Spaniel Training Classes - Sundorne Estate
Started 1st April 2008Week 1
It was a cold windy night in Holly Coppice, however that
didn't stop the hardened spaniel brigade. More than 13 dogs and handlers
supported Shropshire Gundogs in the first week of gun dog training.
Always good to see old familiar faces who lent a helpful hand in getting
everyone started on basic walking to heel, stopping on the whistle and a
little retrieving using a dummy. The web site team, Andy and Clare, were
at the ready for that famous once in a lifetime shot and they will be
loading them on the web site. So get looking to see if its you.
Don't forget Thursday 10th April 6.30pm. Remember your dog and whistle.
Week 4
At long last the weather seems to be improving not that it put anyone off the
last three weeks. Mike and the wife Jean have been helping the "I don't
want to be here" dogs to gain confidence and have a few basic rules
established before joining the others, who are working very hard at
getting their dogs to respond to there commands. Andy has been busy
taking photos of us in action (or not as the case may be). A few more
people have joined us so we have a good range of dogs and humans.
Next training class Tuesday 29th April. Be there or be square.
Week 8
Like ducks to water, more like spaniels to
the water. Well, some dogs thought swimming underwater was much
more fun, others decided to take a dive, while one or two just
wanted to make a big SPLASH. Nevertheless we all managed to swim
and retrieve a dummy in the water which was our main aim.
Most of the dogs are now sitting to shot and to flush. We are
working hard on our handling techniques of left, right and get
backs. Some of the handler just want to disco dance!
The next few weeks are going to be dedicated to getting everyone
ready for their test at the end of the training session. I have
one or two surprises for you!
Week 12:FINAL WEEK: THE TEST
A 6.30 start and 19 dogs and handlers
attended. Everyone picked a running order number and we were
away. Everyone had a short hunt up, shot to gun and a
retrieve.Tension was running high as I called up Heather,
Lillian and Nick for a run off.
Two pewter mugs were donated by Jason Morgan's late father who
himself was a keen shooting man and also trained Spaniels and
Labradors.
Everyone who took part in the test had a certificate for
completing the training classes.The overall winner was won
by Heather Sydenham, and, for the most improved dog, this was
won by Terry Davies.I hope you all enjoyed the classes and now
feel more confident in yourselves and your dogs.
For those of you who felt disappointed don't be, everyone
achieved something you all have a more controlled dog and a
better knowledge of spaniels.
My sincere thanks to Mike, Jane, Jean and the web site team -
Clare and Andy for all their help over the past 12 weeks.
I must thank Mr. John De quincey for allowing us to use Sundorne
Estate and to Mr. Vic Randall the gamekeeper for sharing Holly
Coppice with us.
If you need any help or advice I am just a
phone call away and I hope to see you all and more next time.
Martyn.
All words by Martyn Zielinski
