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...

Gun Dog Published Reports

I'm delighted to see two of my reports have been published in the Shooting Gazette this year....

Shooting Gazette: June 2014



Shooting Gazette: August 2014

Corbinsbere Water Training

Summer is well and truly here, bringing with it warm hazy days and glorious summer evenings. It's an ideal time to enjoy the mood of the season and practice our water retrieves. Bloxworth provides the perfect location for our introduction to water training delivered by Corbinsbere Gundogs.

The aim...A neat delivery out of the water to hand. Rather than diving in with long retrieves the focus is to give the dogs several short retrieves that doesn't put them under too much pressure and finish with a delivery to hand without dropping the dummy and shaking first.

 

As I stand by the water I can feel the warm evening sun on my face. Majestic trees cast their reflection over the far side of the lake. I catch the scent of wild flowers on a breeze. It is a beautiful summer's evening. The dogs are quivering with excitement knowing what is about to unfold.

As we wait our turn for a retrieve I watch the swallows dip and weave across the lake. The fading sun bounces off the lake with an occasional ripple of water. A damselfly catches Ivy's attention as it hovers over the bank. It is a privilege to train my dog on an estate which attracts an abundance of wildlife...to observe and feel part of it. These are some of the real benefits of my gun dog journey with Ivy.

 

  

 

 

Oh...I forgot to mention...the delicious custard slices, whopping scones and a lovely cuppa..

 

I was touched by a personal post I read this week from Kevin Jackson, Quest Gundogs Training Equipment, who sadly had to say goodbye to his dog, Magic.

This blog is for you Kevin who I'm sure has experienced many enjoyable water training days with The Magic......“He gave me his all and asked for nothing other than love and company…” Kevin Jackson, July 4^th 2014.

 

 

 

GWCT Gun Dog Working Test 2014

    “What a fun day! Always well run and the tests were challenging!”

“Cracking terrain with the wood, water and lots of cover!”

“I learnt today….not to over handle my dog, especially in water!”

“I'm not a member of the GWCT but after listening to the talk today perhaps I should be!”

These were just a few of the comments coming from the gun dog handlers at the AV Gundog Working Test & Fun Day (non kc) held at Bloxworth Estate by kind permission of Lisa Macdonald Smith. The event was sponsored by Skinners Dog Food and the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust.

A strong team – Enthusiastic and dedicated, Corbinsbere Gun Dogs were able to create something exceptional in the working test domain. Experienced in the field of gun dog training Tracy Corbin and her team organised the event which offered all types of gun dogs an opportunity to try four challenging tests in Special Puppy, Novice dog/novice handler, Novice and Open classes. Experienced judges Michael Lynfoot, Nick Coates, Margaret  Allen and Dave England were keen to offer their time and support throughout  the day.  

Local gun dog competitor Felicity Green found the day to be rewarding and a good exercise to experience the test environment without the pressure. “These events are a great way to assess how far you are with your dog. I've got  a kc intermediate test coming up and it's helpful to keep doing them because dogs and handlers behave differently in test circumstances. These fun events are slightly more relaxed but you're still in a test environment and you get alot more help and feedback from the judges.”

Felicity was delighted with her scores  and  came 1^st in the Open Retriever Class with her Labrador Retriever Ashoaks Silent Wings. “The water test was a challenge for me today. It was a blind across the water. The dog went out well but she didn't handle as well as I would have liked in getting her over to the island. Once she was on the island she hunted nicely picked the dummy and the rest of the test was fine.” Felicity obtained some useful feedback from experienced judge Nick Coates. “I learnt today not to over handle my dog in a water retrieve. Nick offered some good advice as I find it's always difficult not to handle when your dog is in the water. I should have let her swim further into the lake and then given her one command. I was trying to get her over to the bank before she had swum far enough and therefore I lost points for over handling.”

The working test also serves as a vital link between novice gun dog owners and the more experienced handlers. The novice dog/ novice handler class offers the less experienced handler to participate in four tests and find out if they enjoy this exciting field sport. Local gun dog owner Gemma Northover is new to the working test environment. She was thrilled with her German Short Haired Pointer cross, Henry, who came 1st in the Special Puppy Class.

"I really wanted to learn how to handle a gundog properly and Henry is loving his training and enjoys it so much."   Gemma has been pleased with his progress and came away with some areas to work on. "I need to do more heel work and keep Henry a bit tighter when quartering, and remember to draw him back if he goes on a bit too much. He can get carried away so I try to make sure he is always listening to me." The handsome German Pointer x Irish Water Spaniel clearly loved his puppy tests and his achievement reflects a young dog who is keen, quick to learn and eager to please.

Corbinsbere were delighted to see 14 year old Becky Mann participate in the working test with her Labrador Retriever Ellie. "I've enjoyed today and realize I have to work on our steadiness." The local junior handler has had a successful start in life with various gun dog events and has won many scurries in the four years she has been handling.  From a very young age Becky has shadowed her Dad, Gerry,  in the competition field and has a passion for the countryside. He said,

"Becky always gives 100% in all she does which is a good thing these days and we are very proud of all she has achieved."

The talented teenager came 1st at Highclere this year and has qualified for the Great Wall Motor World Series Junior Handler Championship Finals in September which aims to find the UK's top junior gun dog handler.  Competing in the test today highlighted the unique relationship between Becky and her dog and no doubt a future winning team, not just in the field but in life itself.

One of the benefits of a working test is that it  teaches us something new about our dogs and our handling. Thankfully the support from our sponsors and local gun dog clubs enables us to celebrate the outstanding working characteristics of our gundogs whilst enjoying all aspects of the countryside. This year the GWCT have expanded their dog theme at the Scottish Game Fair and introduced an exciting 'World of Gundogs' attraction which no doubt will prove popular not only to the gun dog enthusiast but to all dog lovers.

Gun Dog Profile Page

vely boy Baillie, whose love is unconditional and is my constant shadow, he makes my world complete.lovely boy Baillie, whose love is unconditional and is my constant shadow, he makes my world complete. 

Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole."
—Roger Caras (photographer and writer)

I love being a gun dog handler! I get to meet some fabulous like minded people who have a similar enthusiasm for the countryside and dogs. I would like to share this privilege with my readers so I've decided to create an occasional profile page of various friends, colleagues and trainers within the gun dog field which will enable you to catch a glimpse of their passion and meet their incredible dogs.

This week my first profile is a local gun dog handler, Jackie Davis, who owns Labrador Retriever Baillie.


Jackie and 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:1^st Special Puppy,  Arun & Downland: 4^th 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.

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 J

Do you have any pre-competition routines?

Yes, I give Baillie some tripe in the morning and always walk him before the test. When I get to the event I do a bit of heel walk and a few retrieves just to settle him as he’s still quite young and can get excited before the test.

What are your current challenges with training?

Heel work.. It's my biggest challenge with Baillie. It’s never to o early to start your heel work!

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 Sarah Smith (www.purbeckpaws.co.uk) who supplied the photos.

 

Alternative Gun Dog Training Attire!

It was a warm summer's evening and I wanted to try out my freshly cut grass strips for some directional training.

 

My girls asked if they could join in have 30 minutes of junior handling training before bedtime. 'Of course!' I replied...always pleased to see they are willing and keen. I pondered down to the end of the garden and told the girls to grab their training bags, dummies and whistles and I'd start doing some steadiness exercises with the dogs. Five minutes later the girls appeared...

 

 The onesie certainly is a fashion statement but for gun dog training...Hmmmm!

This week I read an interesting article relating to modern dog training methods written by Artikel von nina (http://www.planethund.com/eng/modern-dog-training-methods-softies-science-ethics-review-2005.html) She believes as a dog owner/handler your authenticity is important when developing a bond and mutual trust. Nina suggests that many training problems could be avoided or solved if you simply show yourself to your dog just the way you are. The youngsters adore their onesies, much like I loved my leg warmers in the 80s so they are only showing the dogs who they are and what they feel comfortable wearing. I'm just not sure if Jack my lab bought into the whole idea...

If the zebra hasn't got any dog treats then count me out!

 

Consistency is the key to success!

“Success is neither magical nor mysterious. Success is the natural consequence of consistently applying basic fundamentals.” By Jim Rohn

Training  Ivy can be a challenge but at the same time it is fun and rewarding. Last weekend at a group training session we had a guest trainer, Andy Brown from Oldcroft Gundogs. He delivered an interesting training session and showed us several extra handling tips for various situations. The gun dog trainer from Wiltshire is a firm believer in positive reinforcement and believes we should give the dog every chance of succeeding.

He revealed an exercise which focused on strengthening the stop command using the whistle. As a novice handler I have found the stop whistle challenging  so this was hugely beneficial for both dog and handler. By using the retrieve as the reward and

Andy Brown and Fergus, Wendy Bardsley and Ivy

breaking the training into small chunks I have introduced Ivy to this command. I have been patient and consistent with her and she now enjoys responding to the stop whistle. Andy explained that consistency is a key contributor to all training exercises. Since owning a gun dog I have tried to ensure that my family have the same rules and boundaries for our dogs so that they do not receive mixed messages. As a dog owner and handler it is my responsibility to prevent mixed messages from occurring. I firmly believe a dog that knows the rules, and has consistency from the family  will learn a lot quicker and will be less inclined to indulge in undesirable habits and behaviour. If the consistency fades the dog will get confused and gradually lose respect for your commands. This will result in selective hearing and the dog will choose when he wants to respond to your commands. I believe inconsistency can affect the dog's ability to please the handler. I'm learning through my gun dog training journey that by consistently applying and practising the basic fundamentals results in a happy and biddable Ivy.

Andy Brown offers residential and non-residential gun dog courses. For further info visit: http://www.oldcroftgundogs.com

Picture taken by Purebeck Paws: Sarah Smith