Clay Earl
2004 saw me turn 40, so writing this autobiography at this time is a
little more introspective than it might be. In the last 40 years
I have lived in several different locals in Canada, from the wide-open
spaces of Saskatchewan to my current location in our largest metropolitan
city of Toronto, Ontario.
Through it all dogs, hunting dogs, trials, and the people they bring
together have been a large part of shaping who I am. The vast number
of friends, around the world, I have been lucky enough to make while enjoying
a day afield, or discussing our four legged friends has greatly enriched
my life.
My competitive interests in dogs began and to this day continues with
Labradors. It was a chance meeting that brought me into the world
of Springer Spaniel field trials. That chance meeting provided me
with an exceptionally talented animal and the environment that would let
him blossom.
Like so many things in life the combination of right place, right time
allowed for success when mixed with a lot of effort and good fortune. To
do well at anything you have to believe in what you are doing and have
a vision for what you want to accomplish. If you apply this to trial
dogs then add in the single most important ingredient, a talented animal,
and you have a recipe for success.
Field trial success in my book is accomplishing the goals you set out
in training in the unforgiving environment of a trial. I continue
to think of the difficult situations that are inevitably encountered in
trials as opportunities for ability and, preparation to show accomplishment
with ease. When you encounter these situations in a trial and have
been working on them in your training, then they are the ultimate test
of your team, and accomplishment is your own blue ribbon.
The beauty of a Springer Spaniel field trial to me is the variety of
challenges that can be thrown at the team of dog and handler. Recording
and communicating these with my co-judge to develop a complete picture
of your team is a central philosophy in my approach to judging trials.
Inevitably one team makes difficult things look easy throughout the trial
and rises to the top.
Over my career in dogs I have been a trainer, competitor, breeder,
judge, field trial chairman, gun, marshal, & kennel owner. Dogs I have
had the good fortune of training/owning/ and or running have accomplished
national placements, hi point championships, and field championships.
They have been varied in abilities and nature each different but possessing
one or two special qualities that made them successful while having there
own individual talents and deficiencies. Currently I own a young
Springer bitch which I imported from England and am converting for trials,
a middle aged field trial Labrador and a retired veteran Springer Spaniel.
The veteran, who after a 100+ all age point career, is living out the end
of his life as a house dog at the ripe old age of 16.
I have always loved to watch a good dog and handler work together.
It will be especially invigorating to watch the best of the best compete
in the 2004 National Open from the judge’s seat. I thank the committee
and the countless volunteers and amateurs for their efforts. Our
pursuit of determining the champion dog of 2004 would not be possible without
your countless hours and commitment to the National. Best of luck
to the participants. Looking forward to a great event.
Best to you and your dog,
Clay Earl