A DOG IS FOR LIFE, not just for Christmas, is a that will be familiar to most of us. But I’ve never met a working gundog that was a Christmas present. For most of us the acquisition of a working gundog puppy is carefully planned rather than a surprise present under the Christmas tree.
Though we may not give puppies at Christmas, most of us are likely to give our dog or dogs some sort of gift. A quick look the internet revealed a wide choice of gifts that might make you laugh, but are hardly likely to thrill your canine companion. I don’t think my spaniels would be too pleased with a luxury lined aviator-style black faux-leather and pearl plush dog coat, as sold by the RSPCA, but a quality dog coat is a sound idea.
Barbour offers a waterproof, windproof and thornproof coat that is a practical proposition for a proper gundog — from about £30. I don’t recommend working a dog in such a coat but it’s just the job for putting on to keep it warm and dry when it’s not in action.
Coats for working gundogs have become big business in recent years. I’m all in favour of it because I’m convinced that the better we look after our dogs, the longer they are able to work. Wet dogs suffer from rheumatism in old age; cosset them as much as you can and they will stay fit much longer.
Denne historien er fra November 27, 2019-utgaven av Shooting Times & Country.
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Denne historien er fra November 27, 2019-utgaven av Shooting Times & Country.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
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
Serious matters
An old gamebook prompts a contemplation on punt-gunning
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
Debutant gundogs
There's lots to think about when it comes to making the decision about when to introduce your dog to shooting
When the going gets rough
Al Gabriel returns to the West London Shooting School to brush up on his rough shooting technique
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
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
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
Stalking Diary
Stalkers can be a sentimental bunch, and they often carry a huge attachment to their hill
Gamekeeper
Alan Edwards believes unique, private experiences can help keepers become more competent and passionate custodians of the countryside
