Lloyd90 Posted September 21, 2017 Report Share Posted September 21, 2017 Recently have been shooting the foreshore on the Severn river, a short while further South of the Severn Bridge on the Bristol side. Now a few times we have dropped ducks and been able to retrieve but this would be much easier with a dog. However, my mate reckons the current would be too strong and the dog would knacker itself and end up drowned. Obviously no shooter would ever want this to happen. So my question is, how do you know what a dog would be capable of? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mice! Posted September 21, 2017 Report Share Posted September 21, 2017 I would have thought a big lab or a chesapeake would manage this once it was old enough and had been trained for it with plenty of swimming work, but I'll read what the folk who know say later, once they've cleaned all the mud of there gear 😃 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loriusgarrulus Posted September 21, 2017 Report Share Posted September 21, 2017 This is a Chesapeake bay retriever. A classic film that brings a lump to your throat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mice! Posted September 21, 2017 Report Share Posted September 21, 2017 I'll watch it in the morning 😊 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loriusgarrulus Posted September 21, 2017 Report Share Posted September 21, 2017 I'll watch it in the morning Its only 4.36 minutes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mice! Posted September 21, 2017 Report Share Posted September 21, 2017 I don't get much data and I'm in work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loriusgarrulus Posted September 21, 2017 Report Share Posted September 21, 2017 I don't get much data and I'm in work. I understand now. Enjoy in the morning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wj939 Posted September 21, 2017 Report Share Posted September 21, 2017 (edited) Recently have been shooting the foreshore on the Severn river, a short while further South of the Severn Bridge on the Bristol side. Now a few times we have dropped ducks and been able to retrieve but this would be much easier with a dog. However, my mate reckons the current would be too strong and the dog would knacker itself and end up drowned. Obviously no shooter would ever want this to happen. So my question is, how do you know what a dog would be capable of? It's impossible to say definitely what any individual dog is capable of. I've known dogs to use a current to their advantage others to swim against it. What is important to remember is that a Labrador or chesapeake would have been bred to perform that task and would likely suffice if properly trained, fit and healthy. It's unusual to find a 'fowler without a dog, usually a lab, it's probably fair to assume your chosen area is shot by others, what are they doing to retrieve their quarry? Edited September 21, 2017 by wj939 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lloyd90 Posted September 21, 2017 Author Report Share Posted September 21, 2017 It's impossible to say definitely what any individual dog is capable of. I've known dogs to use a current to their advantage others to swim against it. What is important to remember is that a Labrador or chesapeake would have been bred to perform that task and would likely suffice if properly trained, fit and healthy. It's unusual to find a 'fowler without a dog, usually a lab, it's probably fair to assume your chosen area is shot by others, what are they doing to retrieve their quarry? Whilst the club has had the club for many years it's not been heavily shot. They're got some keen new members (me included) and we're getting down there a bit now. As we are normally placed either side of an inlet the birds shot often land on the bank either side so you can just walk over and pick them up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scotslad Posted September 21, 2017 Report Share Posted September 21, 2017 Was going to say the same as wj above, ask the boys already using dogs there. I know 1 lad with a CB, he says he'd never go back to a lab for its swimming ability is different class, but it has major question marks over its temperament and even he can hardly get a goose of it until it wants to give it up. Doesn't really play nicely with other dogs either. Its amazing wot properly breed labs can swim in and the cold they can put up with, and easier trained too and play nicer with others if u do any other types of shooting. Is thee not a famous CB breeder in about Bristol/ s wales type area?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wj939 Posted September 22, 2017 Report Share Posted September 22, 2017 Accompany someone with a good solid lab into the area and see how it performs. After one or two you should have a decent idea of if the dog is struggling or not, I wouldn't think a strong lab would get into trouble immediately. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
figgy Posted September 22, 2017 Report Share Posted September 22, 2017 Can you not use a small boat or dinghy with a outboard to retrieve shot birds ? Some dogs are very good swimmers but it only takes the dog to inhale a bit of water and it struggles. My dog wears a neoprene chest protector vest with small foam float inserts, he has been a good swimmer from being a puppy but I don't want to risk a chest cut with ice on our marsh as he throws himself in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mice! Posted September 22, 2017 Report Share Posted September 22, 2017 https://youtu.be/gJwWWU-wegA This is a Chesapeake bay retriever. A classic film that brings a lump to your throat. Just watched the video, very impressed. Can't tell you how jealous I am at his dog just sat there looking around, mine would have probably ran off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
12gauge82 Posted September 22, 2017 Report Share Posted September 22, 2017 Get a Newfoundland 😂 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lloyd90 Posted September 22, 2017 Author Report Share Posted September 22, 2017 Get a Newfoundland 😂 My Mrs would love one! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red-dot Posted September 22, 2017 Report Share Posted September 22, 2017 I have 3 Chessies and they could cross the channel. One crossed my local river in a 4' spate and it is some 50y wide and there was a 3' swell in the centre. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old farrier Posted September 22, 2017 Report Share Posted September 22, 2017 I have 3 Chessies and they could cross the channel. One crossed my local river in a 4' spate and it is some 50y wide and there was a 3' swell in the centre. There very impressive dogs and incredibly powerful animals Customer has a few and I've been tempted a few times to have a pup However seem to always go back to the golden retriever (swamp collie) more than adequate in the water for my needs All the best Of Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Highlandsjohn Posted September 22, 2017 Report Share Posted September 22, 2017 I have a big strong swimming Lab,now eleven, with a five month pup coming up behind. When I showed my wife the Chesapeake retrieve (with a lump in my throat and pride) she said, i would make him swim for it himself) women!! Although i can see where she's coming from.lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mice! Posted September 22, 2017 Report Share Posted September 22, 2017 I just showed the wife and I spotted a lead on the dog sat in the hide. And she would also love a newfoundland, but can you imagine the mess!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red-dot Posted September 22, 2017 Report Share Posted September 22, 2017 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red-dot Posted September 22, 2017 Report Share Posted September 22, 2017 (edited) Bruin... the propeller! Edited September 22, 2017 by Red-dot Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loriusgarrulus Posted September 22, 2017 Report Share Posted September 22, 2017 Beautiful looking dogs and amazing swimmers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lloyd90 Posted September 22, 2017 Author Report Share Posted September 22, 2017 16700308_287298351685810_2406659521787190605_o.jpg Bruin... the propeller! Let's get some full bodied pics mate Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mice! Posted September 22, 2017 Report Share Posted September 22, 2017 The camera lens probably not wide enough, big looking lad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Mat Posted September 22, 2017 Report Share Posted September 22, 2017 A good bred Labrador will cope with some serious water, a good dog will know it's limits, my own lab will go in alot of water but he knows he limit and will refuse to go in if he feels it's too rough. The gf wants a chessie nex Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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