So, this weekend we attended a picking up specific training day. This was a day catered around getting young dogs used to the atmosphere and excitement of a real shoot day. The day was really for our springer who we have only managed to get out on some pigeons this year and not out picking up as we planned. She was really confident picking the cold game and delivering it to hand and had no issues with the sustained fire from the guns, who were shooting driven clay drives.

Also, just to add to the excitement of the occasion a first time stay in a hotel for the springer and lab puppy.

Though the day was for our springer, the puppy did get to come out and sit back and enjoy watching the other dogs work over 3 drives. She didn’t get phased in the slightest as we worked up closer and closer towards the guns. Just to top it off she got to retrieve a small marked partridge from around 15m and she did this with great enthusiasm, no hesitation and a delivery to hand.

Very pleased all round for both dogs and lots to look forward to next season.