Jonny Durham

Nearest is 3 T's to you mate. Speak to Dave Jennings or Malcolm Taylor. They sometimes have working tests but I would start closer field trials to home 1st as it will start costing you ££££ travelling. http://www.tyneteestweedfta.com/Are you trialing labs?

Hi Michael A fair few dogs have allergies to cereals (wheat, barley) so sometimes it is best to go for something that doesn't have any cereal based dog food. I think mine are on chicken and rice diet (18% protein maintenance) that they have been for 3 years with no problems. If your dog has no signs of any allergic reactions to the dog food, I would stick to something that you are getting good results from. However when my youngest was 16 weeks it was on a higher protein diet of 22-23% until it was about 5 months and I dropped it to 18% protein. I use Trophy dog food but I only have 2 dogs and it's £40 a bag lasts 1 month but it's quality stuff. If I had 10 dogs I would probably use something a bit cheaper.

Just had her on some pheasants this morning. When she flushed put her on the stop whistle (as normal), if she moved I would put her back on the spot where I blew the stop whistle, scaulded her abit and after a couple of times she got the message. Started sitting her **** straight down after she flushed. I'm out on wednesday with just some of the lads so I will se how I get on when they start dropping them (pheasants) infront of her.

I think part of the problem has been that shes seen dogs when ive been shooting go and pick birds that ive shot during the drive. She's probably thought I'm not having those dogs nick my dad's birds. ☺ I think I will leave her this weekend and get right on top of her the next few weeks. Cheers lads

Cheers lads for the replies. I'll have to get the nikes on! although she's a cocker she goes like a whippet!

I am bringing my oldest bitch (5 years old) out on Saturday 50-80 bird day. I'm a bit apprehensive as she has been a bit wild in the past since I had pups off her 2 1/2 years ago, it's just sent her doolaly!! Even all the lads I beat with have said this saying she was hard hunting but really steady dog. However since then she's been a right b**ch, I think it is a number of factors i.e. Me not putting her back to basics as much in the summer and possible being short of game in the area so not getting the flushes so I can get her on the stop whistle as much on game (on the dummy she stops no bother). I did a bit of walked up grouse a few weeks ago and she was stopping to the flush (on the nose) but if I shot it and she seen it came down she was straight after it even though I was blowing the stop whistle like mad!! I've tried using a dummy launcher and hunting her up and letting the dummy launcher go and she's fine with that but when it comes to the real thing she just isn't as steady. My mate said I should retire her but just to prove him wrong I want to get her back to what she used to be. I have started rough shooting during the week and just so I can get her on the real thing and get on top of her. What would you do?

I'm sure as would as well mate better than sitting in an office! Just beating on the moors you get £80 a day!

Beretta06 Difficult question to answer. However I have heard some under keepers on £20-25K per annum + tips + pickup truck + clothing allowance + dog allowance + house + cartridges/bullets paid for + 2 estate guns + 2 estate rifles but thats on the grouse moors.