Where to begin?

[PRH]

Thanks! Ah yeah my fault I didn’t explain that very well, we weren’t coming back to that part of the shoot again and the birds that had been shot and dropped there had to be picked there and then, so they let me go and sweep it before we moved on. I don’t know if that’s the norm or not?

That makes sense! Nice.

[Alexgudmunsen]

Second day out today, all drives went pretty well, had some nice flushes and a really good retrieve from some very thick brambles. The first drive however he flushed a pheasant right on his nose, chased it a bit and just as he was about to stop another flushed from underneath him! He gave chase and I lost him for what felt like an eternity (probably about a minute). It was his first few proper flushes under his nose back to back so I wasnt overly surprised.

[ips]

Second day out today, all drives went pretty well, had some nice flushes and a really good retrieve from some very thick brambles. The first drive however he flushed a pheasant right on his nose, chased it a bit and just as he was about to stop another flushed from underneath him! He gave chase and I lost him for what felt like an eternity (probably about a minute). It was his first few proper flushes under his nose back to back so I wasnt overly surprised.

Sounds like you both had a good day re the chase.....things happen, gives you something to work on

[Nickheref]

Second day out today, all drives went pretty well, had some nice flushes and a really good retrieve from some very thick brambles. The first drive however he flushed a pheasant right on his nose, chased it a bit and just as he was about to stop another flushed from underneath him! He gave chase and I lost him for what felt like an eternity (probably about a minute). It was his first few proper flushes under his nose back to back so I wasnt overly surprised.

Losing contact with a dog always feels like an eternity as you wonder where they are and what they are up to, long runners always feels like forever too! I had a slight variation on the them just before Christmas, I was shooting with a three friends one has just turned 80, incredibly fit and loves to shoot over my dogs with me. We were moving through a wood and I sent him to walk in a narrow spit of woodland that runs at right angles to the main wood and then join up.
We got to the end of the wood and there was no sign of him, initially everyone thought he must be with someone else. For a minute or two we joked about who was going to have his gun etc, still laughing we thought of drawing lots deciding who was going to give him him the kiss of life but then he had been missing just a bit too long and I began to really worry, just as we began to really search for him he appeared, fit and well but he hadn't heard me come through, so had waited in position. I was ******** relieved to see him!!!

[Alexgudmunsen]

Haha it was certainly terrifying not being able to see the dog for a while, but losing a human is another level! I’m hoping that with a bit more experience he’s going to realise chasing is pointless and he’s better off stopping when I tell him! The gamekeeper has said that I can train on the land in the off season as much as I like too, which I’m looking forward to!

[ips]

Haha it was certainly terrifying not being able to see the dog for a while, but losing a human is another level! I’m hoping that with a bit more experience he’s going to realise chasing is pointless and he’s better off stopping when I tell him! The gamekeeper has said that I can train on the land in the off season as much as I like too, which I’m looking forward to!

Keeper sounds a nice chap.

[Alexgudmunsen]

Another great day, Chester is really getting the hang of it. Had his first duck retrieve too, which was infront of a lot of others and from some really thick cover and it went really well so very proud of him!
(Photo attached is of said duck)

[PRH]

Nice one. The dog doesn’t know anyone else is watching, which is a relief

[Judy]

Nice one. The dog doesn’t know anyone else is watching, which is a relief

Wanna bet? I had a Flatcoat that would parade her retrieve if she knew anyone was watching. Made for some interesting experiences at demos.

[PRH]

You are right, come to think of it, pups quite like to parade around with whatever they have retrieved to make sure everyone sees it. What is the saying about never working with children and animals?