I've been working the pups and even the main dog (Ace) on a few items that are required in field trial competition. Things like a staunch back (honoring a point) and intensity on point (no creeping) and sharp retrieves.  Normally, a bird dog and get away with a little of all of the above in field work.  In field trials, the dog is scored quite a bit on style.  At least it is style with a purpose, so I don't complain too much about it.  It won't hurt them in the field hunting, either.  This weekend is a big trial in Pavo, GA at my fiend's house.  He grew up on one of those huge private quail plantations down there and I always like listening to his stories about hunting  and training dogs, etc.  Sure was a different kind of life!