Biddable Bardsley: August 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...

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.