The basics matter
Shooting Times & Country|April 19, 2023
With competitions on the horizon, it could be the simplest picks that prove the hardest for even the most seasoned dogs, says Ellena Swift
Ellena Swift
The basics matter

I have a range of experiences in terms of dogs and training, so my sessions vary greatly. However, I was reminded how important it is that, for even the most seasoned dog, we must keep it simple.

I have started competing again and, while it is accepted that the dogs are perhaps a bit rough round the edges at this time of year, my experienced bitch Briar showed me something else. The difficult retrieves presented to us she completed with relative ease. It was an unbelievably simple retrieve on the first day that tripped us up.

Absurd

We spend a lot of time teaching our dogs to run difficult lines, to fight the topography of the ground and to smash through cover. So when we were presented with a very simple retrieve up a stone track, I was amazed that Briar struggled. She took it upon herself to hold a direct line and ignore the relatively straight track by disappearing into heavy cover. It took me four handling moves to get her to the retrieve, which was absurd for an open-level dog.

On my way home, as always, I replayed every single stop whistle, cast and retrieve in my head.

First, I had to remind myself of all the positives from the day. Briar did some really smart work and, despite her slight faux pas, she was still within the top six dogs of the day. But then I started thinking, when was the last time I actually sent her up a track? Or tramline? Or next to a fence? The truthful answer is I cannot remember. So is it any wonder she went wrong?

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der April 19, 2023-Ausgabe von Shooting Times & Country.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der April 19, 2023-Ausgabe von Shooting Times & Country.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

WEITERE ARTIKEL AUS SHOOTING TIMES & COUNTRYAlle anzeigen
United we stand
Shooting Times & Country

United we stand

Following United Utilities' decision to end grouse shooting on its land, Lindsay Waddell asks what will happen if we ignore our vital moors

time-read
5 Minuten  |
August 02, 2023
Serious matters
Shooting Times & Country

Serious matters

An old gamebook prompts a contemplation on punt-gunning

time-read
3 Minuten  |
August 02, 2023
They're not always as easy as they seem
Shooting Times & Country

They're not always as easy as they seem

While coneys of the furry variety don't pose a problem for Blue Zulu, he's left frustrated once again by bolting bunnies of the clay sort

time-read
5 Minuten  |
August 02, 2023
Debutant gundogs
Shooting Times & Country

Debutant gundogs

There's lots to think about when it comes to making the decision about when to introduce your dog to shooting

time-read
4 Minuten  |
August 02, 2023
When the going gets rough
Shooting Times & Country

When the going gets rough

Al Gabriel returns to the West London Shooting School to brush up on his rough shooting technique

time-read
5 Minuten  |
August 02, 2023
The Field Guide To British Deer - BDS 60th Anniversary Edition
Shooting Times & Country

The Field Guide To British Deer - BDS 60th Anniversary Edition

In this excerpt from the 60th anniversary edition of the BDS's Field Guide To British Deer, Charles Smith-Jones considers the noise they make

time-read
4 Minuten  |
August 02, 2023
A step too far?
Shooting Times & Country

A step too far?

Simon Garnham wonders whether a new dog, a new gun and two different fields in need of protection might have been asking too much for one afternoon's work

time-read
6 Minuten  |
August 02, 2023
Two bucks before breakfast
Shooting Times & Country

Two bucks before breakfast

A journey from old South London to rural Hertfordshire to stalk muntjac suggests that the two aren't as far detached as they might seem

time-read
6 Minuten  |
August 02, 2023
Stalking Diary
Shooting Times & Country

Stalking Diary

Stalkers can be a sentimental bunch, and they often carry a huge attachment to their hill

time-read
2 Minuten  |
August 02, 2023
Gamekeeper
Shooting Times & Country

Gamekeeper

Alan Edwards believes unique, private experiences can help keepers become more competent and passionate custodians of the countryside

time-read
3 Minuten  |
August 02, 2023