An essential item for the beating team!

As a novice getting ready for a day's picking up can be quite daunting. So although I will already have an idea of what to take with me it's good to ask others....

The beating and picking up team: From left to right - Emily, Rick, Wendy, Sam, Mark, Mick, Paul, Tim, Chris, Shirley and Michelle!
Picture taken by Sarah Smith Purbeck Paws Photography
 

'What is the one essential item you pack in the car for a successful day beating or picking up?'

Mick, the heart of the picking up team, has a keen appreciation of what handlers need on a shoot day. "It's got to be a first aid kit as you never know when your dog may get injured." Pet photographer, Sarah Smith agrees with him, "Whether you're out walking the dog or working your dog a first aid kit is essential to have in the car."

Local beater, Rick, explains that his desire for a specific cuisine is an essential  requirement for a successful day beating. "It's got to be an Italian themed lunch. One of the Italian meats really makes my day! It all started when I used to go mushrooming as a kid with the family and my grandparents would clip me around the ear and get me to pick the poisonous ones and tell me they weren't!" Rick grins and  adds "Our lunch would be ciabatta and salemi or one of the Italian meats and that's what I continue to do now."




A bird on the ground is better than two in a bush!

Jason and Tim share the same idea. "It's got to be a hip flask!" The boys agree the silver gem is the essential accessory for the beating line. Easily accessible and undetectable inside the jacket pocket it's easy to see why the rich flavour and aroma of port keeps them focused on the job!

New to picking up this season, Sam chuckles. "Ah..my dog lead is the one essential  for me." He pauses and then adds, "I can't believe I left my lead behind on the last shoot!"

Michelle loves beating and enjoys working her spaniel. "My essential item has got to be my dog." She smiles and adds "I wouldn't be here without him!"  Chris who helps to run the beating line agrees. "My dogs are essential for me to have a great day!"



Murphy and Mark enjoying the December sunshine!

Mark has invested in something he feels is essential for a good day out beating. "I love my  tweed cap...it's one of the first things I pack in the car!"

"Food!" Paul grins, "I don't mind what kind of food. It just needs to be edible!" He pauses for a minute and adds, " I do always make sure I've got a tow rope and shackles in the car, as you never know  if someone needs help."

Spaniels  Dodger  and Archie  have effortlessly found a place in the heart of the beating line. Dodger's handler, Emily is delighted with his progress and admits after a full day on the shoot an essential item has to be a towel for the dog. "I always try to get the excess water and dirt off him before starting the journey home."

What's my essential item? It's my tea flask!  When I arrive at the shoot there is a mixture of excitement and understandable apprehension.  My morning brew settles the nerves and by the time the first drive starts I'm relaxed and ready to work Ivy. I wouldn't be without my drink pod!

Photos taken by Sarah Smith. For more information please visit http://www.purbeckpaws.co.uk/

An introduction to one of winter's most popular country sports!

A snap shot of a newcomer's experience....


A  friendly welcome is a great way to start the day and working with a team who shares your passion is a golden privilege...  

We all have to start somewhere...5 years ago my gun dog training began with no knowledge or experience of the working gun dog domain. I've enjoyed every training class and working test and met some fantastic handlers throughout my journey.  My  goal was focused towards taking Ivy on a shoot and experience being part of a picking up team. The shooting season is well under way and this year I've had an opportunity to join a picking up team for a local shoot.  A few of the beaters and pickers are newcomers which  has instinctively brought us together.  We've had two successful  days  so far and we're looking forward to many more.  I've tried to capture some moments  and thoughts with a snap shot of a newcomer's experience in one of winter's most popular country sports..... 

Sam and Margo

Sam was thrilled with his first day. "I had a great day on the first shoot. It was ideal for Margo! Due to the relaxed atmosphere which put me at ease and allowed me to really enjoy it. We were beating for 3 drives and then joined the picking up team for the rest of the day. I was really pleased with Margo's steadiness throughout the day, and look forward to many more days out in the field this season. The second shoot was such a great day and I'm so proud of my dog. I guess I would say that being thrown in at the deep end was probably the best thing that could have happened for me really. Margo was brilliant throughout the day. Prior to the shoot  I got very worried doing lots of classes and training sessions thinking that my dog wasn't ready to work. But in my opinion there is no substitute for going out there and having a go. I'm under no illusions that my dog will be a FTC but I think given time to iron out some of the faults Margo is going to make a great picking up / peg dog. I'm very proud of her!"
  


Emily and Dodger



Tim's got the beating bug!



Victoria and Emily - Heart of the beating
 team!

Emily loves being part of the team. "I've been beating many times before however never have I worked my own dog, and that's a completely different experience! The feeling I got was amazing and such a buzz! Knowing all the training and hard work had paid off was incredible! Seeing him flush his first few pheasants out put a smile on my face for the whole day! The atmosphere from everyone was brilliant it was such a laugh! I can't wait till the next time!!"







Minstrel relaxing after a long day!


Tim is elated with his first day. "Our first time beating and I can quite honestly say we loved it...despite the wet weather! I started the day not knowing how minstrel would behave, but she was great even to the point of picking up her first bird from then on she had pheasant on the brain, but still she kept her concentration and listened for my commands. We've been bitten by the bug! It was our second time beating yesterday and  we both turned up with a lot more confidence. Minstrel didn't disappoint. She was amazing and she's turning into a lovely little working girl. We had another great day!"

Murphy's first day!

Mark and Murphy having a cuppa!

Mark loved his beating experience. "We both enjoyed our first day beating together, even though we lost each other for a while in a forest full of Christmas trees! Murphy is a Patterdale Terrier cross Spaniel and will soon be 12 months old. He was rescued from a flooded farm as a pup in Somerset last winter. Murphy now knows what a pheasant is! First drive first pheasant flushed within 50 yards. It just got better from there... "

 

Lunch break!

 





Gun dog trainer Chris Walton from the Purbeck Gundog Club was delighted with the day. "The shoot has started from scratch with the guns who
know nothing about running a shoot relying on help
from those who do! A first for them, a first for most
of the beaters and pickers and a first for me running the line! I can honestly say that the second
week became easier and more relaxed, so by the end of the season we should all have cracked it! A jolly good learning curve for all. Good job I've got the voice for it!"






Looking calm and composed for the day ahead!

 Rick is the life and soul of the beating line. "I'm so pleased I said yes to going beating. Seeing the dogs work as they were intended to do with their owners, flushing the game out for the guns and the Labradors detailed to do the picking up, steady and ready fro action. Now I appreciate how it all works together. What a great day, roll on the next one!"   
  


Michelle loves being part of the beating team!




Archie and Dodger...Our devoted team!



 Katie and I...having a catch up before the day starts...

 


 What did I do with my brace of birds?

 

Thanks to my husband's superb culinary skills...Pheasant breasts braised in cider...Caramelised onions, bacon and cider combine in the perfect recipe for roast pheasant...Happy days! 



 Being part of a picking up team and working Ivy is truly incredible.  One of the biggest challenges in meeting any goal is finding the motivation to stick with it. Ivy is my motivation!

Having fun with the Varney Brothers!

Thousands of visitors flocked to the Dorset County Show last weekend. This year marked the 15th year of the ever popular lake side scurry in the Country Sports arena with the Twistmount Gundog Team. The aim of the timed scurry was to test the dogs in water.

A dummy was  thrown out to an island and the dog had to swim through the water to retrieve the dummy and deliver back to the handler.

Twin brothers Neil and Nigel Varney managed the event and both were dedicated in providing family entertainment  and educating people on the world of dogs. As the scurry got under way you watched and listened to the dynamic duo and within minutes it was easy to see why this event was so popular. 

“Everyone likes a clean bum but no-one likes a smart ass!” yells Nigel as the twins captivate the audience with their sharp wit, smooth sarcasm and passion for country life. Their playful and  teasing commentary was infectious and the distinctive brotherly banter could not be ignored.  There was no doubt this nail biting timed event had you gripped from the start and encouraged a variety of  breeds to enjoy the scurry.

"We’ve had labs, spaniels, pointers, terriers and collies have a go today" Neil added. " We have all sorts of dogs enter and it’s great to see the dogs enjoying themselves."  Neil who is the international recognised gundog trainer of Twistmount Gundogs travels the country giving demonstrations, holding training sessions and seminars and judging competitions. Both brothers said "It’s just dogs being daft and having fun!"

 

Neil who is the keeper of a successful shoot at Somerset smiled as he recalled a lakeside memorable moment.

 "A dog came off the island, didn’t pick the dummy, spotted a poo bag on the outskirts of the lake, picked it up and headed back towards the crowd. He then proceeded to shake and not everyone made cover!" Neil and Nigel laughed. "The crowd love it when things going wrong! Especially when the dog goes out and picks the dummy and then comes back the long way, going all around the outside of the lake and gets  everyone wet. It's great entertainment!"

The Varney Brothers were in their 15^th year of delivering demonstrations at the show. It may sound obvious but the key to getting noticed is to make sure you have something fresh to share. Neil and Nigel have that certain something. They embraced their unique talent and with their knowledge, experience and friendly approach they delivered a fun scurry which was second to none.

Pictures taken by Sarah Smith. For more info visit: www.purbeckpaws.co.uk

 

Bloxworth Summer Gun Dog Water Training 2014

Bloxworth summer 2014 water training has been rewarding, progressive and fun! Ivy and I have learnt so much and Corbinsbere has given us plenty of opportunity to highlight our strengths and work on our challenges. It has been  fascinating to watch the dogs work in water. Their confidence at the bank and determination to retrieve in the water is outstanding. Their hunting speed and style on the island is a pleasure to watch. Here are a few quotes and pics from the handlers to encapsulate our summer of water training. Enjoy!

"Margo really loves the water so these water training sessions are great. It’s nice to see her enjoy herself. My main challenge is dropping the dummy on delivery!" Sam Cobb and Margo

 

"Last year we had a lot of trouble with the floods whilst working on the shoots. Everywhere which we normally retrieve on land was under water so I want to make sure that my dogs and I are prepared for this year as there could be a lot of water work. My main challenge is entry into the water on a drop." Steph White and Tilly

 

"The water training has been great for Serin’s confidence, especially for the working test environment. He needs to build his confidence at the bank and the training sessions have allowed us to practice in a relaxed atmosphere." Barbara Greaves and Serin.

 

Barbara Greaves firmly believes the Corby Cake Club is going from strength to strength! 

Luscious Lemon Drizzle and Carrot Cake...If at first you don't succeed or retrieve..have a slice of Corby Cake!

"The challenge for me was to get Jet to go out further in the water and to stop him shaking when he comes out with the dummy in his mouth. Tonight is the night..I’m really pleased with the last retrieve!  I wanted to push him on a bit more and I’m happy with his progress!" Jackie Shore and Jet.

  

 

"There are many benefits to these water training sessions for both handler and dog . It’s great to work through the sessions and reflect on the progress we have made.." Lindsey Pendleton and Toby.

                         "Last year Sid wouldn’t go in the water for me and now he loves it! My aim is to get Sid out working this year!" Di Cooling and Sid.

" I’ve loved these water training sessions. My main challenge is to deliver the dummy without shaking first! There are lots of challenges and you can never be complacent. It’s about  bringing them all together and making it work for you and the dog. I started off treating the water retrieve differently but actually it’s the same as a normal retrieve on land so I’ve learnt a lot from these sessions. Coco has achieved so much from these sessions. She wouldn’t go in to start with and now she loves it!" Pat Rogers with Sam and Coco.

 



 

Ivy

Margo

 

The Corbinsbere Team

 

 

Bloxworth Summer Water Training 2014...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CLA Game Fair at Blenheim Palace 2014

As a novice handler watching the Gundog Euro Challenge in the International Arena was tense, exciting and a huge learning curve as the teams competed against each other in a series of tests set to highlight the abilities of various breeds of gun dogs.

Team GB: Mark Johnson remains focused throughout the Euro Challenge.
I love his quiet and calm handling with Charlie.

The gundog section at the CLA 2014




The Euro teams consist of 3 handlers and must include 3 different Retriever breeds.
 Great Britain's team consisted of a Labrador Retriever, Flat Coated Retriever and a Golden Retriever.

Great Britain: Leigh Jackson, Richard Ashdown and Mark Johnson
 enter the international arena in a bid to win the Euro Challenge 2014.



The GB Flat Coat, Sachbash Dom Perignon returning
 a fabulous retrieve with outstanding scores!

MistyBrook Tegan flying over a fence in the Euro Challenge...



GB team handler Richard Ashdown and Mistybrook Tegan at the water retrieve.



This is what we won in the CLA raffle...I wish!



Check out the GB Team Captain's scores...Leigh Jackson 16,17, 20 and 19!



Love these fellas in my garden!

Great Britain win the Euro Challenge! From a novice perspective it was interesting to see how the various types of retrievers dealt with the same exercise.



Gilly Nickols of Bedgebrook Gundogs..Fascinating to see how she works several dogs as part of her picking up team.



Neil Varney of Twistmount Gundogs...A delight to watch his spaniel puppy retrieve
 basic dummies in front of a large crowd of spectators.



A glorious summer's day at the CLA 2014



What a view...time to chill and admire our surroundings.



Not sure if I can fit the kids and dogs in this one!



Celebrity Theatre: The world's largest country themed fashion catwalk at CLA!



Time for a dip!



That's quite enough for one day...