Gundog Training Forum

Totally understand your reasons. Been there, done that. I never got to the point of thinking Lucy was ready for a trial, so you've done massively better in that respect, but I got sick of trying to mould her into something she wasn't, and, like you, it was making me really miserable. (In the end, a wise man took me aside and told me, in the nicest possible way, he didn't want to take my money any more, and to just leave her be!)

Have a break, enjoy your picking up, and come back strong with the next dog. So much respect for you making this decision and this post. You've surpassed a lot of our wildest dreams getting the placings and the feedback you've got with her.

I hope you enjoy your dogs, I came to a similar decision many years ago and you make an interesting point about always something not quite going your way with an otherwise good dog. There is a large element of luck in a trial. Do you think any less of her because she didn't win or do you still rate her as a good dog? My old mentor quietly pointed out to me that I had handled enough to decide if a dog was any good or not and more importantly I judged every bit of work they did on all types of ground and in all types of conditions and what they were like to train and kennel before reaching my decision. I completely understand why some people trial and I have to say that British style trials are probably the best system for competitive judging of a dog but my first and last love will be shooting over them myself.

Mike A Naah - Spaniels run around like headless chickens, Labs have real skill

Yup, like sitting still all day. Come to think of it perhaps I should get one, it might be more relaxing than lifting a small demon off the top of my sideboard every few minutes...

It was really lovely to read all of these posts, Scott. I have thoroughly enjoyed being immersed in your activities and getting to see trials from a competitor's perspective. I had hoped that you and Fern would make it down this way this season so that I could come and watch.

Hope you have a lovely season with your dogs.

There's a large amount of luck involved in trialling, however you need a dog capable of taking its chances when everything falls into place.

For what it's worth I think your packing in too early.

t jack wrote:There's a large amount of luck involved in trialling, however you need a dog capable of taking its chances when everything falls into place.

For what it's worth I think your packing in too early.

I know there is mate, to put it in perspective, Peter Avery's young dog won an open yesterday. In the trial I got a 2nd, it got a ticket. The frustrating thing is I know she can win, but for the life of me I cant get a win

You would not have got this far without trying. I'm sure a good break for both of you will do the trick and you will come back refreshed and raring to go again.

Remember Robert the Bruce said 'if at first we don't succeed, try, try again'. If you think she can get a win, don't give up entirely, give it a break.

Hmmm. She has come into season. I wonder how much of an impact this had on her!