to. At one point or another, I believe that I swam out in a pond to turn my dog around, on a blind that had gone badly. Walked out to point out a mark to a dog that has stepped on the bird twice but can’t seem to find it, and blown a whistle that nearly deafened me, while the dog, that was 10 meters away, was oblivious. Sharing these experiences and taking time to allow a new member to join your training session will develop new and lasting friendships.

Take some time this year and attend the fun events as well as the NAHRA test. Train at the Kathryn grounds and meet new people. You will be glad you did.

Greg Drew
2011 WRHRC President

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As club president, I would like to personally welcome you to the Wild Rose Hunting
and Retriever Club (WRHRC).

The WRHRC is dedicated to the betterment of hunting retriever breeds, through training, education, breeding and providing opportunity for individuals and their dogs to challenge hunt test standards. The WRHRC organizes hunt tests under the guidelines of the North America Hunter Retriever Association (NAHRA). I would encourage you to check out the NAHRA website to learn more. Over the years it has become clearly evident that the WRHRC greatest asset is its’ members. The knowledge, dedication and commitment of our club members are the qualities that your executive board members are truly proud of. The WRHRC is a volunteer organization. As a new club member I encourage you to become involved with club activities, ask questions (ask lots of questions!) and take advantage of the various people and resources to assist you with your dog training.

Included in this membership package are the following:
• A list of this years WRHRC Executive Board Members
• A reference list of suggested books, videos and web sites
• A copy of the WRHRC Bylaws
• A map to the WRHRC training land by Kathyrn
• An air photo of the WRHRC training land
• Training Etiquette for the Kathyrn Grounds

The WRHRC newsletter entitled “The Fetching Post” is published a number of times throughout the year and will keep you informed of club activities and up coming events. Should you have any questions or concerns at any time please feel free to contact
myself or any of the executive board members.

Sincerely,

Doug Rowden
2009 WRHRC President