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...

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.