WinchesterDave Posted January 20, 2017 Report Share Posted January 20, 2017 The dog is now 5, and we haven't really taken him shooting before apart some pigeon shooting in the summer. Being our first 'gun' dog we have struggled with the training, but got some good tuition which taught us the basics. He's definitely more of a house dog and we love him to bits. Last season I joined a small syndicate which I thoroughly enjoy. However, this season I asked if my dad could stand on my peg and bring the dog to try and get him used to other guns shooting, other dogs works etc. All was okay with the owner so at the start of the this season he came along and stood on my peg. The intention was to leave him on his lead all day and just let him watch and have a good day out. However, the first drive was a duck drive on an open grass field - we were spread out from the other guns and beaters and I dropped a nice left and right. At this point my dog was sat up straight, completely switched on and was watching me shoot, the others shoot and the birds dropping - he looked really good and eager... We ended up making the decision to go agasint our original plan of keeping him on the lead, due to his body language, and send him for the closer of the two ducks I dropped... He sprinted in a completely straight line picked the duck and brought it straight back!! We were absolutely over the moon, my left and right went out the window and I couldn't stop praising him! We couldn't believe it! From that moment on... every drive of the day he became and asset, picking the birds I dropped etc. He's now been four or five times already this season and has the next two Saturdays also - I will simply not go without him anymore and I would feel at a complete disadvantage if I didn't have him on my peg. Last week I wasn't shooting, my dad was, so I was just working the dog. I had him pushing through and working the cover also; it was absolutely great I thought I'd take my cameras as a result of not shooting and I got a few good pictures of the shoot. But here are two images of my dog, Ben, and me and dad are genuinely made up - he does have a sleep in front of the fire most Saturdays now however haha! ;-) my dad has now also joined the syndicate and for the first time ever really, we are doing something together of the weekend with the dog; it's simply awesome Tomorrow is our first day both shooting so I can't wait This image, he was fighting agasint the current to retrieve this wounded mallard - it was a fantastic retrieve! Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
misser Posted January 20, 2017 Report Share Posted January 20, 2017 bonny looking powerful dog that...im sure he aint gonna be a handful when he knows the score... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WinchesterDave Posted January 20, 2017 Author Report Share Posted January 20, 2017 Cheers mate Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ollieollie Posted January 20, 2017 Report Share Posted January 20, 2017 Nice one dave, good result and nice dog. Good reading Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WinchesterDave Posted January 20, 2017 Author Report Share Posted January 20, 2017 Thanks Ollie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aled Posted January 20, 2017 Report Share Posted January 20, 2017 Cracking write up and pictures. Well done. Cheers Aled Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WinchesterDave Posted January 20, 2017 Author Report Share Posted January 20, 2017 Thank you Aled Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marsh man Posted January 20, 2017 Report Share Posted January 20, 2017 You will find now , shooting without a dog will never be the same again and your dog will be a bigger asset than the gun as far as the enjoyment goes . Nice post Dave and a good looking strong dog , Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WinchesterDave Posted January 20, 2017 Author Report Share Posted January 20, 2017 Thank you very much Marsh Man I'd hate to be without the dog whilst shooting - and as far as enjoyment goes I feel like I want to shoot to let him retrieve, it's just great! I'm pleased I've had the opportunity to join such a friendly syndicate to give me the chance to expose him to what he was meant to do; he loves it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fuji Shooter Posted January 20, 2017 Report Share Posted January 20, 2017 Nice looking dog Dave, great pics too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WinchesterDave Posted January 20, 2017 Author Report Share Posted January 20, 2017 Cheers bud Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
telf Posted January 20, 2017 Report Share Posted January 20, 2017 nice looking dog and well done to you both Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WinchesterDave Posted January 20, 2017 Author Report Share Posted January 20, 2017 Cheers Telf Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JDog Posted January 20, 2017 Report Share Posted January 20, 2017 A nice strong dog. Go steady with him for the rest of the season and he will remember his manners and training for next season. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whitebridges Posted January 20, 2017 Report Share Posted January 20, 2017 Sounds like the perfect introduction for him. He's a nice looking dog. My fox red bitch is coming up for six months old, showing some good signs but a long way to go yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
browning123 Posted January 20, 2017 Report Share Posted January 20, 2017 Well done Dave, what a beautiful strong dog, enjoy your days with your Father and your retriever. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WinchesterDave Posted January 20, 2017 Author Report Share Posted January 20, 2017 (edited) A nice strong dog. Go steady with him for the rest of the season and he will remember his manners and training for next season. Thank you for the advice JDog Sounds like the perfect introduction for him. He's a nice looking dog. My fox red bitch is coming up for six months old, showing some good signs but a long way to go yet. Thank your for commenting - yes it's been great, hopefully onwards and upwards. He was very lively when he was a pup !Well done Dave, what a beautiful strong dog, enjoy your days with your Father and your retriever.Thank you Browning123 Edited January 20, 2017 by WinchesterDave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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