Before I disappear into the abyss that is my ‘Unread Emails’ I have to praise two gentlemen. The first is John ‘X’ who is an avid shooting man but who has never had a gundog in his life, infact; he’s never had any kind of dog. Last year he decided to get himself a gundog puppy for the peg, which he did, from our only litter last year. He has been meticulous about having regular lessons in order to learn how to train his Springer. There have been times I could have throttled this man at how hopeless it all was sometimes. For almost a year I have been about ready to commit a crime with frustration……just how many times do I need to say something or show you for you to figure this out. You’re an intelligent man, what in the name of god is the problem, just do it!! However, there have been several sessions in the last 3 months when I have come back home and praised this chap for their progress. To the point that my daughter asks me if I’m being sarcastic as she is not used to hearing ‘he is doing really well’. His handling skills and his dogs focus have improved remarkably. There have been times I have almost been gobsmacked. He has never been interested in any form of competition but a few weeks ago they were at a large sporting event where John tentatively entered his dog into the scurry. They scored 52 out of 60. To say he was chuffed to bits would be an understatement. To think he was ever going to be able to learn how to communicate with and train his dog was looking like it was never going to happen. If he can do this in his first year of gundog ownership with his first gundog (or any dog) is fantastic. How many of us say our first gundog taught us everything and that there will never be another like them. Well done John!! Next is Cliff, who is also a shooting man who has never had a gundog (or dog) before. He chose a Cocker and had absolutely no idea what he was doing. He read books and struggled to get his head around some of the gundog terminology. In his attempt to train his wee dog himself, his inexperience had caused him to teach her things you don’t really want them to learn. He came for lessons and took everything he was told on board and worked so hard. Within his first year of training with us, he was invited to pick up on a very prestigious shoot in Norfolk. At the end of his first day he and his little Cocker received the highest of praise from both the Guns and the Keeper for her ability and level of training he had obviously put into her. To say he was happy with his little Cocker would be an understatement. To say I am proud of both of you is also an understatement. Both chaps have never had a gundog before and both have proved that if you put in the time and effort, never give up and really want something, you can reach your goal, whatever that might be :-) Sometimes this job is just sooooo great!
Posted on: Tue, 18 Jun 2013 19:08:43 +0000