Sooooo, how's about tying a few feathers onto Hollie's dummy? Or even a wing?
Yer not so daft as yer look Becs!
Many dogs are not keen the first time Bob for a variety of reasons, not the least being that in the past we have probably told them not to chase the birds! Adding a feather or two to a dummy keeps it appearing as recognisably the same thing and adding a complete wing to it later is just a step forward. Next stage is to put it in an old stocking, then replacing the dummy in the stocking for a bird in the stocking. Can you see how it's developing?
I was also told that pigeon aren't the best birds to start a novice dog on as they are rather "feathery" (can't think of how to describe it) compared to other birds such as partridge/pheasant etc. I know obviously you can't shoot those at the moment, but she might not be as reluctant with a partridge etc. Do you know anyone with any cold game in their freezer?
Woodies are very loose feathered, and this can be off putting for inexperienced dogs.
If you can't get any cold game, perhaps your keeper friend can let you have a couple of poults that have died, as they would be fine for a first retrieve.
I've written before on Happys exploits beating.... she had no formal training (except the usual basic commands) and I knew she would never make a picking up dog as when going along with Di and her lot Happy too just got bored.... her moto is that she's a FUN dog not a GUN dog!!!
We went along beating not knowing what to expect and she took to it like a duck to water (pardon the pun!! ) I wasn't sure how she'd behave but she was fab, the adrenaline of the shouting and the other dogs barking just took over her and she was off! I'm very lucky that it is a friendly shot and they just accepted Happy and eventually she even had the accolade of finding birds that the spaniels missed!! She even retrieved a phessie from a very close crop of cover that had been pricked from a previous drive.. this from the dog that had never picked up any bird before!
So go along and enjoy it and I have no doubt that Hollie will surprise you as Happy did us!
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No dogs but be good to know what to expect..
