Howard Kirby of Mullenscote Gundogs could be seen delivering the ever popular gundog demonstration at this year’s West of England Game Fair. Howard has been training gundogs for over twenty years and he splits his time between Mullenscote Dog Training Centre and Lains Shooting School. Based in Hampshire, the gundog trainer has an experienced team who specialise in training and assisting handlers to get the very best from their dogs. Howard has won field trials with English springer spaniels, cockers, German long-haired pointers, German short haired-pointers and English setters. His career highlight to date being a win at the 2014 and second place in the 2017 Kennel Club Hunt Point Retrieve Championships with his FTCH Wamilanghaar Tash of Mullenscote.
So what makes a successful gundog demo?
It may sound obvious but the key to getting noticed is to make sure you have something fresh to share. Howard has that certain something. He embraces his passion for gundogs and country life and captivates the audience with his sharp wit and his natural relaxed showman style. There’s no question he has a unique talent in providing family entertainment and educating people on training and getting the very best from their gundogs.
As the event got under way I watched the team demonstrate how they use reward-based training methods to teach young HPR’s, spaniels, retrievers and setters to become exemplary gundogs. Within minutes it was easy to see why this event was so popular. With their knowledge, experience and friendly approach the dedicated Mullenscote team delivered a demonstration which was second to none.
During the day I managed to grab Howard for a few quick fire round of questions…
Favourite movie?
I’ve got two - I haven’t been to the cinema for 25 years and have recently starting going again. I’ve just seen A Star is Born and Bohemian Rhapsody which are both just brilliant!
Favourite music artist/group?
Thin Lizzy.
If you could duet with an artist who would it be?
Phil Lynott of Thin Lizzy. Who wouldn’t want to be a rock star!
Best gift you’ve ever received?
My current partner, Lynsey Whitley, all of my friends and family love her but tell me I’m ‘punching above my weight!’
Something you’ve always wanted to try but are afraid to do?
I’ve done fix line parachuting and free fall parachuting is something I’m afraid of but would really like to try.
Who do you admire?
Ian Openshaw. I think he's a fantastic dog trainer!
One accomplishment you’re most proud of?
I’m very proud of our latest venture, Mullenscote TV. It’s a ‘gundog training channel’ and a project that’s been in my mind for a long time. It’s taken a huge team effort to launch it. I’ve grown to learn how much a passionate team of people can achieve.
Most memorable career moment so far?
Winning the HPR Championship 2014. It was something I had been working towards all of my life.
Early bird or night owl?
I’m a very early bird.
Favourite tipple?
Tango - makes me lively and excitable!
Chinese or Indian takeaway?
Chinese.
One thing you still have from your teenage years?
My sense of humour.
Person who gets you to laugh the most?
My partner, Lynsey and comedian Mickey Flanagan.
What’s the one question no one has ever asked you?
What I really want out of life…
Kindle or paperback?
i-books.
Spaniel or Labrador or HPR?
Mmm…if I was pushed it would have to be a HPR - German wired haired pointer.
This summer Howard Kirby and his Mullenscote team can be seen at various game fairs across the country delivering gundog demonstrations, running clinics and Q & A seminars. For further info visit: http://www.mullenscote.co.uk
So what makes a successful gundog demo?
It may sound obvious but the key to getting noticed is to make sure you have something fresh to share. Howard has that certain something. He embraces his passion for gundogs and country life and captivates the audience with his sharp wit and his natural relaxed showman style. There’s no question he has a unique talent in providing family entertainment and educating people on training and getting the very best from their gundogs.
As the event got under way I watched the team demonstrate how they use reward-based training methods to teach young HPR’s, spaniels, retrievers and setters to become exemplary gundogs. Within minutes it was easy to see why this event was so popular. With their knowledge, experience and friendly approach the dedicated Mullenscote team delivered a demonstration which was second to none.
During the day I managed to grab Howard for a few quick fire round of questions…
Favourite movie?
I’ve got two - I haven’t been to the cinema for 25 years and have recently starting going again. I’ve just seen A Star is Born and Bohemian Rhapsody which are both just brilliant!
Favourite music artist/group?
Thin Lizzy.
If you could duet with an artist who would it be?
Phil Lynott of Thin Lizzy. Who wouldn’t want to be a rock star!
Best gift you’ve ever received?
My current partner, Lynsey Whitley, all of my friends and family love her but tell me I’m ‘punching above my weight!’
Something you’ve always wanted to try but are afraid to do?
I’ve done fix line parachuting and free fall parachuting is something I’m afraid of but would really like to try.
Who do you admire?
Ian Openshaw. I think he's a fantastic dog trainer!
One accomplishment you’re most proud of?
I’m very proud of our latest venture, Mullenscote TV. It’s a ‘gundog training channel’ and a project that’s been in my mind for a long time. It’s taken a huge team effort to launch it. I’ve grown to learn how much a passionate team of people can achieve.
Most memorable career moment so far?
Winning the HPR Championship 2014. It was something I had been working towards all of my life.
Early bird or night owl?
I’m a very early bird.
Favourite tipple?
Tango - makes me lively and excitable!
Chinese or Indian takeaway?
Chinese.
One thing you still have from your teenage years?
My sense of humour.
Person who gets you to laugh the most?
My partner, Lynsey and comedian Mickey Flanagan.
What’s the one question no one has ever asked you?
What I really want out of life…
Kindle or paperback?
i-books.
Spaniel or Labrador or HPR?
Mmm…if I was pushed it would have to be a HPR - German wired haired pointer.
This summer Howard Kirby and his Mullenscote team can be seen at various game fairs across the country delivering gundog demonstrations, running clinics and Q & A seminars. For further info visit: http://www.mullenscote.co.uk
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