This Gundog Awareness and Training Day, held on 21st February, was aimed at novice handlers to have some training and very much hands-on experience of working/trialling dogs. The requirements of all who came were so very different - from a Labrador who, as a pet, wouldn’t walk to heel properly, young pups who are just starting their training, younger dogs who will be worked and used on shoots, through to some who in the future may be trialled and will require that little bit extra polishing. We tried to give all the handlers help and advice with their own dogs but also gave them the opportunity to experience handling some of the Kennel dogs which are fully trained, some to Championship standard.
The day started bright and dry with a cup of tea and an informal chat about what was planned for the day and what the handlers where looking for. Our aim was to ensure that they achieved their own specific goals from the day. They were then shown our puppy unit but sadly there where no opportunities for cuddles as we have no pups here at the moment. The hour was taken up with information on how we feed, care for, and socialise our young pups. The training equipment we use throughout the dogs' training was explained, followed by some handling skills to show how to steady our very young dogs on dogs' leads and showing them how to sit and stay. We used two of our own 8 month old English Springer Spaniels for this and allowed anyone who wanted to have a try at handling.
Outside, we all went to different areas of our facilities where skills were demonstrated using our own dogs. These were achieved using directional work, jumping obstacles, hunting a younger dog and once again the emphasis was on having a go with the handlers' own dogs.
The highlight of the day was most definitely the soup that had been made by David’s young son Scott. It was beautiful and there was not a drop left by the time we all went back outside.
The afternoon saw the handlers working our Spaniels in the Rabbit Pen. The idea was to give each individual the feel for working a dog around live game. You need to learn how to drive a car before you drive one and the same goes for working dogs. There were plenty of flushes on the rabbits and the two dogs we used, Field Trial Champion Buccleuch Charm (Holly) and Field Trial Winner Buccleuch Bomber (Buster) worked to a very high standard and worked well for each of the handlers they were given. This all added to a great experience and a really good end to what had been a very light hearted, relaxing, and fun day.
We hope that all who attended the day enjoyed it immensely.
Photographs kindly supplied by W. Hewitt
Feedback from the Day.
"What a thoroughly enjoyable and informative day! The concept of being able to actually work with pups and dogs at the various stages of their development was a very creative and educational approach. Dave Lisetts informal and friendly manner made the whole day a real pleasure and I learned a great deal about how to handle a spaniel from puppy-hood to adult.
Learning the importance of 'puppy conditioning' prior to formal training was an eye-opener and perhaps the greatest thrill was actually handling Daves FTCH spaniels in the 1.5 acre rabbit pen at the end of the day. Actually working a dog which responded so well to your commands was an inspirational experience. I now know what I need to aim for, not from what I may have seen at a distance at a field trial, but because I've actually done it!
The entire programme was incredible value for money and I obtained so much more hands-on, solid experience than from whole the host of Gundog training books and DVD's I have studied!
I would recommend this experience to anyone who is taking delivery of a Gundog puppy or if they own a dog which needs some 'polishing', though in truth, the spirit of the course is focused on 'handler training' and this is by far the most powerful approach.
Very many thanks for a terrific day."
Terry Small, Fort William
"Thank you for a smashing day. David was excellent and never lost patience with us beginners. Look forward to seeing you all in the near future".
James Stevenson
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