Take revision classes
Shooting Times & Country|August 12, 2020
With a semblance of normality returning at last, Sika is able to resume her training under the expert tutelage of gundog guru Ellena Swift
Ellena Swift
Take revision classes

These are unprecedented times and due to COVID–19, Sika has not been featuring as much as she should in training. Fortunately we are moving to more normal times and I am lucky enough to have resumed training. She has spent this time with her owner and has had some real success being shot over. She has walked to heel, been steady watching pigeon being shot and retrieved them like an absolute pro. She will continue her education on game this season. As I have said before, she is a sensitive little dog and so we are proceeding slowly to ensure she can cope with everything.

It is common for people to attempt to train a dog at a pace that suits them. The reality is that a dog can only be trained at its own pace and not the human’s. With this in mind, over the next few weeks I am going to be refreshing Sika’s training and going back over the basics.

I am going to increase the intensity of her training slightly, in that I am going to use a starter pistol and sometimes cold game as well as dummies. This time of year is a great time to be going over everything you will need ready for the season.

IN DETAIL

SIKA (AGE 2): REFRESHER TRAINING

FIRSTLY, I cover some basic heel work. There are some who would argue spaniels struggle to heel, or that it is difficult to teach them this basic skill. However, there is no reason why they should not heel just as well as any other breed. Sika’s owner wishes her to be his peg dog, shooting companion in the hide and rough-shooting dog. So there will be times when she will have to heel, for example when walking to peg or when she is not required to hunt when rough shooting.

Bu hikaye Shooting Times & Country dergisinin August 12, 2020 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye Shooting Times & Country dergisinin August 12, 2020 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

SHOOTING TIMES & COUNTRY DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
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 dak  |
August 02, 2023
Serious matters
Shooting Times & Country

Serious matters

An old gamebook prompts a contemplation on punt-gunning

time-read
3 dak  |
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 dak  |
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 dak  |
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 dak  |
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 dak  |
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 dak  |
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 dak  |
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 dak  |
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 dak  |
August 02, 2023