5 minutes with the IGL Retriever Champion David Lisett
It's Christmas Eve and what a year it has been! This year I have followed so many of you via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and loved seeing your gundog pictures and hearing about your achievements and challenges with your working tests and trials. My journalistic journey has taken me to many wonderful events this year. Most overwhelming of all has been the enthusiasm and encouragement you've shared with me at the recent IGL Retriever Championship. My press experience was amazing - and all thanks to everyone involved. The friendly family feel to the proceedings was a privilege to be part of - And so I would like to share one of my treasured moments which took place on the final day of the Championship shortly after the awards...5 minutes with David Lisett.
What was your most memorable moment from the IGL Retriever Championship 2017?
"It was probably on the 2nd day of the Championship when I had the retrieve for the duck in the water. It had been shot 200 yards back in the line. I thought to myself I don't know if I’m going to manage to pick this one because if it dives into the water and gets into the maize I could be out of the championships. It's such a fine balance!"
How were you feeling knowing you were in the final round?
"Unbelievable! I just wanted to get through it and if I got a diploma I would be over the moon. My target was to finish and get through the first day. Actually rewind it back and prior to the Championship we had run in two trials this season at Hy-Fly and I never even picked a retrieve. So I went the first day, a snipe was shot, it hit the judge on his shoulder rolled down his jumper and landed at his feet. I was sent for that and failed so I stayed for two days to see the ground. I went in for another trial and sent for a partridge in some muddy water, I was third dog down in that one. So I thought to myself do I really want to be running at Hy-Fly? But the good thing about it was the bad experience taught me a lot and I went home and trained and trained. I had a lot of help from young John Halstead in the summer and a few of the boys I train with. You can imagine up in Scotland the labradors run big distances, 300 yards up and down hills and this Championship was shot/technical so I had to re-program my sat nav with shot to retrieves and marking."
What was your main challenge David?
"The big problem my bitch had was my inexperience. I’ve run a lot with spaniels but I’ve not done a lot with labradors. The good thing is the trialling community can see if you have a good enough dog you can win. If you put the hard work in you can do it. There is a bit of lady luck on the day and the way the cards fall. As you saw with Steve Richardson in the competition he had a brilliant two days in the championships and he must have been devastated as he had a runner on the final day which wasn’t picked. Everyone who trials dogs knows you get more heartache than joy but when you do get a win it’s a great feeling. Can I say a big thanks to the estate and everyone involved for putting on such a great Championship. I really couldn’t haven’t done it without the help of my friends and keepers who provide the game and and allow us on the beats. It’s different with the spaniels as you can train on your own but you do rely on people around you to train with the labradors."
What next David?
"There’s no rest for the wicked…I’m out with the spaniels tomorrow morning as I have two who have qualified for the Championship. I came down to Hy-Fly with friends and last night I was only allowed lager shandies as I was the last Scots competitor left so the pressure was on to do it for Scotland. Tonight I'll have a wee beer to celebrate!"
Many thanks to David for his time at the IGL awards on the 6th December 2017.
The IGL Championship report is in the February 2018 issue of the Shooting Gazette.
What was your most memorable moment from the IGL Retriever Championship 2017?
"It was probably on the 2nd day of the Championship when I had the retrieve for the duck in the water. It had been shot 200 yards back in the line. I thought to myself I don't know if I’m going to manage to pick this one because if it dives into the water and gets into the maize I could be out of the championships. It's such a fine balance!"
How were you feeling knowing you were in the final round?
"Unbelievable! I just wanted to get through it and if I got a diploma I would be over the moon. My target was to finish and get through the first day. Actually rewind it back and prior to the Championship we had run in two trials this season at Hy-Fly and I never even picked a retrieve. So I went the first day, a snipe was shot, it hit the judge on his shoulder rolled down his jumper and landed at his feet. I was sent for that and failed so I stayed for two days to see the ground. I went in for another trial and sent for a partridge in some muddy water, I was third dog down in that one. So I thought to myself do I really want to be running at Hy-Fly? But the good thing about it was the bad experience taught me a lot and I went home and trained and trained. I had a lot of help from young John Halstead in the summer and a few of the boys I train with. You can imagine up in Scotland the labradors run big distances, 300 yards up and down hills and this Championship was shot/technical so I had to re-program my sat nav with shot to retrieves and marking."
What was your main challenge David?
"The big problem my bitch had was my inexperience. I’ve run a lot with spaniels but I’ve not done a lot with labradors. The good thing is the trialling community can see if you have a good enough dog you can win. If you put the hard work in you can do it. There is a bit of lady luck on the day and the way the cards fall. As you saw with Steve Richardson in the competition he had a brilliant two days in the championships and he must have been devastated as he had a runner on the final day which wasn’t picked. Everyone who trials dogs knows you get more heartache than joy but when you do get a win it’s a great feeling. Can I say a big thanks to the estate and everyone involved for putting on such a great Championship. I really couldn’t haven’t done it without the help of my friends and keepers who provide the game and and allow us on the beats. It’s different with the spaniels as you can train on your own but you do rely on people around you to train with the labradors."
What next David?
"There’s no rest for the wicked…I’m out with the spaniels tomorrow morning as I have two who have qualified for the Championship. I came down to Hy-Fly with friends and last night I was only allowed lager shandies as I was the last Scots competitor left so the pressure was on to do it for Scotland. Tonight I'll have a wee beer to celebrate!"
Many thanks to David for his time at the IGL awards on the 6th December 2017.
The IGL Championship report is in the February 2018 issue of the Shooting Gazette.
5 minutes with John Halstead Jr...
Wendy Bardsley talks to John Halstead a distinguished trainer with an exceptional record having qualified to compete at the IGL Retriever Championship every year since 1992. John has developed his training methods over the past 30 years and takes great pride and pleasure in producing fantastic dogs.
John qualified and ran five dogs in the 2015 Retriever Championship where he won with Lady C, Carter's FTCH Asterix Aguzannis of Chatsworth
Who do you aspire to?
Now I’ve got to where I want to be in the gundog world I don’t aspire to anyone. I tend to be a leader rather than a follower but when I started gundog training I liked Alan Thornton, David Garbutt and obviously my Father. I watch these people and I'm impressed by what they do and you find out how to do it and over time you learn how to take it to the next level. I've always trained my own way right from the start. My Father encouraged me to find my own path.
Gundog training has moved on such a lot over the last 10 and 20 years. You come to places like the Game Fair and you’ll see people straight lining as they’ve learnt my methods and other people’s methods and the standard just gets better and better. At first you must have something to aim for but once you get to the top you’ve got to be a leader rather than a follower.
How do you stay at the top of your game?
Working hard. There’s no short cuts. Very rarely do I train with other people. 95% of my training I do on my own in a field for hours and hours. It’s similar to an Olympic athlete they don’t train to compete everyday. They work out in the gym, they get up on the bar, fall off, get back on, fall off and they work on that exercise until eventually they perfect it and master what they want to achieve. It takes time and you can’t do it training with others. When you’re ready you then go into the field with others to see if what you are trying to achieve works.
Many thanks to John for giving up his valuable demo time to Biddablebardsley at The Game Fair, Hatfield 2017.
Now I’ve got to where I want to be in the gundog world I don’t aspire to anyone. I tend to be a leader rather than a follower but when I started gundog training I liked Alan Thornton, David Garbutt and obviously my Father. I watch these people and I'm impressed by what they do and you find out how to do it and over time you learn how to take it to the next level. I've always trained my own way right from the start. My Father encouraged me to find my own path.
Gundog training has moved on such a lot over the last 10 and 20 years. You come to places like the Game Fair and you’ll see people straight lining as they’ve learnt my methods and other people’s methods and the standard just gets better and better. At first you must have something to aim for but once you get to the top you’ve got to be a leader rather than a follower.
How do you stay at the top of your game?
Working hard. There’s no short cuts. Very rarely do I train with other people. 95% of my training I do on my own in a field for hours and hours. It’s similar to an Olympic athlete they don’t train to compete everyday. They work out in the gym, they get up on the bar, fall off, get back on, fall off and they work on that exercise until eventually they perfect it and master what they want to achieve. It takes time and you can’t do it training with others. When you’re ready you then go into the field with others to see if what you are trying to achieve works.
Many thanks to John for giving up his valuable demo time to Biddablebardsley at The Game Fair, Hatfield 2017.
Meet the Charismatic Clumber...
|
I’ve always loved the strong hard working Clumber Spaniel and I was delighted to see Midori Diamond Huddlestone, a 3 year old Clumber, win an all varieties novice stake in January 2017. This was the first time since 1899 and demonstrates the quality of the new modern work-bred Clumber and its capabilities of competing successfully at the highest level. This achievement was monumental for a minority breed which still remains on the vulnerable breed list.
I recently had the pleasure of meeting Obi at a water training day and I took the opportunity to find out more about this handsome working Clumber Spaniel… |
Barbara Brown from Winchester owns and handles 2 year old Flintwood Focus (Obi).
What made you go for a Clumber?
They’ve got bags of personality. I didn’t feel brave enough to handle the fast pace of a Springer or a Cocker. This breed is not quite so fast. They have a different style of hunting and they are deliberate in their behaviour. You still have to be one step ahead to handle them but they can make a fabulous rough shooting dog because of their excellent Clumber nose and pace.
What do you love about Obi?
He just makes me smile every day and it’s amazing to watch him hunt.
What are they like to train?
The have a reputation of being stubborn but I don’t think it’s necessarily true. You have to work hard at building a partnership with them. They are not a dog to impose your will on. Obi responds well to positive re-enforcement, making our training fun and working together as a team. He can be quite excitable with other dogs so we are currently working on this area.
They’ve got bags of personality. I didn’t feel brave enough to handle the fast pace of a Springer or a Cocker. This breed is not quite so fast. They have a different style of hunting and they are deliberate in their behaviour. You still have to be one step ahead to handle them but they can make a fabulous rough shooting dog because of their excellent Clumber nose and pace.
What do you love about Obi?
He just makes me smile every day and it’s amazing to watch him hunt.
What are they like to train?
The have a reputation of being stubborn but I don’t think it’s necessarily true. You have to work hard at building a partnership with them. They are not a dog to impose your will on. Obi responds well to positive re-enforcement, making our training fun and working together as a team. He can be quite excitable with other dogs so we are currently working on this area.
Barbara and Obi
What’s your aim with Obi?
My main aim is not to mess things up with him and learn more about the working breed. If things move in the right direction we might have a go at competing in tests and work him in the field. The opportunities are rare but I would like to take him on a rough shoot.
What advice can you offer to someone who is considering a Clumber Spaniel?
Speak to the Working Clumber Society for advice. They are prolific at game fairs throughout the summer. Watch the dogs at demonstrations, speak to the people who really know the breed well. There’s less than 200 puppies bred a year (working and show) so it’s hard to find the right puppy. Do your research, speak to the breeders and don’t rush into it.
For more information on the Clumber Spaniel visit:
http://www.workingclumber.co.uk
Talking journalism with Don Brunt….
November 2016
Chatting with Don Brunt, a successful international clay shooting journalist and photographer was an inspiring experience. Don and I met up during a shoot day in November. I had the pleasure of picking up for him and as a keen gundog blogger I was curious to find out how his journalistic career started…
You’ve reported on many international clay shooting competitions and events…How did this vocation start for you?
I starting shooting at the age of 8 and have been an enthusiastic follower of the sport ever since. I was looking for a change of career so one day I picked up a camera and took some shots, sent them to a magazine and they liked what they saw and asked for more from me so it started from there. I quickly realised that if you can frame an image you are half way there and if you want to really learn how to use a camera shoot it on manual. I made a lot of mistakes but it’s the best way to learn.
When I started writing articles I would work on a first draft, give it to someone for feedback and then edit and rewrite as necessary but as you get more experienced you get to know what does and doesn’t work. After a while you get a feel for what various publications require and know their different styles. For e.g. American magazines want the emotion and scene setting more than the British mags, often simply because they have more pages and therefore space to play with.
A lot of people though seem to think it’s a glamorous lifestyle, yes I have been to some wonderful places and been lucky enough to meet some amazing people but it is hard work. For example in Dubai or one of the majors in the USA I will usually be at the ground for around 7am, leave there sometimes as late as 11pm and be working in my room till the early hours. At the 2016 World FITASC I walked 17 kms in 90 degree heat on just one of the four days. Do that for a week in extreme temperatures and you really know you have been working hard!
If you work in a niche sport don’t think it’s going to make you rich, you have to do an enormous amount and work for a lot of publications to be able to make a living out of it. If you don’t think you are going to do it for the love of it then do something else instead.
What is your most memorable experience as a reporter?
Working and competing at the Nad Al Sheba Sporting Clays Championship 2014 and 2015. It was in Dubai and the event was held in the middle of the desert. We were treated very well and the hospitality was staggering. It was simply fabulous in every respect.
What is your least favourite reporting experience?
Anytime when it is dark, cold and wet and I’m trying to keep the camera lens dry!
What advice would you offer someone who wants to write about their sport/hobby?
Write about it as you would want to read it and don’t ramble on!
As a gun dog reporter I have a ‘tool box’ of essentials…dictaphone, camera and a flask of tea! What’s in yours Don?
I guess that my "must have" list of kit would be.....
Camera... obviously!
Spare Camera (It hasn’t happened to me but I can think of nothing worse than driving 100 miles to find your camera is broken).
Mobile phone (back up camera and voice / video recorder for interviews).
Spare memory card/s.
Extreme Weather poncho / Lens cover .
Macwet Gloves (the only gloves I have found that I can work camera buttons with).
Ear / eye protection and something to sit on.... (waiting for prize giving can take an eternity….).
A good dose of patience and a creative mind!
November 2016
Chatting with Don Brunt, a successful international clay shooting journalist and photographer was an inspiring experience. Don and I met up during a shoot day in November. I had the pleasure of picking up for him and as a keen gundog blogger I was curious to find out how his journalistic career started…
You’ve reported on many international clay shooting competitions and events…How did this vocation start for you?
I starting shooting at the age of 8 and have been an enthusiastic follower of the sport ever since. I was looking for a change of career so one day I picked up a camera and took some shots, sent them to a magazine and they liked what they saw and asked for more from me so it started from there. I quickly realised that if you can frame an image you are half way there and if you want to really learn how to use a camera shoot it on manual. I made a lot of mistakes but it’s the best way to learn.
When I started writing articles I would work on a first draft, give it to someone for feedback and then edit and rewrite as necessary but as you get more experienced you get to know what does and doesn’t work. After a while you get a feel for what various publications require and know their different styles. For e.g. American magazines want the emotion and scene setting more than the British mags, often simply because they have more pages and therefore space to play with.
A lot of people though seem to think it’s a glamorous lifestyle, yes I have been to some wonderful places and been lucky enough to meet some amazing people but it is hard work. For example in Dubai or one of the majors in the USA I will usually be at the ground for around 7am, leave there sometimes as late as 11pm and be working in my room till the early hours. At the 2016 World FITASC I walked 17 kms in 90 degree heat on just one of the four days. Do that for a week in extreme temperatures and you really know you have been working hard!
If you work in a niche sport don’t think it’s going to make you rich, you have to do an enormous amount and work for a lot of publications to be able to make a living out of it. If you don’t think you are going to do it for the love of it then do something else instead.
What is your most memorable experience as a reporter?
Working and competing at the Nad Al Sheba Sporting Clays Championship 2014 and 2015. It was in Dubai and the event was held in the middle of the desert. We were treated very well and the hospitality was staggering. It was simply fabulous in every respect.
What is your least favourite reporting experience?
Anytime when it is dark, cold and wet and I’m trying to keep the camera lens dry!
What advice would you offer someone who wants to write about their sport/hobby?
Write about it as you would want to read it and don’t ramble on!
As a gun dog reporter I have a ‘tool box’ of essentials…dictaphone, camera and a flask of tea! What’s in yours Don?
I guess that my "must have" list of kit would be.....
Camera... obviously!
Spare Camera (It hasn’t happened to me but I can think of nothing worse than driving 100 miles to find your camera is broken).
Mobile phone (back up camera and voice / video recorder for interviews).
Spare memory card/s.
Extreme Weather poncho / Lens cover .
Macwet Gloves (the only gloves I have found that I can work camera buttons with).
Ear / eye protection and something to sit on.... (waiting for prize giving can take an eternity….).
A good dose of patience and a creative mind!
For the love of spaniels...
Katy an Del Bower are keen gundog handlers. They are passionate about their spaniels. The Dorset couple are also married and have recently transformed their truck into a mobile dog hotel and moved house to suit their dog’s needs and training requirements.
What’s their secret to mixing training and pleasure without falling out?
What started you off in the world of gundogs?
Katy: We got our Springer Spaniel, Meg, seven years ago. I tried to train her but it didn’t work out so Del took over. I got my first pup six years ago which is Ruby. We joined various local gun dog clubs and trained for fun and general obedience. It wasn’t until much later we were invited onto a shoot which was my first experience of beating. I didn’t take the dog as I wanted to find out what went on and learn more about the beating role.
Del: I first started beating 40 years ago when I lived in Alton and I’ve never looked back. Owning a working gundog came much later.
Why do you enjoy it so much?
Katy: It’s great being out in the countryside. You get to meet some amazing people and we’ve built up some good friendships through the dogs. I love working Ruby, especially when it all comes together and goes well for both of us. As a Senior Professional Tutor at a local secondary comprehensive school I look after trainee teachers and newly qualified teachers which doesn’t give me much time for the dogs in the week so I live, breath and sleep dog training at the weekends! Working Ruby enables me to completely switch off and enjoy life.
Del: We enjoy it so much that the house we recently bought had to suit our dogs and training requirements!
What’s the biggest challenge in the training journey so far?
Katy: My ongoing challenge is getting my spaniel to walk to heel! You need a sense of humour and perseverance if you're a spaniel owner!
Del: My biggest challenge is to not race ahead and to make sure you have the basics in place before moving on. Katy is right, you need to preserver when things don’t go as planned.
Why spaniels?
Katy: You’ve just got to watch them work…they are far from boring!
Del: I got the buzz from watching some quality dogs work to a high standard on the beating line.
Biggest lesson learnt so far?
Katy: Being patient which is something I constantly remind Del to be! Especially if we get another dog!
Can you reveal each other’s worst gundog training habits…if any?
Katy: I’ve just hit the nail on the head…a lack of patience as Del is always keen to move on.
Del: Katy tends to get frustrated when things don’t go to plan. It’s normally down to handler error!
Katy an Del Bower are keen gundog handlers. They are passionate about their spaniels. The Dorset couple are also married and have recently transformed their truck into a mobile dog hotel and moved house to suit their dog’s needs and training requirements.
What’s their secret to mixing training and pleasure without falling out?
What started you off in the world of gundogs?
Katy: We got our Springer Spaniel, Meg, seven years ago. I tried to train her but it didn’t work out so Del took over. I got my first pup six years ago which is Ruby. We joined various local gun dog clubs and trained for fun and general obedience. It wasn’t until much later we were invited onto a shoot which was my first experience of beating. I didn’t take the dog as I wanted to find out what went on and learn more about the beating role.
Del: I first started beating 40 years ago when I lived in Alton and I’ve never looked back. Owning a working gundog came much later.
Why do you enjoy it so much?
Katy: It’s great being out in the countryside. You get to meet some amazing people and we’ve built up some good friendships through the dogs. I love working Ruby, especially when it all comes together and goes well for both of us. As a Senior Professional Tutor at a local secondary comprehensive school I look after trainee teachers and newly qualified teachers which doesn’t give me much time for the dogs in the week so I live, breath and sleep dog training at the weekends! Working Ruby enables me to completely switch off and enjoy life.
Del: We enjoy it so much that the house we recently bought had to suit our dogs and training requirements!
What’s the biggest challenge in the training journey so far?
Katy: My ongoing challenge is getting my spaniel to walk to heel! You need a sense of humour and perseverance if you're a spaniel owner!
Del: My biggest challenge is to not race ahead and to make sure you have the basics in place before moving on. Katy is right, you need to preserver when things don’t go as planned.
Why spaniels?
Katy: You’ve just got to watch them work…they are far from boring!
Del: I got the buzz from watching some quality dogs work to a high standard on the beating line.
Biggest lesson learnt so far?
Katy: Being patient which is something I constantly remind Del to be! Especially if we get another dog!
Can you reveal each other’s worst gundog training habits…if any?
Katy: I’ve just hit the nail on the head…a lack of patience as Del is always keen to move on.
Del: Katy tends to get frustrated when things don’t go to plan. It’s normally down to handler error!
A very happy Greg with Twistmount Boa
Twistmount Boa wins Spaniel Puppy Working Test!
March 2015
A 12 month old English Springer Spaniel named ‘Twistmount Boa’ recently won the puppy class at the Purbeck GunDog Fun Working Test Day.
The stylish and clever spaniel is known as Bo. He is owned and handled by Technical Author, Greg Hole who was delighted with the result.
“I love the set up of the day. It was great to see Bo working in a test environment and it made me realise his potential. I was more nervous than he was! The judges were helpful and offered lots of valuable feedback.”
Greg kindly gave up some of his time at training to answer a few Biddable Bardsley questions…
What made you go for an English Springer?
My wife wanted to go for a spaniel as she’s had them before. We wanted a dog which would fit into our family environment and have a good temperament, especially as we have a 5 year old. I love their natural hunting, retrieving and training ability. The ESS is suited to our lifestyle.
According to Kennel Club registration figures last year there were 10,616 pups registered, making the ESS one of the most popular popular gundog breeds.
What do you love about Bo?
He’s such an affectionate dog. I love the challenge with him. He likes to push the boundaries and there’s lots of give and take. He’s a playful dog and always seems keen to please.
What are your goals with Bo for this year?
I’m aiming for a steady dog so that I can take him along to the local shoot and have a go at beating this season. I’m aiming to get him to a reasonable standard. A steady dog would be ideal so my wife can handle him and we can continue to work on the basic disciplines needed for the beating line.
What are the main challenges you have with Bo?
Recall! He loves life and sometimes he’s not ready to finish his walk when we are! Generally I’ve been so pleased with Bo. I had heard that Twistmount dogs can be hard work but I’ve had nothing but joy with this dog. He’s fantastic!
It's obvious Greg is fond of this breed and works hard to train Bo on a regular basis. As a pair they have plenty to offer in the field and it looks like an exciting and challenging season is just around the corner.
20th June 2014 - Local gun dog handler, Jackie Davis owns Labrador Retriever Fordcopse Baillie...
This handsome dog is 22 months old and his full kennel name is Fordcopse Baillie. He was bred near Lymington and as the pups were born during the Olympics the litter were all named after members of the GB team. Baillie is named after Olympic canoe slalom champion Tim Baillie!
Together with Jackie's enthusiasm and Baillie's willingness to learn they have worked hard this year to progress within the gun dog training field.
Their achievements for Working Tests 2014 include:URC Hants& SW:1st Special Puppy, Arun & Downland: 4th Special Puppy and Isle of Wight Gundog Club Novice – Awarded ‘Keepers Choice’
Together with Jackie's enthusiasm and Baillie's willingness to learn they have worked hard this year to progress within the gun dog training field.
Their achievements for Working Tests 2014 include:URC Hants& SW:1st Special Puppy, Arun & Downland: 4th Special Puppy and Isle of Wight Gundog Club Novice – Awarded ‘Keepers Choice’
How did you get into gun dog training Jackie?
It started when I went to Fun4Dogs (http://fun4dogstraining.com) obedience training class. Christine Walton suggested I had a go at the gun dog training class so I went along and I’ve been hooked ever since!
Who inspires you?
Chris was the person who got me started and as we've progressed I've started training with gun dog trainer, Sarah Miles. She's such an inspiration and has raised the level for me in many ways. Sarah is strict within the training field and has high expectations. You have to keep practising until you get it right. Sarah pushes Baillie and I beyond our comfort levels which I enjoy and she always offers constructive feedback. The training is related to positive re enforcement.
It started when I went to Fun4Dogs (http://fun4dogstraining.com) obedience training class. Christine Walton suggested I had a go at the gun dog training class so I went along and I’ve been hooked ever since!
Who inspires you?
Chris was the person who got me started and as we've progressed I've started training with gun dog trainer, Sarah Miles. She's such an inspiration and has raised the level for me in many ways. Sarah is strict within the training field and has high expectations. You have to keep practising until you get it right. Sarah pushes Baillie and I beyond our comfort levels which I enjoy and she always offers constructive feedback. The training is related to positive re enforcement.
What’s the most memorable moment in your gun dog journey so far?
Recently I competed in a novice URC working test and I had to send Baillie for a blind retrieve which was over a wall and up a long track and then at 45 degrees there was a shot fired at the top of the hill and I was instructed to send Baillie for the blind first and then the retrieve at the top of the hill. I was convinced Baillie wouldn’t do it but to my utter amazement he did it! I was so over the moon …the feeling was amazing, I was grinning from ear to ear for the rest of the day!
Recently I competed in a novice URC working test and I had to send Baillie for a blind retrieve which was over a wall and up a long track and then at 45 degrees there was a shot fired at the top of the hill and I was instructed to send Baillie for the blind first and then the retrieve at the top of the hill. I was convinced Baillie wouldn’t do it but to my utter amazement he did it! I was so over the moon …the feeling was amazing, I was grinning from ear to ear for the rest of the day!
What advice would you give to people wanting to get into gun dog training?Just have a go! It’s a great excuse to spend some time in the countryside with your dog and it can be very rewarding and fulfilling.
And a final few words from Jackie...Baillie is the first gun dog I have trained and I am very fortunate to have such a lovely dog. He's my constant shadow and makes my world complete! Many thanks to Jackie and Baillie for their time and pet photographer Sarah Smith (www.purbeckpaws.co.uk).
And a final few words from Jackie...Baillie is the first gun dog I have trained and I am very fortunate to have such a lovely dog. He's my constant shadow and makes my world complete! Many thanks to Jackie and Baillie for their time and pet photographer Sarah Smith (www.purbeckpaws.co.uk).