Lady is bouncing all over every time I move because she knows it's a shoot day (postponed from last week because of flooding). Weather perfect! Will report back later - just off.
Re: Excited Small Black Dog Just got back and what a great day out we had. Started with the gamekeeper thrusting a handful of ties in my hand when I got there, so I said we're picking up then and he said yes if that's ok with you. Ok with me - you betcha! So pleased with how Lady is coming along. As she's had more and more exposure to the action and excitement she's calmed down a lot and will sit or lie down until asked to retrieve. Also the problem I was having of her locking on to the wrong bird has gone away. She will "unlock" with a simple "No" command. She picked up a lot of birds today and is absolutely exhausted now and zonked out next to me as I type this. Two birds are worth a special mention. A cock pheasant was pricked and came down hard, but as Lady was en route (we pick up as we go on today's shoot) it stood up and ran back into the wood. Lady didn't hesitate. She had about 200 yds to run to the wood, crossed a deep flooded ditch and forced her way under some stock fence at the edge of the wood and disappeared. A full 2 minutes later (a lifetime when you are simultaneously marking shot birds and keeping your fingers crossed) she emerged complete with flapping cock pheasant and brought him most of the way back. I had to step in and rescue her when she'd clearly had enough as he was flapping and kicking quite hard so I met her part way when she still had about 25 yds to run. Then blow me down the same thing happened again with a second success with another cock pheasant. It's great when you hear the guns shout out "Well done that dog"! Anyway a really good day with a young, by no means perfect (wouldn't pass any field trial tests), but keen as mustard Small Black Dog. Can't wait until next Saturday when we get to do it again. ;D
Re: Excited Small Black Dog Wow, sounds amazing- well done Lady! How old is she now? She sounds like she's doing brilliantly. Hearty congratulations from a fellow Small Black Dog owner!
Re: Excited Small Black Dog She's 4 Kath, and didn't start off with any intentions of being a gundog so training has been a bit haphazard.
Re: Excited Small Black Dog That's awesome David, she's such a good dog ;D A well earned rest for you both before next week!
Re: Excited Small Black Dog Well I hadn't ever done anything like that before I got Lady so she's been the key to entry to a whole new world. She's not in any sense properly trained but she seems to manage in spite of my short comings in that area. Of course I'm so pleased with her and everything so it prompts me to post here. Sorry if it's all old hat to the experienced members.
Re: Excited Small Black Dog If Riley ever ends up doing such good work I shall be bursting with pride and tell you all about it too I love hearing about the adventures of the small black dog, don't ever stop sharing
Re: Excited Small Black Dog What a great day. Sounds line she was a total star She's a determined, clever Lady.
Re: Excited Small Black Dog That's amazing David and Lady, I just love reading about all the gundog work you all do with your dogs. Keep em coming
