Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2011 6:34 pm Post subject: Lab Club of Scotland Novice Stake 13.10.11
Glenalmond Estate, Perthshire
By kind permission of Mr Astrup and his Head Keeper Brian Dickson.
Judges: H. Paterson (A), G. Brodie(B), S. Dunn(NP), B. Webster(NP)
1st Jagdens Drummer - Penny Clover
2nd Inver Jomo - Nikki Waddington
CoM Rhayannie Skylark - Anne Holt
CoM Missouri King of Avonstream - Greig Paterson
Guns' Choice Silversnipe Reformer - John Howden
==============================================
This trial is run on heather and grassy uplands. It was a misty and murky day, drizzly, with very little wind.
The bag consisted of duck, partridge, pheasant, snipe and hare. I thought it was an excellent trial - game coming readily to hand and dog work that was just lovely to watch.
Trial started with a duck drive. I was number 4. I'd been delighted to get such a low number, but actually it proved to be our downfall! A later number might've suited us better
So the four of us are sat up facing a steep hillock. Duck pond is over the hill. Judge mentions to us in passing that this might be a 'heavy drive.' Mild panic sets in but it was more about the difficulty I have marking multiple birds down when they're coming thick and fast than anything else. So, a serious amount of birds start coming over the hill and the guns were dropping them like flies - all a decent enough distance away from us. I was starting to think 'surely they'll stop now there must be more than enough birds down' - but they kept coming. I marked as best I could and kept one eye on the dog who was sitting steady as you like and I had no concerns..... UNTIL.... a reeeeally slow quite low flying solo duck appeared over the hill right in front of me. Gun hit it and it thudded down just yards from us. It was too much for Boots and he ran in Those of you who have met Boots will know how steady and laid back he is. Gutted. So that was that! Bugger!
I'm disappointed, of course, but I actually don't feel too bad. I think the close proximity of that bird would've been very tempting for a lot of dogs and I know my dog isn't one that I have to hang on to my hat with usually. Still, it's not good enough. Apparently these things happen to everyone at some time or another and is just one of those things. Quite a few people told me their stories of birds coming down on top of them and it being too tempting for them, so it's comforting to know that it happens to the best of them from time to time.
I've already arranged to re-create the scenario though so I can sort the issue. Dropping dummies on top of him is no use, he's steadier than a statue - needs to be the real thing and needs to be birds coming down just feet away from him. It will be sorted. Although I'm not at the suicidal stage over it, it's fair to say that I'm not happy it happened, so want to make sure it doesn't happen again if I can help it
Anyway, thoroughly enjoyed watching the rest of the trial and we helped pick up when needed. Following the duck drive, the rest of the trial was then all walked up.
Great scenery and fantastic company; a really friendly bunch of judges, guns, and competitors
Last edited by Moj on Thu Oct 13, 2011 9:56 pm; edited 2 times in total
sounded like it was bad luck Moj when that duck came your way but knowing you this minor indiscretion will be rectified so maybe another day and it will be
What a shame Mo, too much temptation for Boots specially as he`s normally rock steady, hope your able to find a way to practice it, although I imagine he knows you were far from happy and may not do it again, he`s still only a young dog isn`t he?.
What a shame Mo, too much temptation for Boots specially as he`s normally rock steady, hope your able to find a way to practice it, although I imagine he knows you were far from happy and may not do it again, he`s still only a young dog isn`t he?.
All experience for you to carry forward
He's 3 now Mary. He had no idea I wasn't happy as I had to just smile and take the bird from him - although maybe my body language said otherwise, who knows. When we practice though, I'll be able to grumble at him if he so much as moves a whisker, and praise for staying put. Definitely all experience to carry forward We have so much to learn!
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum You cannot attach files in this forum You cannot download files in this forum
sounded like it was bad luck Moj when that duck came your way but knowing you this minor indiscretion will be rectified so maybe another day and it will be 
