Photo taken by Lindsey Pendleton (LC Photography) There’s just something magical about going on a training day with your dog. The combination of ‘getting away for the day’ and going somewhere new is exciting. I like the fact it breaks our routine and gets us away from familiar training ground. I love an adventure and a road trip combines anticipation and exploration in one day.
I recently attended two different gundog training days in Newbury and Wiltshire. Both gave a warm welcome on arrival and a comprehensive outline of the training day. Building Reggie’s confidence and achieving success was the main aim of the day. This gave me the opportunity to test him in a game environment and practice some mock working tests for the novice handler/novice dog. Each location offered a fantastic variety of terrain which allowed me to discover something new about Reg. We had the opportunity to retrieve dummies over fences which many of the dogs found challenging and tested the communication between dog and handler. The new ground provided all the training requirements with the odd bolting rabbit and pheasant as a perfect distraction. What I liked about these events is that I was made to feel competent and capable and at ease to enjoy a training day. The steady pace of the day meant that I could take my time and correct any mistakes. This is invaluable for a novice handler and a great confidence booster!
I recently attended two different gundog training days in Newbury and Wiltshire. Both gave a warm welcome on arrival and a comprehensive outline of the training day. Building Reggie’s confidence and achieving success was the main aim of the day. This gave me the opportunity to test him in a game environment and practice some mock working tests for the novice handler/novice dog. Each location offered a fantastic variety of terrain which allowed me to discover something new about Reg. We had the opportunity to retrieve dummies over fences which many of the dogs found challenging and tested the communication between dog and handler. The new ground provided all the training requirements with the odd bolting rabbit and pheasant as a perfect distraction. What I liked about these events is that I was made to feel competent and capable and at ease to enjoy a training day. The steady pace of the day meant that I could take my time and correct any mistakes. This is invaluable for a novice handler and a great confidence booster!
Tracy Corbin's new training venue in Wiltshire offered a good variety of ground with opportunities to practise long blind retrieves through various distractions. The day started with a huge slice of homemade apple cake and a glass of port! Photo taken by Lindsey Pendleton (LC Photography).
I’m sure you’ll agree after a long road trip it’s always a relief coming home. These away days are great for bonding time and our learning experience allows us to feel more in tune with our dogs and identify what works well and what we need to practice.
For me, being able to try out different terrain, meet other novice handlers, iron out problems and prepare us for tests and shoot days is the attraction of a good training day. I’m able to experience new things together with my dog and in my training journey these memories are simply magical!
For me, being able to try out different terrain, meet other novice handlers, iron out problems and prepare us for tests and shoot days is the attraction of a good training day. I’m able to experience new things together with my dog and in my training journey these memories are simply magical!
Poppymead Gundogs in Newbury offered a fantastic variety of ground. Top tips on assessing the wind, the ground and any obstacles which was invaluable on the day.
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