Until last week I’d forgotten how old my labrador, Sam, was. I’m hopeless on birthdays and honestly thought he had just about gone eight. It was Will, owner of his litter sister, Ella, who put me right – the lad’s fast coming up 12. You wouldn’t believe it to look at him: he’s sleek, carries no weight, his black coat’s still as glossy as ever and there’s not a grey hair in sight. True enough he isn’t quite as speedy as he used to be, but who is? How much of a useful working life does he still have to look forward to? Two seasons? Three at a push, perhaps?
If only…
With hindsight, and had I kept track of his age, I would’ve bought a pup last year to bring along and have ready to work next season. I suppose I could retrieve a little bit of time now by finding a puppy and getting the bonding/training programme underway. But with winter coming that pleasurable process quickly becomes toil. I discovered ‘four dogs ago’ that short days, dark nights, bad weather and playful pups don’t mix. Much better to start in spring when the sun’s shining and there’s fresh grass to roll a tennis ball on.
Denne historien er fra November 2020-utgaven av Sporting Gun.
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
Denne historien er fra November 2020-utgaven av Sporting Gun.
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
Thermal spectrum
Paul Austin explores both ends of the thermal market with latest high-end release from Zeiss alongside a surprising entry-level offering from Xinfrared
Roe, rucks and new ground
Jon Snowdon and his team have much to keep them busy and a new tool to help them
Tales from a lifetime of foxing
Join Mike Powell as he explores the evolving world of fox shooting, drawing from a career that spans seven decades
Fox rot about Charlie
Patrick Hook responds to claims that fox numbers are dangerously on the wane
The sniff of success
Join Ryan Kay as he navigates the fascinating dynamic between a handler and their canine companion
Adventures of Nick & Ted
A new chapter in the histories of Sporting Gun and Sporting Shooter has Nick Ridley reflecting on the dogs he has trained over the years he has been associated with the magazines
The problem: Inflammation in the nervous system
Vet's advice
Gundogs Q&A
No problem goes unsolved as Sporting Gun puts your questions to the gundog experts
Stop-start!
Fran Ardley continues her training tips on disciplining your dog to the stop whistle and the exercises you need to do
Gundogs at the Game Fair
Organising the Game Fair's prestigious gundog competitions: behind-the-scenes with Francesca Prentice