A stake designed for the biggest, boldest, and most independent ranging dogs. These dogs hunt with purpose but show strong desire to reach and explore forward country.

A person who does not take payment for training or campaigning field trial dogs. Amateurs may handle in Amateur stakes and Open stakes.

Stakes restricted to amateur handlers. Dogs may be professionally trained, but must be handled by an amateur.

When a dog stops and stands steady because it sees another dog on point. The dog must not interfere or move ahead of the pointing dog.

Two dogs run together in a field trial. Each dog’s performance is judged independently, though they share the same course at the same time.

The designated starting point where handlers release their dogs to begin the brace.

The dog’s searching movements used to locate game, typically sweeping, forward, and purposeful.

The mapped or natural terrain where the trial is run.

A group or flock of birds that flush together.

A young dog stake (6–24 months depending on registry) judged on natural ability, potential, and style. Dogs are not required to be steady.

When a dog locates and points a bird, remaining still and indicating the presence of game.

The desired position for a dog — ahead of handler and judges, moving in the direction of travel.

A stake requiring a more handler-oriented pattern than All-Age. Gun Dogs must remain steady to wing and shot and show polished manners around birds.

More selective versions of stakes such as Limited Gun Dog or Limited All-Age. Dogs must meet qualification requirements.

Any handler may enter — amateurs and professionals.

A person who receives payment for training or handling field trial dogs. They may run dogs in Open stakes but not Amateur stakes.

For young dogs (usually 6–15 months). Judged on desire, independence, class, and potential. Pointing is not required.

When a judge orders the handler to leash their dog and end the run.

In retrieving stakes, the dog must fetch the shot bird and deliver it properly to the handler.

A conditioning exercise where dogs pull in harness or against resistance to build strength.

A helper on horseback or foot who assists the handler by locating the dog, keeping it forward, and recovering it if necessary.

The competition division — such as Puppy, Derby, Gun Dog, All-Age, Amateur, Open, or Limited.

The dog must remain standing when the bird flushes and when the gun is fired.

When a bird flushes unexpectedly and the dog immediately stops on its own without taking steps.

When a dog follows moving or running birds using ground scent.

A point on the course where handlers, judges, and dogs change direction.