 | Preparation
for the German Master Hunting Exam (VGP) | Weimaraners
in Germany are bred exclusively for versatile hunting purposes and are subjected
to stringent breeding, training and ownership regulations which are strictly enforced
by the Weimaraner Klub e.V. in Germany. All matings need to be individually approved
by the club's Breeding Regulator and each dog must fully comply with the breed's
standard, be free of hip dysplasia and meet the exam requirements in terms of
strength of character, temperament and hunting ability. This imposes and preserves
high standards on breed selection and trainability.
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| VGP opening
ceremony. Hunting horns sound the “Halali”.
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Working the blood track | The
German Master Hunter exam (Verbandsgebrauchshundeprüfung or VGP)
represents the ultimate challenge for versatile hunting dogs as it tests the dog
over 48 hours on 36 subjects ( see
attachment : VGP exam requirements ) . In order to qualify, dogs must have
successfully mastered the obligatory Spring and Fall Hunting Tests. Main subject
categories examined in the VGP are:
•
Blood tracking on lead for cloven-hoofed game
•
Furred and feathered game drag tracking
•
Independent dense wood and brush searching for game
•
Search in dense reeds for ducks, following duck trace and water retrieving
• Upland game search pattern, pointing
and steadiness to shot and fall
• Retrieving
fox (over barrier), hare and feathered game
•
General obedience: Walk to heel, "down" with gunshots, etc.
 | | | "The
Verbandsgebrauchshundeprüfung is an extremely difficult proof of hunting
ability for which there is no American equivalent. It is granted high breeding
value and considered one of the most important breeding tools." | | | Deborah
Andrews in Weimaraner Ways | | |
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| | | | The
Training Program and Calendar | | | |
| In order to prepare a dog for the VGP,
which takes place in fall, our trainer Peter Koch typically relies upon a training
program of 6-9 months depending on the dog's previous experience and training
level. Dogs start training when about 12 months of age. |
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 | Introduction
to subject |  | Occasional
practice of learned subjects | |
During the training period, dogs are expected
to board at the kennel vom Heldenhain facilities at Peter´s home close to
Munich, Germany. Dogs-in-training are living together with Peter´s own dogs
and family, ensuring a high degree of socialization and personal contact, which
is essential for Weimaraners. At any point in time, Peter - who does perform all
training personally - will not accept more than two to three dogs for VGP preparation
given the demanding training program.
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Mani v.d. Reiteralm demonstrates
intensity on point |
Proper
guiding manners
on red partridge |
| | | | Accomplishments
of Peter Koch | | | | | Over
the last 15 years, Peter has trained Weimaraners from the USA, Italy, Austria,
France and Switzerland. His main accomplishments in the German versatile hunting
tests are listed below - maximum possible scores are 80 points for the Spring
Youth Test (VJP), 194 points for the Fall Breeding Test (HZP) and 336 points for
the Master Utility Dog Exam (VGP): | | | | 
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| Training
fees and conditions | | | | | Dog
owners who arrange training for the VGP preparations will be charged a monthly
preparation fee. The fee includes the dog's training lessons, transport to and
from the hunting grounds, presentation at the German hunting exams, boarding and
food. It excludes extraordinary items such as veterinary costs, live birds, furred
game for training, and exam registration fees. Transportation of the dog to and
from Peter´s facilities is at the owner´s expense. |
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| For dog owners who consider less
extensive training programs and do not require formal VGP certification, Peter
can provide customized schedules. In fact, he has prepared dogs for field trial
competitors in Italy and Spain, falconry practitioners, as well as a variety of
individuals simply looking for a high degree of obedience in their dogs to facilitate
living together in a family environment. Peter is also pleased to provide individualized
one-on-one instruction to dog owners with training ambitions. |
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| | | "
For 9 years I have been involved with Weimaraners and hunting, and I certainly
have known many trainers with whom I have left my dogs. If you want to be sure
you get results, nobody is better than Peter. Besides the training aspect, he
is also a great person, who respects you and whatever you want to do with your
dog. He is open minded and a very honest person who loves and lives for dogs" | | | Telma
Tucci, Vice-President of the Weimaraner Club Italy | | |
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| | | "
My wife and I have two little girls and live in a house in the suburbs. Whilst
hunting ability was essential, we also wanted to ensure that our dog would be
affectionate with our children and easy to handle in a city environment. Peter's
training was perfect for this." | | | Markus
König, owner of Peter Koch-trained Herbi vom Falkentann | | |
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