Two spaniels belonging to Rod Holgate were stolen from their kennels at Pleshy, Essex during the day on 22 Dec.
A black Cocker dog (entire) aged 2 1/2 and a liver and white Springer dog (entire) aged 4. Neither is microchipped but an 18 month old dog which was microchipped was not taken.
Please look out for these dogs or report any suspicious behavior or offers that could be related.
Please circulate this information to anyone who may be able to help.
Rod's phone no.01245 231 352
Wednesday, 29 December 2010
Tuesday, 28 December 2010
Weather Fails to dampen hunts determination
Weather fails to dampen hunts' determination
(Source Countryside Alliance Alice Barnard 28th Dec)
Despite bad weather affecting most of the country, over 250 hunts met for their traditional Boxing Day meets yesterday. Up to half of them were unable to move off afterwards owing to poor conditions, and many met on foot rather than on horseback.
On this, the biggest date in the hunting calendar, supporters across the country braved the conditions to show their solidarity for hunts. Obviously the icy conditions have been a huge factor and many people have been unable to get to their local meet, but hunts have been delighted by those hardy souls who managed to make it.
This support is encouraging, especially when set against the back drop of new independent polling which shows that six out of ten people think the Hunting Act has been a waste of police time and eight out of ten believe animal rights activists should not be allowed take the law into their own hands (click here for our news story on this poll).
Support for hunting this Boxing Day once again extended way beyond the rural community to include all those many thousands of people who see the Hunting Act as a failed law. David Cameron has consistently repeated the Government's commitment to a free vote and his own support for repeal. We cannot expect hunting to be top of the Government's priority list in these dire economic times, but the eventual delivery of a vote on repeal is a matter of trust. Hunts were in a pragmatic mood at Boxing Day meets - repeal remains our goal and we are united in moving towards that.
The Countryside Alliance recently commissioned a short film by Fieldsports Britain explaining the case for repeal. It is required viewing in which Quantock Staghounds Master James Hawthorne leaves the viewer in no doubt that repeal of the Hunting Act is vital to hunting's future. Watch the film here.
(Source Countryside Alliance Alice Barnard 28th Dec)
Despite bad weather affecting most of the country, over 250 hunts met for their traditional Boxing Day meets yesterday. Up to half of them were unable to move off afterwards owing to poor conditions, and many met on foot rather than on horseback.
On this, the biggest date in the hunting calendar, supporters across the country braved the conditions to show their solidarity for hunts. Obviously the icy conditions have been a huge factor and many people have been unable to get to their local meet, but hunts have been delighted by those hardy souls who managed to make it.
This support is encouraging, especially when set against the back drop of new independent polling which shows that six out of ten people think the Hunting Act has been a waste of police time and eight out of ten believe animal rights activists should not be allowed take the law into their own hands (click here for our news story on this poll).
Support for hunting this Boxing Day once again extended way beyond the rural community to include all those many thousands of people who see the Hunting Act as a failed law. David Cameron has consistently repeated the Government's commitment to a free vote and his own support for repeal. We cannot expect hunting to be top of the Government's priority list in these dire economic times, but the eventual delivery of a vote on repeal is a matter of trust. Hunts were in a pragmatic mood at Boxing Day meets - repeal remains our goal and we are united in moving towards that.
The Countryside Alliance recently commissioned a short film by Fieldsports Britain explaining the case for repeal. It is required viewing in which Quantock Staghounds Master James Hawthorne leaves the viewer in no doubt that repeal of the Hunting Act is vital to hunting's future. Watch the film here.
Sunday, 26 December 2010
Working Gundogs Gordon Setters
As working dogs, Gordon Setters are at their best when given at least an hour and a half of strenuous exercise every day.
Puppies should never be over-exercised or start agility training until the age of 18 months old to prevent joint problems from occurring later in life.
Due to their hunting instincts, they should never be permitted to roam freely unsupervised, as they tend to wander into potentially dangerous circumstances when trailing a scent.
Temperament
The Gordon Setter is highly loyal to their masters. They thrive in loving and caring surroundings, and make great family pet. Both puppies and adults can be a little rough even though they are naturally patient, they may not be well-suited for families with very young kids. This breed is sensitive, eager to learn, but requires firm but gentle training.
Overview
The Gordon Setter is believed to be the heaviest among the three setter dogs. Primarily bred as a personal bird dog, this breed was also recognized as companion dogs, with exceptional skills in obedience competitions and show rings today. This muscular and sturdy breed as the strength and stamina, but may be a little low on speed. Their distinctive black and tan makes it easily visible in bright fields.
Care
The Gordon Setter requires low-maintenance grooming. Combing and brushing should be done regularly to prevent matting. Owners should always check their ears constantly to prevent ear infection. Bathe them only when needed
Training
The Gordon Setter are natural learners, and along with easily learning good habits, they can easily develop bad ones, as well. They are naturally not an aggressive dog, though. But they can be aloof and stubborn sometimes, so constant, firm but gentle handling is still needed.
As hunting dogs, Gordon Setters do best when working with their masters, not for them. They appreciate a good challenge, being praised and given attention. This breed is not responsive to punishment-based training and harsh-toned corrections
Prior to training the Gordon Setter, owners should ensure they are well exercised. They are energetic breed, especially during puppyhood, and may have difficulty focusing if not given sufficient exercise
Character
The Gordon Setter is generally protective, loyal, and obedient. Relaxed, friendly, and loving, although they make wonderful companions, they are wary of strangers.
Due to this fact, they make great guard and watchdogs. They are tireless workers, and enthusiastic to hunt. Naturally intelligent, affectionate, and fun-loving, this breed makes a great companion dog.
Puppies should never be over-exercised or start agility training until the age of 18 months old to prevent joint problems from occurring later in life.
Due to their hunting instincts, they should never be permitted to roam freely unsupervised, as they tend to wander into potentially dangerous circumstances when trailing a scent.
Temperament
The Gordon Setter is highly loyal to their masters. They thrive in loving and caring surroundings, and make great family pet. Both puppies and adults can be a little rough even though they are naturally patient, they may not be well-suited for families with very young kids. This breed is sensitive, eager to learn, but requires firm but gentle training.
Overview
The Gordon Setter is believed to be the heaviest among the three setter dogs. Primarily bred as a personal bird dog, this breed was also recognized as companion dogs, with exceptional skills in obedience competitions and show rings today. This muscular and sturdy breed as the strength and stamina, but may be a little low on speed. Their distinctive black and tan makes it easily visible in bright fields.
Care
The Gordon Setter requires low-maintenance grooming. Combing and brushing should be done regularly to prevent matting. Owners should always check their ears constantly to prevent ear infection. Bathe them only when needed
Training
The Gordon Setter are natural learners, and along with easily learning good habits, they can easily develop bad ones, as well. They are naturally not an aggressive dog, though. But they can be aloof and stubborn sometimes, so constant, firm but gentle handling is still needed.
As hunting dogs, Gordon Setters do best when working with their masters, not for them. They appreciate a good challenge, being praised and given attention. This breed is not responsive to punishment-based training and harsh-toned corrections
Prior to training the Gordon Setter, owners should ensure they are well exercised. They are energetic breed, especially during puppyhood, and may have difficulty focusing if not given sufficient exercise
Character
The Gordon Setter is generally protective, loyal, and obedient. Relaxed, friendly, and loving, although they make wonderful companions, they are wary of strangers.
Due to this fact, they make great guard and watchdogs. They are tireless workers, and enthusiastic to hunt. Naturally intelligent, affectionate, and fun-loving, this breed makes a great companion dog.
Wednesday, 15 December 2010
Suffolk Gundog Club Novice Field Trial 14th December
Suffolk Gundog Club
Novice AV Retriever Field Trial 14th December 2010
The above event was held at Park Farm Estates, Wormgay, Norfolk by kind permission of Mr. I Symington & Mr. R Beckerleg.
Judges for the event Mrs. R Wise,Mr. P Palmer, Mr.S North & Mr. T Lowe.
Chief Steward for the day was Angela Musk.
Running Card Link.
After the usual introductions, the field trial started with a duck drive. All 14 Retrievers were asked to sit the drive where a number of ducks and pheasants were shot. Retrievers 1,2 5,6,9,10,13 were placed on the right hand side under Judges Robin Wise & Stewart North and numbers 3,4 7,8,11,12, 14 were on the left with Judges Phillip Palmer and Tom Lowe.
During the drive number 3 was sent for a wounded bird at quite some distance and successfully picked. Retrievers 4, 8, 11, 12 & 14 were eliminated during the first round under Judges on the left hand side for various reasons.
On the right hand side No.1 Mrs. L Mitchell Dog was sent for a wounded duck and failed to pick, the same bird was picked by No.2 Mrs. G Butcher at the fall.
Miss. S Coby No.5 retriever completed 2 successful retrieves in the first round.
Mr. RW Addingham No.8 was eye wiped on his second retrieve by Mr. G Allen No.9 who went on to successfully complete his 2nd retrieve. Mrs. F Joint No.13 also completed first round retrieves.
Numbers 2,3,5,6,7,9,10 & 13 all cleared the first round picking mostly duck and the odd pheasant from a field of sugar beet.
During the second round retrievers 3,6,7&10 came under Robin Wise & Stewart North Mrs. V Easy No.3 & Mr. V Bleming No.6 completed the 2nd round retrieves with ducks from first drive.
Mr. C Airey No.7 & Mrs. G Thompson No.10 were called into line for a 2nd Drive.
No.7 was sent during the drive to pick a wounded hen bird, and picked a wounded cock bird and picked a wounded hen bird, which was deemed to have been picked from the area of the fall. The dog was credited with a find. Number 10 was then sent to the same area and picked the hen bird.
Retrievers 2,5,9 & 13 came under the watchful eyes of Phil Palmer & Tom Lowe.
Mrs. G Butcher No.2 was dropped on her 2nd round retrieve. After giving No's 5 & 9 the opportunity to pick a bird the left hand Judges offered the retrieve to the right hand Judges.
Judges on the right decided to take the opportunity and tried Mr. V Bleming No.6 which failed to get to the area, which gave No.7 the opportunity and picked the bird!.
No.13 completed her 2nd round retrieve with the judges backing up the dog. No.7 completed his 2nd third round retrieve being backed up by number 10.
At this stage of the field trial after 2 drives the judges only had 3 retrievers remaining No's 7, 10 & 13. No.7 having completed 5 retrieves and No's 10 & 13 only having completed 3 retrieves.
The host decided to walk up some sugar beet and the judges decided to have all 3 remaining retrievers in line, No.7 was brought into line to test heelwork and steadiness. Mrs. G Thompson No.10 was sent for a cock pheasant shot behind the line, which she failed to pick and was eliminated as first dog failure. No.13 was also tried on the same bird, which both the dog and judges could not find. No.7 was not sent having already had 5 retrieves.
We continued walking up with No's 13 & 7, when 2 birds were shot! No.13 picked her bird and No.7 was sent for the 2nd bird and picked.
It was at this stage the judges decided that number 7 had done enough, having completed 6 Retrieves. No.13 had only completed 4 retrieves. Judges decided they needed 1 more bird for No.13 to complete the trial.
A wounded to cock pheasant was then shot, number 13 was sent, the dog never gave up on a very strong runner, which lifted several times! the bird was eventually picked and returned it to the handler, there was some discussion as weather it deserved some credit! for picking a strong runner? Heelwork in the 3rd round and standard of previous retrieves had not been sufficiently good enough to put it a head of number 7, who had been finding game with minimal handling which other retrievers could not pick and delivering it succesfully to hand without any problems.
First was awarded to Number 7 Mr. C Airey with Labrador Bitch Mint so Lucky of Morebar.
Third was awarded to Number 13 Mrs. F Joint with Muddymile Hawfinch.
Best Retrieve was awarded to Number 7 as above.
Steve Polley Chairman of Suffolk Gundog Club gave thanks to the Host, Guns, Judges and Helpers and club secretary Angela Musk, The Judges were presented with a very nice gift from the host.
Winner Chris Airey gave an emotional speech after winning his first novice field trial and gave thanks to the host,judges & helpers and those who had helped him train his retriever.
The day concluded with the Suffolk Gundog Club hosting a meal for the guns and judges.
(NOTE: The writer is not always in a position to see every retrieve and this report was written up from memory, which may not be totally accurate).
Saturday, 11 December 2010
Wednesday, 8 December 2010
Russlayne Bracken of Northglen Stud Book Entry
Russlayne Bracken of Northglen qualifies for the kennel Club Stud Book
Saturday, 27 November 2010
Hunting Conviction
Hunting conviction as published by Countryside Alliance
As you know there have been very few prosecutions involving hunts since the Hunting Act came into force and most of those have failed. The Act came into force nearly six years ago yet the guilty verdict delivered on Richard Down, the huntsman of the Quantock Staghounds, on Monday in Taunton Magistrates Court was only the fourth involving a hunt. That verdict may yet be appealed, and we will give our full support to Richard if he chooses to do so, but in the meantime it is worth considering the details of the case.
The Hunting Act was promoted by its supporters as a law which would reduce suffering and improve animal welfare. We argued that the real purpose was something completely different: a vindictive political attack on a misrepresented minority. Richard Down's conviction adds even more weight to our case.
Many of the facts were agreed by the court. An injured stag had been seen in a field of beans by a local farmer a day before the offence was committed in September 2009. The Quantock Staghounds met the next day and boxed to the area it was last seen. Richard took five of the seven hounds he had brought out to search for the stag. It could not be found on the farm so Richard crossed the road and started searching on the edge of the Quantock Hills. After some time a supporter who was ahead of the hounds radioed that he had seen a stag matching the description of the one they were looking for. Richard immediately loaded three hounds into a landrover so he could continue to hunt under the injured stag and put it out of its misery under the conditions of exempt hunting. After about eight minutes the stag was filmed entering a deep valley called Dens Coombe where it disappeared. Richard arrived shortly afterwards and stopped to gather three more hounds to help him find it in the coombe. The stag was relocated but climbed out of the other side before it could be shot. Richard could not follow, but two of the hounds were stopped immediately by hunt supporters whilst three continued to pursue the stag for a short distance before one more was stopped. The stag was killed about half a mile away and when skinned was found to have a broken bone in its pelvis which was likely have been caused by a car.
The court decided that once the stag had been found only two hounds should have been used to complete the hunt and that Richard was in breach of the conditions of exempt hunting by using five to search for it in the coombe. Whether or not that is correct one thing is certain: the limit on the number of hounds that can be used to hunt and kill an injured deer increases the time it takes to deal with any casualty. The Hunting Act caused the suffering of the stag that Richard Down was trying to put out of its misery to be extended, as it has done with many others.
These facts can lead to just one conclusion: it is the politicians who passed the law and the animal rights activists who celebrated this conviction who are really guilty of cruelty, not Richard Down whose primary concern remains the welfare of the deer of the Quantock Hills
As you know there have been very few prosecutions involving hunts since the Hunting Act came into force and most of those have failed. The Act came into force nearly six years ago yet the guilty verdict delivered on Richard Down, the huntsman of the Quantock Staghounds, on Monday in Taunton Magistrates Court was only the fourth involving a hunt. That verdict may yet be appealed, and we will give our full support to Richard if he chooses to do so, but in the meantime it is worth considering the details of the case.
The Hunting Act was promoted by its supporters as a law which would reduce suffering and improve animal welfare. We argued that the real purpose was something completely different: a vindictive political attack on a misrepresented minority. Richard Down's conviction adds even more weight to our case.
Many of the facts were agreed by the court. An injured stag had been seen in a field of beans by a local farmer a day before the offence was committed in September 2009. The Quantock Staghounds met the next day and boxed to the area it was last seen. Richard took five of the seven hounds he had brought out to search for the stag. It could not be found on the farm so Richard crossed the road and started searching on the edge of the Quantock Hills. After some time a supporter who was ahead of the hounds radioed that he had seen a stag matching the description of the one they were looking for. Richard immediately loaded three hounds into a landrover so he could continue to hunt under the injured stag and put it out of its misery under the conditions of exempt hunting. After about eight minutes the stag was filmed entering a deep valley called Dens Coombe where it disappeared. Richard arrived shortly afterwards and stopped to gather three more hounds to help him find it in the coombe. The stag was relocated but climbed out of the other side before it could be shot. Richard could not follow, but two of the hounds were stopped immediately by hunt supporters whilst three continued to pursue the stag for a short distance before one more was stopped. The stag was killed about half a mile away and when skinned was found to have a broken bone in its pelvis which was likely have been caused by a car.
The court decided that once the stag had been found only two hounds should have been used to complete the hunt and that Richard was in breach of the conditions of exempt hunting by using five to search for it in the coombe. Whether or not that is correct one thing is certain: the limit on the number of hounds that can be used to hunt and kill an injured deer increases the time it takes to deal with any casualty. The Hunting Act caused the suffering of the stag that Richard Down was trying to put out of its misery to be extended, as it has done with many others.
These facts can lead to just one conclusion: it is the politicians who passed the law and the animal rights activists who celebrated this conviction who are really guilty of cruelty, not Richard Down whose primary concern remains the welfare of the deer of the Quantock Hills
Thursday, 18 November 2010
Betrayal of an Independent Voice
Extract from Countryside Alliance grassroots.
You may have read a heavily slanted lead article in Saturday's Independent newspaper, but if not I would like to draw it to your attention. The piece, "The Great Animal Rights Betrayal" was heavily biased, screaming "Millions of hens will have their beaks mutilated; game birds will remain in cages; pigs, sheep and cows in abattoirs will lose crucial protection from abuse; badgers will be culled and lions, tigers and other wild animals will continue to perform in the big top." The article pursued an animal rights agenda that should shame the Independent's alleged liberal sensibilities and contained overtly biased comment such as "Another Conservative proposal - to hold a free vote on overturning the ban on fox hunting - will be fiercely opposed."
Attacking Defra Minister James Paice MP was particularly low. Mr Paice, a farmer, has long been a sound and empathetic champion of rural issues. Within Government he has already had to take tough decisions, often ones which previous urban-based ministers have fought shy of taking. One of the points of attack in the Independent's article was on the 'cage rearing' of game birds, printing accusations of a policy reversal which are simply untrue since no ban was ever in place. As the Countryside Alliance's Rob Gray has subsequently pointed out in a letter to the paper, "James Paice revisited the legislation because the previous government ignored the advice of its own experts". The revised Code of Game Rearing, based on principle and evidence, is now a workable piece of legislation, backed by the Countryside Alliance, the Country Land & Business Association, the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust, the Game Farmers' Association and the National Gamekeepers' Organisation. Read Rob Gray's letter and a letter from James Paice MP himself, here.The language of animal rights is shrill, emotive and deeply flawed, which is why the article's accusation of "animal rights betrayal" is no bad thing. The Government should not give oxygen to animal rights extremists and their illogical demands. We are all strong champions of animal welfare, not animal rights, and in a week where the League Against Cruel Sports declared "The only 'population management' on our land is by Mother Nature," we are glad to have a Minister who can tell the difference.
Alice Barnard, Chief Executive Countryside Alliance
________________________________________
You may have read a heavily slanted lead article in Saturday's Independent newspaper, but if not I would like to draw it to your attention. The piece, "The Great Animal Rights Betrayal" was heavily biased, screaming "Millions of hens will have their beaks mutilated; game birds will remain in cages; pigs, sheep and cows in abattoirs will lose crucial protection from abuse; badgers will be culled and lions, tigers and other wild animals will continue to perform in the big top." The article pursued an animal rights agenda that should shame the Independent's alleged liberal sensibilities and contained overtly biased comment such as "Another Conservative proposal - to hold a free vote on overturning the ban on fox hunting - will be fiercely opposed."
Attacking Defra Minister James Paice MP was particularly low. Mr Paice, a farmer, has long been a sound and empathetic champion of rural issues. Within Government he has already had to take tough decisions, often ones which previous urban-based ministers have fought shy of taking. One of the points of attack in the Independent's article was on the 'cage rearing' of game birds, printing accusations of a policy reversal which are simply untrue since no ban was ever in place. As the Countryside Alliance's Rob Gray has subsequently pointed out in a letter to the paper, "James Paice revisited the legislation because the previous government ignored the advice of its own experts". The revised Code of Game Rearing, based on principle and evidence, is now a workable piece of legislation, backed by the Countryside Alliance, the Country Land & Business Association, the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust, the Game Farmers' Association and the National Gamekeepers' Organisation. Read Rob Gray's letter and a letter from James Paice MP himself, here.The language of animal rights is shrill, emotive and deeply flawed, which is why the article's accusation of "animal rights betrayal" is no bad thing. The Government should not give oxygen to animal rights extremists and their illogical demands. We are all strong champions of animal welfare, not animal rights, and in a week where the League Against Cruel Sports declared "The only 'population management' on our land is by Mother Nature," we are glad to have a Minister who can tell the difference.
Alice Barnard, Chief Executive Countryside Alliance
________________________________________
Thursday, 11 November 2010
Stewart North Mid Norfolk Novice AV Retriever Field Trial Award
Stewart North Gundog Trainer East Midlands was presented with a Field Trial Award on a young Labrador Retriever Russlayne Bracken "Poppy" at the Mid Norfolk Gundog Club Novice AV Retriever Field Trial held at Shrublands Farm, Old Buckenham, Norfolk on the 10th November 2011
"Its Fate as some would say" Stewart withdrew a Golden Retriever from the Yorkshire Golden Retriever Novice stake due to training issues, He was then lucky enough to be offered a run in the Mid Norfolk Novice on the same day only having just run 6 days earlier with the same club, that day he was Number 1 and never picked a bird, this time at number 14 completed the trial.
The Winner number 10 Robin Wise was called up from the reserves at 5.30pm the night before "Your number is your luck in field trials"
This award was particularly pleasing as Poppy entered her first 2010 field trial 6 days ago. She gained THIRD PLACE after 5 retrieves in sugar beet, the first retrieve being a partridge on the left of the line and then a pheasant on the right of the line under judges Mr M Jennings & Mr. B Boardman both retreives were straight forward marks, with no handling required.
In the 2nd round under judges Mr R Beckerleg & Miss S Coby, we must have walked for 1 hour or more, before Poppy was asked to pick a partridge, she was in the line when several birds were shot and dropped at close range, the dogs steadiness was well tested, we also had a rabbit bolt in front of us!
In the 3rd round, we never had any difficult birds to pick, just another two striaght forward pheasants both good marks picked without any handling.
Both the winner Robin Wise & second placed Liz Ingram were asked to pick retrieves slightly more challenging than Poppy's, which required a small degree of handling.
Certificate of Merit was awarded to Fiona Joint.
Their were 14 runners overall, 1. Mr P Garton was dropped in the second round on a hare. 2. Ms J van der Dussen failed to pick a bird in the second round, 3. Ms L Ingram awarded 2nd. 4. Mr R Bannock was dropped in the first round on heelwork, 5. Mrs Fiona Joint awarded COM, 6. Ms S Larsson failed to get to the area. 7 Mr S littleboy dog ran in. 8 Mr A Brazier was dropped for heelwork ( This dog later collapsed and needed to be taken to the vet, we hope alls well with the dog)9. Mr P Askew dropped for heelwork. 10. Mrs R Wise Winner 11. Mr P Buckenham failed to pick a bird in the second round.12 Mr P Abbs first dog failure. 13 Mrs J Smith first round dropped for pulling on scent on a straight mark.14. Mr S North awarded 3rd.
Results
1st Mrs R Wise, Muddymile Honeyguide, Sire FTCH Wingsham Tinder of Smithsteads Dam FTCH Muddymile Eider
2nd Ms E Ingram, Garrethall Ouka, Sire FTCH Garrethall Macauley Dam Garrethall Lucky Chance
3rd Mr. S North, Russlayne Bracken Sire FTCH Brindlebay Jude Dam Fernshot Milly
COM Mrs F Joint, Muddymile Hawfinch, Sire FTCH Wingsham Tinder of Smithsteads Dam FTCH Muddymile Eider
My thanks go to Messrs J Alston and J Cracknell for hosting the trial, to the judges and helpers in particular Mark Danson-Hatcher & Graham Symonds and Sponsors Skinners Dog Foods & Sporting Saint
"Its Fate as some would say" Stewart withdrew a Golden Retriever from the Yorkshire Golden Retriever Novice stake due to training issues, He was then lucky enough to be offered a run in the Mid Norfolk Novice on the same day only having just run 6 days earlier with the same club, that day he was Number 1 and never picked a bird, this time at number 14 completed the trial.
The Winner number 10 Robin Wise was called up from the reserves at 5.30pm the night before "Your number is your luck in field trials"
This award was particularly pleasing as Poppy entered her first 2010 field trial 6 days ago. She gained THIRD PLACE after 5 retrieves in sugar beet, the first retrieve being a partridge on the left of the line and then a pheasant on the right of the line under judges Mr M Jennings & Mr. B Boardman both retreives were straight forward marks, with no handling required.
In the 2nd round under judges Mr R Beckerleg & Miss S Coby, we must have walked for 1 hour or more, before Poppy was asked to pick a partridge, she was in the line when several birds were shot and dropped at close range, the dogs steadiness was well tested, we also had a rabbit bolt in front of us!
In the 3rd round, we never had any difficult birds to pick, just another two striaght forward pheasants both good marks picked without any handling.
Both the winner Robin Wise & second placed Liz Ingram were asked to pick retrieves slightly more challenging than Poppy's, which required a small degree of handling.
Certificate of Merit was awarded to Fiona Joint.
Their were 14 runners overall, 1. Mr P Garton was dropped in the second round on a hare. 2. Ms J van der Dussen failed to pick a bird in the second round, 3. Ms L Ingram awarded 2nd. 4. Mr R Bannock was dropped in the first round on heelwork, 5. Mrs Fiona Joint awarded COM, 6. Ms S Larsson failed to get to the area. 7 Mr S littleboy dog ran in. 8 Mr A Brazier was dropped for heelwork ( This dog later collapsed and needed to be taken to the vet, we hope alls well with the dog)9. Mr P Askew dropped for heelwork. 10. Mrs R Wise Winner 11. Mr P Buckenham failed to pick a bird in the second round.12 Mr P Abbs first dog failure. 13 Mrs J Smith first round dropped for pulling on scent on a straight mark.14. Mr S North awarded 3rd.
Results
1st Mrs R Wise, Muddymile Honeyguide, Sire FTCH Wingsham Tinder of Smithsteads Dam FTCH Muddymile Eider
2nd Ms E Ingram, Garrethall Ouka, Sire FTCH Garrethall Macauley Dam Garrethall Lucky Chance
3rd Mr. S North, Russlayne Bracken Sire FTCH Brindlebay Jude Dam Fernshot Milly
COM Mrs F Joint, Muddymile Hawfinch, Sire FTCH Wingsham Tinder of Smithsteads Dam FTCH Muddymile Eider
My thanks go to Messrs J Alston and J Cracknell for hosting the trial, to the judges and helpers in particular Mark Danson-Hatcher & Graham Symonds and Sponsors Skinners Dog Foods & Sporting Saint
Monday, 8 November 2010
Kennel Club AV Novice Field Trial Bowman Estate, Scottish Borders
It has been said many a time there is no better place to field trial than in Scotland,and I must congratulate the kennel club in organising a first class novice field trial on excellent ground in the scottish borders.
Judges Mr. D Donnelly, Mr. T Loughran, Mr. K Matthews and Mrs. J Greig
Winner Miss K Cousins Jaggybrae Cosmo
2nd Miss N Waddington Inver Jomo
3rd Mr I Hollern Rizzaro Blaze of Brackenbird
4th Mr. J Swindlehurst Maldrake Livie
Having been in the line most of the day with both Labrador Retriever Russlayne Bracken and Golden Retriever Penmeadhowe Tamar, I was a little disspointed not to finish the field trial, but i did have an excellent run with Tamar,who just got too hot towards the end of the trial having made 4 retrieves, 2 of which were extremely difficult one being a runner and the other was a bird deemed not pickable from the other side of the line. Tamar was dismissed for making a noise in the 4th round, the occasion with me double handling 2 dogs and her first field trial was just too much for such a young gundog. More experience required!
My 2nd dog got dismissed for holding onto a bird, more training required!
The Field Trial was hosted by gracious permission of the Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry, Greg Ford and Friends picked up for the day. Thanks to all the Guns.
Judges Mr. D Donnelly, Mr. T Loughran, Mr. K Matthews and Mrs. J Greig
Winner Miss K Cousins Jaggybrae Cosmo
2nd Miss N Waddington Inver Jomo
3rd Mr I Hollern Rizzaro Blaze of Brackenbird
4th Mr. J Swindlehurst Maldrake Livie
Having been in the line most of the day with both Labrador Retriever Russlayne Bracken and Golden Retriever Penmeadhowe Tamar, I was a little disspointed not to finish the field trial, but i did have an excellent run with Tamar,who just got too hot towards the end of the trial having made 4 retrieves, 2 of which were extremely difficult one being a runner and the other was a bird deemed not pickable from the other side of the line. Tamar was dismissed for making a noise in the 4th round, the occasion with me double handling 2 dogs and her first field trial was just too much for such a young gundog. More experience required!
My 2nd dog got dismissed for holding onto a bird, more training required!
The Field Trial was hosted by gracious permission of the Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry, Greg Ford and Friends picked up for the day. Thanks to all the Guns.
Gundogs and Dental Care ?
Dental care for gun dogs:
What is a vet looking for in any dog, healthy or sick, when opening its mouth?
The oral cavity can provide valuable information not only about disease within the mouth area, but it also reflects disease processes occurring in other organ systems.
Examples?
Obviously dental disease is something vets look for, but problems such as kidney or liver failure may also be detected early by changes that are occurring in the mouth. Abnormalities may be as subtle as slight color change of the gums, foul breath or sores.
It's important for gun dog owners to study their own animal, as knowing what's normal is critical for early identification of possible problems.
Vets recommended being familiar with your gundog's gum color in addition to the importance of knowing heart rate, respiratory rate and body temperature at different levels of activity, again in hope that by being better informed, we're able to recognise problems or make the right decision should an emergency occur.
The sooner problems are recognised and brought to the attention of your veterinarian, the greater the chance of successful treatment.
What's normal gum color?
In most breeds, the gums will be bubblegum or coral pink with glistening white teeth. Some darker-colored breeds, however, may have pigmentation along the lips and gums. Brittany owners may recognize an almost orange color to the gums of some like-colored dogs. If you have a young dog, take note so you're able to know what's normal for him.
How serious a problem is it for our gun dogs?
Periodontal disease is an extension of gingivitis, an inflammation or receding of the gums that allows infection to loosen the supporting structures of the teeth.
Like people, tartar and plaque are the usual culprits that start the process. While dry food does scrape away some plaque--helping to lower the incidence slightly--and chew bones or treats also can help, there's no substitute for brushing your dog's teeth!
If brushing is introduced as part of early socialization and training, it's accepted with little hassle.
With older dogs it's more of a problem; yet most well-trained gun dogs soon accept the brushing without too much fuss.
If you have an older dog, start with a trip to your veterinarian, ask him to clean the dog's teeth and show you the best way to brush, and discuss different options of products to use. The frequency will depend on your commitment.
Dental decay can cause a root abscess or possibly develop heart disease brought on by infection from gum disease entering the bloodstream, which can result invalvular endocarditis, inflammation of the membrane of the heart.
Now let's get back to our discussion of gum color. Most of us know to watch gum color as an early sign of heat stress during warm early-season hunting, as the tongue and gums become darker as the body tries to cool through greater blood flow in those areas.
Other examples of problems are the lighter oral most white-colored gums of anemic puppies who might be suffering from severe flea or hookworm infestation. In adult dogs, you may see jaundice or a yellowing of the gums as a result of liver disease.
I would emphasize the importance of distinguishing normal from abnormal and be less concerned in knowing which system is responsible, but if you notice anything abnormal, bring it to your veterinarian's attention.
Tumors can be found inside a dog's mouth?
Although the risk for most tumors increases with age, most veterinarians will advise a biopsy of any mass in the mouth regardless of age.
If you are unable to see the growth, the signs are similar to other diseases of the mouth. Most frequently, those signs would be a loss of appetite, bad breath, pawing at the mouth, excessive or bloody salivation, or difficulty in swallowing.
Cancer is a diagnosis none of us want to hear, yet the advantage of early treatment is obvious and again reinforces your message of the importance in knowing what's normal for your dog, so if something unusual shows up, it will be recognized and brought to the attention of a veterinarian.
What is a vet looking for in any dog, healthy or sick, when opening its mouth?
The oral cavity can provide valuable information not only about disease within the mouth area, but it also reflects disease processes occurring in other organ systems.
Examples?
Obviously dental disease is something vets look for, but problems such as kidney or liver failure may also be detected early by changes that are occurring in the mouth. Abnormalities may be as subtle as slight color change of the gums, foul breath or sores.
It's important for gun dog owners to study their own animal, as knowing what's normal is critical for early identification of possible problems.
Vets recommended being familiar with your gundog's gum color in addition to the importance of knowing heart rate, respiratory rate and body temperature at different levels of activity, again in hope that by being better informed, we're able to recognise problems or make the right decision should an emergency occur.
The sooner problems are recognised and brought to the attention of your veterinarian, the greater the chance of successful treatment.
What's normal gum color?
In most breeds, the gums will be bubblegum or coral pink with glistening white teeth. Some darker-colored breeds, however, may have pigmentation along the lips and gums. Brittany owners may recognize an almost orange color to the gums of some like-colored dogs. If you have a young dog, take note so you're able to know what's normal for him.
How serious a problem is it for our gun dogs?
Periodontal disease is an extension of gingivitis, an inflammation or receding of the gums that allows infection to loosen the supporting structures of the teeth.
Like people, tartar and plaque are the usual culprits that start the process. While dry food does scrape away some plaque--helping to lower the incidence slightly--and chew bones or treats also can help, there's no substitute for brushing your dog's teeth!
If brushing is introduced as part of early socialization and training, it's accepted with little hassle.
With older dogs it's more of a problem; yet most well-trained gun dogs soon accept the brushing without too much fuss.
If you have an older dog, start with a trip to your veterinarian, ask him to clean the dog's teeth and show you the best way to brush, and discuss different options of products to use. The frequency will depend on your commitment.
Dental decay can cause a root abscess or possibly develop heart disease brought on by infection from gum disease entering the bloodstream, which can result invalvular endocarditis, inflammation of the membrane of the heart.
Now let's get back to our discussion of gum color. Most of us know to watch gum color as an early sign of heat stress during warm early-season hunting, as the tongue and gums become darker as the body tries to cool through greater blood flow in those areas.
Other examples of problems are the lighter oral most white-colored gums of anemic puppies who might be suffering from severe flea or hookworm infestation. In adult dogs, you may see jaundice or a yellowing of the gums as a result of liver disease.
I would emphasize the importance of distinguishing normal from abnormal and be less concerned in knowing which system is responsible, but if you notice anything abnormal, bring it to your veterinarian's attention.
Tumors can be found inside a dog's mouth?
Although the risk for most tumors increases with age, most veterinarians will advise a biopsy of any mass in the mouth regardless of age.
If you are unable to see the growth, the signs are similar to other diseases of the mouth. Most frequently, those signs would be a loss of appetite, bad breath, pawing at the mouth, excessive or bloody salivation, or difficulty in swallowing.
Cancer is a diagnosis none of us want to hear, yet the advantage of early treatment is obvious and again reinforces your message of the importance in knowing what's normal for your dog, so if something unusual shows up, it will be recognized and brought to the attention of a veterinarian.
Dont let your gundog get affected with Ringworm
One of the most common skin conditions our hunting dogs suffer with is ringworm.
Ringworm may be caused by parasites or by fungal infections and is typically transmitted by fleas.
Symptoms of Ringworm
Recognising ringworm is key to treating it, and like most infections, the sooner it’s diagnosed, the easier it is to treat. Ringworm is uncomfortable for your dog and can lead to serious complications and infections. Watch for these signs:
1. Hair loss with a circular pattern, particularly on head and legs
2. Crusty-patterned, red circular patches on skin
3. Scratching and itching more than usual
Diagnosis of Ringworm
If any kind of skin infection or problem seems to be apparent on your dog, you should take him to a veterinarian as soon as possible. A vet can quickly diagnose any condition that might be ringworm and will have treatments available to cure it. Blood tests and skin scrapings are the usual method of testing for ringworm. Conditions that can cause a rash or other problem need to be ruled out to be sure it’s ringworm that is the culprit.
Treatment of Ringworm
Once diagnosed, treatment for ringworm will vary depending on the source. Usually, the culprit is fleas so your dog will have to be treated for fleas before the ringworm treatment can begin. The obvious first step will be to clean your home, your dog’s bedding area, and other areas where your dog has been.
A flea treatment can quickly eliminate fleas if the flea infestation gets out of control.
When your dog is rid of all fleas and/or ticks, ringworm will probably go away on their own in just a couple of weeks. However, medication, special baths, and other treatment options may be suggested by your vet for faster recovery.
Prevention
Preventing ringworm is the best way to care for it. If it never happens, it’s much easier to deal with. Since ringworm is usually caused by fleas, preventing fleas from getting to your dog is the best way to prevent ringworm.
Regular bathing, keeping the dog’s area clean, and using anti-flea remedies will keep your dog from getting ringworm.
If you suspect your dog has a skin condition such as ringworm, take your dog to a veterinarian right away. Fast diagnosis means easier treatment and it will be much less stressful on you and your dog if done quickly.
Ringworm may be caused by parasites or by fungal infections and is typically transmitted by fleas.
Symptoms of Ringworm
Recognising ringworm is key to treating it, and like most infections, the sooner it’s diagnosed, the easier it is to treat. Ringworm is uncomfortable for your dog and can lead to serious complications and infections. Watch for these signs:
1. Hair loss with a circular pattern, particularly on head and legs
2. Crusty-patterned, red circular patches on skin
3. Scratching and itching more than usual
Diagnosis of Ringworm
If any kind of skin infection or problem seems to be apparent on your dog, you should take him to a veterinarian as soon as possible. A vet can quickly diagnose any condition that might be ringworm and will have treatments available to cure it. Blood tests and skin scrapings are the usual method of testing for ringworm. Conditions that can cause a rash or other problem need to be ruled out to be sure it’s ringworm that is the culprit.
Treatment of Ringworm
Once diagnosed, treatment for ringworm will vary depending on the source. Usually, the culprit is fleas so your dog will have to be treated for fleas before the ringworm treatment can begin. The obvious first step will be to clean your home, your dog’s bedding area, and other areas where your dog has been.
A flea treatment can quickly eliminate fleas if the flea infestation gets out of control.
When your dog is rid of all fleas and/or ticks, ringworm will probably go away on their own in just a couple of weeks. However, medication, special baths, and other treatment options may be suggested by your vet for faster recovery.
Prevention
Preventing ringworm is the best way to care for it. If it never happens, it’s much easier to deal with. Since ringworm is usually caused by fleas, preventing fleas from getting to your dog is the best way to prevent ringworm.
Regular bathing, keeping the dog’s area clean, and using anti-flea remedies will keep your dog from getting ringworm.
If you suspect your dog has a skin condition such as ringworm, take your dog to a veterinarian right away. Fast diagnosis means easier treatment and it will be much less stressful on you and your dog if done quickly.
Thursday, 28 October 2010
Gundog Training at Ashby Folville Manor
Workinggundogs.co.uk have been providing home visits for gundog owners with puppies under 6 months of age for many months, this service offers clients best advice on the early stages of gundog training and any other issues relating to kenneling, health, nutrition and exercise requirements. They also establish a point of contact for any advice a client may require during those early stages of a gundogs development.
It is always a pleasure to visit our clients home's, when young pups are comfortable and confident in their normal surroundings and today was one of those special occasions, when our resident gundog trainer Stewart North was invited to help Mike Rimmington and his two young Labrador Retriever pups Sky & Beeby
Mike acquired his two young pups from a local breeder having seen both parents being worked on a nearby shoot.
After receiving a brief history lesson on Ashby Folville Manor, we spent some time on the lawns analysing the strengths and weakness of both pups, although both pups were shy, Beeby was particular nervous about coming in close to a stranger, Sky had no concern about introducing herself.
Its worth mentioning that although this Country House and Estate is a great place to train a working gundog, with undulating ground, natural obstacles, water, reed beds, live stock, woodland etc.... for me a trainers paradise!
A young dog still needs socialising with lots of people and other dogs, and yes the dreaded traffic noise, something the Manor cannot provide!
As always on any training assessment, we target a gundog's weakness, so started Beeby on some basic slip lead work, rewarding the dog to remain in the "comfort zone" and correcting the dog with the slip lead outside the "comfort zone".
Beeby resisted both reward and punishment in the early stages of this training exercise, but after a period of 15 minutes started to conform to the trainer's wishes and received just reward for doing so, albeit reluctantly received. As with most dogs under pressure to conform they are always looking for an escape opportunity and each time we walked back to the owner the dog made a decision to take flight, then realised it was attached to the lead!
After appropriate correction and reward the exercise was resumed until the dog showed little resistance to take flight.
We then tested Beeby's sit and stay tolerance at distance, occasionally returning to the dog to reward the stay. Quite remarkably the dog which had previous backed off from an approaching stranger suddenly had the confidence to stay and receive her reward.
After any obedience training session, its important to relax the dog and enjoy some constructive play, which we tried to encourage with a retrieve, both dogs did not show an immediate natural ability to pick up a retrieve, so we started to experiment with a number of different toys to stimulate a retrieve, Beeby despite being the nervous one of the 2, was the first one, to pick up a ball and bring it back half way, Sky was content to run out with Beeby and just investigate the retrieving object. She showed no ambition to retrieve it?
It is important to note that young gundogs should be trained individually, we have a number of clients who purchase 2 dogs from the same litter, presumably for the companionship, this makes training issues more difficult because inevitably comparisons are drawn, weaknesses are deferred or overlooked, because its easier to concentrate on strengths of the other dog, if its better?
There is no substitute for good foundation training on an individual basis.e
In this instance the weaker retrieving dog, will never gain confidence if the other dog is always first to the retrieve!
Both dogs are kenneled together, ideal for companionship and warmth in winter months, but the dogs are not learning to be on their own, try separating them for short periods, such that the one who remains at home does not become a noise nuisance every time one disappears.
Conclusion:
More work required on the lead individually, its so easy to walk dogs off lead on such an estate, without fear of traffic, but heelwork becomes sloppy, competitive and lazy. Good heelwork needs to be achieved on the lead!
Although obedience is very important too much in a young dog, reduces its ambition to hunt with self confidence, both dogs should be encouraged individually to hunt away from handler and investigate its surroundings.
Obedience will not be a problem with these dogs, under the right supervision?. I would prefer to see them retrieving more enthusiastically and showing a willingness to hunt and investigate their surroundings. There's plenty of time for obedience later!
Grade 1 Group Training would introduce them to other dogs and create a more tolerant and steady environment, we can also experiment with the retrieving.
Good luck with the training.
Monday, 25 October 2010
Tuesday, 19 October 2010
Gundog Walked Up Sugar Beet Training
We currently have availability on Friday 22nd October & Saturday 23rd October for individuals or small groups of 2 Spaniels & 2 Retrievers or 4 Spaniels or 4 Retrievers in Sugar Beet near Stamford Lincolnshire.
Training can be arrange on dummies, cold or live game.
Gundog Training for Owner or Gundog ?
Most gun dog training courses aren’t really for training dogs at all, they’re for training people, so you want to find one that is easy for you to understand.
Look for a course that focuses on training the owner first, because ultimately it is owner who is going to be training your dog, not the course itself!
http://workinggundogs.co.uk/GroupTraining.aspx
Look for a course that focuses on training the owner first, because ultimately it is owner who is going to be training your dog, not the course itself!
http://workinggundogs.co.uk/GroupTraining.aspx
Good Gun Dog Training Courses
Good gun dog training courses will focus on teaching you how your gundog thinks.
People and dogs have been living together for thousands of years, but your dog’s way of thinking is completely different than yours.
That’s why most people fail in training their gundog on their own and need help in the first place.
Look for a gundog training course that will teach you how your dog’s mind responds to things, and how to recognize certain gundog behavior and what it means.
That’s the mark of a winning gundog training course.
http://workinggundogs.co.uk/GradedGroupGundogTraining.aspx
People and dogs have been living together for thousands of years, but your dog’s way of thinking is completely different than yours.
That’s why most people fail in training their gundog on their own and need help in the first place.
Look for a gundog training course that will teach you how your dog’s mind responds to things, and how to recognize certain gundog behavior and what it means.
That’s the mark of a winning gundog training course.
http://workinggundogs.co.uk/GradedGroupGundogTraining.aspx
Saturday, 16 October 2010
Houghton Shoot Hollies Farm 161010
Another Excellent and Record Day at Hollies Farm
Guns
Stewart North
Tony Lee
Mike Rimmington
Bryn Aldridge
John Goodman
Andrew Branton
Paul Toseland
Neil Head
By Kind permission of Mr & Mrs. W Brookes
Thursday, 14 October 2010
Wednesday, 13 October 2010
Irish Water Spaniel Receives Gundog Training Award
Congratulations to Carole Jackson and Irish Water Spaniel Aoife, who have been gundog training with Stewart North at http://workinggundogs.co.uk over a period of several months.
Each training session was organised every 2 weeks to give Aoife the time to practise with carole who is new to Gundogs and the breed.
Grade 1 pass was presented by Mr David Field, who has considerable experience in training IWS.
Northamptonshire Gundog Training Students pass Grade 3
Congratulations to both Mr. Luke Bettridge & ESS Joe and Mr. Adrian Phillips & ESS Raffy who passed Grade 3 Gundog Training Assessment at http://workinggundogs.co.uk.Luke narrowly missed a Distinction by 1 point and Adrian missed a Merit by 1 point.
Both students have been attending gundog training classess with Professional Gundog Trainer Stewart North for the past 12 months. Both Springers have made such progress that they were invited to Creaton Grange Shoot and now from part of the beating team.
Gundog Training Distinction for Oakham Vet Catriona Laird & ESS Monty
Congratulations to Catriona Laird & English Springer Spaniel Monty who has been gundog training with Professional Gundog Trainer Stewart North at Launde near Oakham in Rutland for the past 12 months.
Catriona & Monty pictured with her partner Mr. John Peacock received distinction honors for grade 3 level at http://workinggundogs.co.uk. This award was presented by Mr. David Field, who is a kennel club registered judge on the B panel.
Also in the picture is Mr. Huw Smith with Tally who's ESS was not deem ready on the day of assessment.
Catriona & Monty pictured with her partner Mr. John Peacock received distinction honors for grade 3 level at http://workinggundogs.co.uk. This award was presented by Mr. David Field, who is a kennel club registered judge on the B panel.
Also in the picture is Mr. Huw Smith with Tally who's ESS was not deem ready on the day of assessment.
Monday, 11 October 2010
More Success with Working Gundogs Graded Training Assessments
Sunday 10th October saw the completion of 8 weeks structured gundog training for 18 students from the East Midlands. Our resident gundog trainer Stewart North managed to encourage 14 Students to take an independent assessment of their gundog handling skills, under the eyes of our Assessor Mr. David Field.
David has many years experience training a variety of gundog breeds, he is also a kennel club B Panel Retriever Judge, who enjoy's helping others develope a well balanced gundog.
We achieved a 100% pass rate for Grade 1, 100% for Grade 2 and 75% for Grade 3 each student received a certificate of achievement, acknowledging all their hard work over recent weeks.
Overall we had a 92% success rate.
We had an excellent turn out with a number of different gundog breeds and for the first time an Irish Water Spaniel passed our grade 1 level.
Structured Training is proving very popular with our clients, it gives them a set number of tasks to complete in a set time period, which does not suit everyone, but the majority of clients see progress towards a more obedient gundog, for purpose the dog was bred for..
Congratulations to
- Grade 1 Gundog Training
MERIT ~ Deborah Kirk & Chocolate Labrador Retriever Harvey
PASS ~ Carole Jackson & Irish Water Spaniel Aiofe
PASS ~ Sandra Jones & English Springer Spaniel Skie
PASS ~ Steven Marks & English Springer Spaniel Purdy
PASS ~ Deborah Kirk & Chocolate Labrador Retriever Holly
- Grade 2 Gundog Training
MERIT ~ Ian Marshall & Cocker Spaniel Sky
PASS ~ Craig Grabowski & English Springer Spaniel Bella
PASS ~ Caroline Matthew & Cocker Spaniel Blue
PASS ~ Claire Thomas & English Springer Spaniel Lottie
PASS ~ Ian Marshall & English Springer Spaniel Meg
- Grade 3 Gundog Training
DISTINCTION ~ Catriona Laird & English Springer Spaniel Monty
MERIT ~ Luke Bettridge & English Springer Spaniel Joe
MERIT ~ Adrian Phillips & English Springer Spaniel Raffy
NOT READY ~ Huw Smith & English Springer Spaniel Tally
Friday, 8 October 2010
Lindsay Palmer & Lace Mating 061010
Yuletide Mistletoe has another successful mating with Lindsey Palmer Labrador Bitch Lace.
Lindsay Palmer & Lace Mating 061010 - Working Gundogs - Picasa Web Albums
Saturday, 2 October 2010
Thursday, 30 September 2010
The RSPB Birdcrime Report
The RSPB Birdcrime Report as published by the Countryside Alliance
In July we reported that the RSPB's Birdcrime 2009 report was imminent. Now we have it we can report that, as in previous years, there are aspects of the report that are misleading.
The report should be a worthwhile and meaningful document, enabling resources to be targeted where they are most needed to prevent acts of illegal persecution. Instead, a half story emerges which is clearly pursuing an unbalanced agenda on birds of prey.
The RSPB took the inexplicable decision in 2009 to cease recording certain categories of incidents, such as the shooting and destruction of non bird of prey species. Therefore the 682 crimes against non birds of prey reported in 2008, an increase of 480% over the previous five years, are effectively sidelined by the Society. The RSPB does acknowledge that the figures supplied in this year's report fail to give a total figure for bird crime in the UK, rendering the report's title a misnomer.
The report is firmly focused on birds of prey and plays down the decrease in the number of incidents of illegal persecution against them. In the report's introduction, it states that the degree of overlap between the killing of birds of prey and driven grouse moor management in the uplands of England and Scotland is striking. Yet in 2009, of the 268 reported incidents of shooting and destruction of birds of prey, only 38 were confirmed, 16 of which were in the North of England. None have been directly linked to grouse moors. An RSPB spokesman's statement that conflict through the management of upland grouse shooting moors and estates in the North of England is the main problem for birds of prey is therefore totally unfounded.
The gulf between "reported" and "confirmed" cases is stark: 32 reported incidents of bird of prey persecution in Derbyshire, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Cheshire in 2009. Number of confirmed cases? Two. There is a notable lack of evidence available; anyone can report an incident, however inaccurate, and it will be included in the report, giving a skewed picture of the truth. If hardly any of those cases are confirmed, well, why get in the way of some scare statistics?
The inclusion of figures which showed that since 1990, Northumbria has been one of the highest areas for reported bird of prey persecution in England, carefully omitted to point out that in 2009 there were only two confirmed incidents; a significant reduction on the average numbers over the previous 19 years, and something to be welcomed . As far as prosecutions are concerned, the report provides the details of 23 individual wild bird related prosecutions in 2009, involving a total of 74 charges of which 51 were proven. All but one of those concerned non bird of prey species, and that was not even in England.
Dodgy data or not, we can agree that all organisations need to work together to put an end to wildlife crime. The formation of the National Wildlife Crime Unit is a significant step on the way to achieving that. Although the RSPB claims to want to work with land managers, it is going an extremely odd way about doing so, and the fact is that, unlike in the past, there are many that will understandably no longer have anything to do with the organisation.
The RSPB needs its support more than the other way round, and it needs to be careful in its scare-story attitude and approach if real progress is to be achieved.
In July we reported that the RSPB's Birdcrime 2009 report was imminent. Now we have it we can report that, as in previous years, there are aspects of the report that are misleading.
The report should be a worthwhile and meaningful document, enabling resources to be targeted where they are most needed to prevent acts of illegal persecution. Instead, a half story emerges which is clearly pursuing an unbalanced agenda on birds of prey.
The RSPB took the inexplicable decision in 2009 to cease recording certain categories of incidents, such as the shooting and destruction of non bird of prey species. Therefore the 682 crimes against non birds of prey reported in 2008, an increase of 480% over the previous five years, are effectively sidelined by the Society. The RSPB does acknowledge that the figures supplied in this year's report fail to give a total figure for bird crime in the UK, rendering the report's title a misnomer.
The report is firmly focused on birds of prey and plays down the decrease in the number of incidents of illegal persecution against them. In the report's introduction, it states that the degree of overlap between the killing of birds of prey and driven grouse moor management in the uplands of England and Scotland is striking. Yet in 2009, of the 268 reported incidents of shooting and destruction of birds of prey, only 38 were confirmed, 16 of which were in the North of England. None have been directly linked to grouse moors. An RSPB spokesman's statement that conflict through the management of upland grouse shooting moors and estates in the North of England is the main problem for birds of prey is therefore totally unfounded.
The gulf between "reported" and "confirmed" cases is stark: 32 reported incidents of bird of prey persecution in Derbyshire, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Cheshire in 2009. Number of confirmed cases? Two. There is a notable lack of evidence available; anyone can report an incident, however inaccurate, and it will be included in the report, giving a skewed picture of the truth. If hardly any of those cases are confirmed, well, why get in the way of some scare statistics?
The inclusion of figures which showed that since 1990, Northumbria has been one of the highest areas for reported bird of prey persecution in England, carefully omitted to point out that in 2009 there were only two confirmed incidents; a significant reduction on the average numbers over the previous 19 years, and something to be welcomed . As far as prosecutions are concerned, the report provides the details of 23 individual wild bird related prosecutions in 2009, involving a total of 74 charges of which 51 were proven. All but one of those concerned non bird of prey species, and that was not even in England.
Dodgy data or not, we can agree that all organisations need to work together to put an end to wildlife crime. The formation of the National Wildlife Crime Unit is a significant step on the way to achieving that. Although the RSPB claims to want to work with land managers, it is going an extremely odd way about doing so, and the fact is that, unlike in the past, there are many that will understandably no longer have anything to do with the organisation.
The RSPB needs its support more than the other way round, and it needs to be careful in its scare-story attitude and approach if real progress is to be achieved.
Wednesday, 22 September 2010
Thursday, 16 September 2010
Monday, 13 September 2010
Friday, 10 September 2010
Loros Shooting Championships Raised £8800
The 2010 LOROS Shooting Championships
Congratulations to John Strowbridge and the Avery team for their victory and to Bertie Hoskyns-Abrahall for cleaning up with a maximum ten for “Top Gun”. The full TEAM RESULTS are attached.
A total of £8,800 was raised for LOROS across the auction, heads and tails, and the gun dog scurry. So thank you for your support.
Winners of the Dog Gun Scurry:
The results of the 200m Scurry were:- Ruari - 43 seconds; Tilly - 55 seconds; Tamar - 2 mins 20 seconds; Poppy - 1 min 22 seconds; Beano - 1 min 16 seconds
Robert Franks, who guessed that Tilley would retrieve in 57 seconds was the closest guess across the board.
The winner of the 100m Scurry were:- Tilley - 46 seconds; Tamar - 1 min 36 seconds; Ruari - 37.5 seconds; Poppy - 2 mins 9 seconds; Beano - 1 min 43 seconds.
Vanessa Blackmore, who guessed that Tilley would retrieve in 45 seconds was the closest guess across the board. Only 1 second out!
Photos: Photos will be available on the Stapleford Forum website from this weekend. An email will come out to you, once they are up.
Simon Jacot de Boinod would like to thank in particular:
Dylan Williams 01491 672 900 www.rbss.co.uk
Chris Sturgess 0116 282 6868 www.sturgessgroup.com
Stewart North 07836 736 868 www.workinggundogs.co.uk
Marisa Spiteri 07702 372 434 www.loros.com
Congratulations to John Strowbridge and the Avery team for their victory and to Bertie Hoskyns-Abrahall for cleaning up with a maximum ten for “Top Gun”. The full TEAM RESULTS are attached.
A total of £8,800 was raised for LOROS across the auction, heads and tails, and the gun dog scurry. So thank you for your support.
Winners of the Dog Gun Scurry:
The results of the 200m Scurry were:- Ruari - 43 seconds; Tilly - 55 seconds; Tamar - 2 mins 20 seconds; Poppy - 1 min 22 seconds; Beano - 1 min 16 seconds
Robert Franks, who guessed that Tilley would retrieve in 57 seconds was the closest guess across the board.
The winner of the 100m Scurry were:- Tilley - 46 seconds; Tamar - 1 min 36 seconds; Ruari - 37.5 seconds; Poppy - 2 mins 9 seconds; Beano - 1 min 43 seconds.
Vanessa Blackmore, who guessed that Tilley would retrieve in 45 seconds was the closest guess across the board. Only 1 second out!
Photos: Photos will be available on the Stapleford Forum website from this weekend. An email will come out to you, once they are up.
Simon Jacot de Boinod would like to thank in particular:
Dylan Williams 01491 672 900 www.rbss.co.uk
Chris Sturgess 0116 282 6868 www.sturgessgroup.com
Stewart North 07836 736 868 www.workinggundogs.co.uk
Marisa Spiteri 07702 372 434 www.loros.com
Firearms Enquiry Article Countryside Alliance
Firearms Inquiry - remaining united by Countryside Alliance
You may have read in this week's "Shooting Times" that the Home Affairs Select Committee on firearms control "experienced such a large volume of emails from members of the shooting community submitting evidence to the current inquiry that its computers crashed". The magazine reports that, as at the submission deadline of 27th August, the clerk of the committee had received over 300 submissions; a huge number.
The Countryside Alliance has responded to the Inquiry and you can download our full submission here. As ever, we are working closely with the British Shooting Sports Council and are prepared to give oral evidence as the Inquiry continues.
It is to the shooting community's credit that you are prepared to face head on the repercussions of the awful events in Cumbria that prompted this Inquiry. We all agree that gun ownership is a serious responsibility for those who choose to accept it, and a maturity and openness must accompany that responsibility. We must always be prepared to make our case. We have a duty to ensure that the Committee has the benefit of our experience and knowledge of the technical, social and economic aspects of legally held firearms.
We already have some of the most stringent gun laws in the world. It is vital that any changes to the law as a result of the tragic events in Cumbria actually improve public safety and do not simply penalise law abiding shooters.
There will be a full parliamentary debate later in the autumn, and it is essential that the debate is fair and reasoned. The Alliance and other shooting organisations have been contacting members with a view to lobbying the many new MPs whose views on this subject are unknown. It is important that you lobby your MP to ensure that he or she understands some of the issues that will be raised. Click here for some key points to note when contacting your MP, and please feel free to borrow from our own submission.
The key issues being looked at by the Inquiry include the fitness for purpose of the current licensing system, airguns, the relationship between licence holders and their doctors and the justification for ownership of a shotgun. The three separate police inquiries into the Cumbrian killings are due to report and we remain concerned that the current Inquiry is looking at these issues before the full facts are known.
It would be tragic if Cumbria became a pretext to attack lawful shooting rather than a genuine exercise in learning any lessons from the events themselves.
Shooting, and those who defend it, will be under intense scrutiny throughout this winter and we must remain united.
You may have read in this week's "Shooting Times" that the Home Affairs Select Committee on firearms control "experienced such a large volume of emails from members of the shooting community submitting evidence to the current inquiry that its computers crashed". The magazine reports that, as at the submission deadline of 27th August, the clerk of the committee had received over 300 submissions; a huge number.
The Countryside Alliance has responded to the Inquiry and you can download our full submission here. As ever, we are working closely with the British Shooting Sports Council and are prepared to give oral evidence as the Inquiry continues.
It is to the shooting community's credit that you are prepared to face head on the repercussions of the awful events in Cumbria that prompted this Inquiry. We all agree that gun ownership is a serious responsibility for those who choose to accept it, and a maturity and openness must accompany that responsibility. We must always be prepared to make our case. We have a duty to ensure that the Committee has the benefit of our experience and knowledge of the technical, social and economic aspects of legally held firearms.
We already have some of the most stringent gun laws in the world. It is vital that any changes to the law as a result of the tragic events in Cumbria actually improve public safety and do not simply penalise law abiding shooters.
There will be a full parliamentary debate later in the autumn, and it is essential that the debate is fair and reasoned. The Alliance and other shooting organisations have been contacting members with a view to lobbying the many new MPs whose views on this subject are unknown. It is important that you lobby your MP to ensure that he or she understands some of the issues that will be raised. Click here for some key points to note when contacting your MP, and please feel free to borrow from our own submission.
The key issues being looked at by the Inquiry include the fitness for purpose of the current licensing system, airguns, the relationship between licence holders and their doctors and the justification for ownership of a shotgun. The three separate police inquiries into the Cumbrian killings are due to report and we remain concerned that the current Inquiry is looking at these issues before the full facts are known.
It would be tragic if Cumbria became a pretext to attack lawful shooting rather than a genuine exercise in learning any lessons from the events themselves.
Shooting, and those who defend it, will be under intense scrutiny throughout this winter and we must remain united.
Friday, 3 September 2010
Thursday, 2 September 2010
Blair and Hunting Countryside Alliance Gundogs
An article written by the Countryside Alliance
Blair and hunting - the truth
Tony Blair's reputation for not being wholly wedded to the truth has been supported by more important evidence than his behaviour over the Hunting Act, but that issue and his re-writing of history in his newly published memoir, 'A Journey,' typifies his delusion. In it he says that the hunting ban is "one of the domestic legislative measures I most regret," but claims he ensured that the Hunting Act was "a masterly British compromise" that left enough loopholes to allow hunting to continue "provided certain steps were taken to avoid cruelty when the fox is killed."
To anyone with the most limited understanding of the Parliamentary process that put the Act on the Statute Book this is complete and utter nonsense. Blair's Government, after a Government Inquiry and years of public and political debate, published a Hunting Bill in December 2002. That Bill did not seek to ban hunting. It would have allowed fox hunting and other activities to continue if they could persuade a tribunal they could meet twin tests based on 'utility' and 'cruelty'. The Bill would, however, have banned stag hunting and coursing outright. In defiance of all logic, but to no one's surprise, Labour MPs in the House of Commons rejected the Government's proposals for licensing and, led by Gerald Kaufman and the late Tony Banks, turned the bill into a complete ban on all hunting.
The House of Lords, however, was ready to compromise and instead of rejecting the ban entirely turned the Bill back into its original 'licensing' form. Although, after Defra Minister Alun Michael's claim that there was incontrovertible evidence that staghunting was cruel was condemned as 'scientifically illiterate' by the scientist who carried out the definitive study of staghunting, the Lords did amend the original licensing Bill to allow the tribunal to consider applications for a licence from all types of hunts. It also introduced a conservation element into the tests so that hunts could support license applications on the grounds of environmental benefits.
With only 20% of even Labour peers supporting it there was quite obviously no way that the House of Lords was ever going to support a total ban on hunting. Without the support of peers a ban could only be passed using the mighty constitutional hammer of the Parliament Acts (the very rarely used route by which Bills can become law without the assent of the House of Lords) which put Blair in a remarkably strong position to push through a classic New Labour 'middle way' resolution.
But by the summer of 2004 things were not going well for Blair in the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP). Iraq, Foundation Hospitals and any number of other unpopular policies were causing dissent in the ranks and at every PLP meeting one issue was at the top of backbenchers' agenda: they wanted the Hunting Act back in its banning form in a timescale that would engage the Parliament Act. Gerald Kaufman even wrote a comment piece in The Guardian stating that he would vote against the Government on Foundation Hospitals for the first time in his long, long parliamentary career if it did not give him a hunting ban. By July Chief Whip Hilary Armstrong and Leader of the House Peter Hain, never shy of trying to endear himself to his colleagues, went to Blair and told him that they could not hold the PLP unless he gave them their hunting ban, and he agreed in the full knowledge of exactly what he was doing.
For the first and only time in 13 years of Labour Government, Parliament was recalled in September. The Hunting Bill was brought back as a total ban and on September 15th 2004 it passed all stages in the Commons in one day despite massive demonstrations. Blair emerged from Downing Street to vote against the ban, but this act, like the denials in his book, was completely duplicitous. By bringing back the Bill and engaging the Parliament Act he had sabotaged a carefully crafted position which should have allowed the Government and parliament to agree a workable licensing regime.
The Daily Telegraph's Matt cartoon, November 2004
The law that was passed does not allow hunting to continue "provided certain steps were taken to avoid cruelty when the fox is killed". It bans nearly all hunting of nearly all species. This was not "a masterly British compromise," it was a craven retreat from evidence and logic for short term political ends. If there is any compromise it is in the enforcement of the law, and Blair can claim no credit for passing an Act which is both so illogical and so reviled by every single person it is meant to affect that the police take the view that they have better things to do than try and make it work.
Tony Blair's re-writing of history is not going to fool anyone. He, and he alone, was responsible for the rejection of the 'middle way' proposals for licensed hunting and the passing of a complete ban on all hunting. A compromise was on the table, but by bringing back the Hunting Bill as a complete ban in a timetable that allowed the Parliament Acts to be used he created one of the most illiberal, ineffective and wasteful laws of modern times. The fact that he knew what he was doing was wrong makes his actions more reprehensible, not less.
Blair and hunting - the truth
Tony Blair's reputation for not being wholly wedded to the truth has been supported by more important evidence than his behaviour over the Hunting Act, but that issue and his re-writing of history in his newly published memoir, 'A Journey,' typifies his delusion. In it he says that the hunting ban is "one of the domestic legislative measures I most regret," but claims he ensured that the Hunting Act was "a masterly British compromise" that left enough loopholes to allow hunting to continue "provided certain steps were taken to avoid cruelty when the fox is killed."
To anyone with the most limited understanding of the Parliamentary process that put the Act on the Statute Book this is complete and utter nonsense. Blair's Government, after a Government Inquiry and years of public and political debate, published a Hunting Bill in December 2002. That Bill did not seek to ban hunting. It would have allowed fox hunting and other activities to continue if they could persuade a tribunal they could meet twin tests based on 'utility' and 'cruelty'. The Bill would, however, have banned stag hunting and coursing outright. In defiance of all logic, but to no one's surprise, Labour MPs in the House of Commons rejected the Government's proposals for licensing and, led by Gerald Kaufman and the late Tony Banks, turned the bill into a complete ban on all hunting.
The House of Lords, however, was ready to compromise and instead of rejecting the ban entirely turned the Bill back into its original 'licensing' form. Although, after Defra Minister Alun Michael's claim that there was incontrovertible evidence that staghunting was cruel was condemned as 'scientifically illiterate' by the scientist who carried out the definitive study of staghunting, the Lords did amend the original licensing Bill to allow the tribunal to consider applications for a licence from all types of hunts. It also introduced a conservation element into the tests so that hunts could support license applications on the grounds of environmental benefits.
With only 20% of even Labour peers supporting it there was quite obviously no way that the House of Lords was ever going to support a total ban on hunting. Without the support of peers a ban could only be passed using the mighty constitutional hammer of the Parliament Acts (the very rarely used route by which Bills can become law without the assent of the House of Lords) which put Blair in a remarkably strong position to push through a classic New Labour 'middle way' resolution.
But by the summer of 2004 things were not going well for Blair in the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP). Iraq, Foundation Hospitals and any number of other unpopular policies were causing dissent in the ranks and at every PLP meeting one issue was at the top of backbenchers' agenda: they wanted the Hunting Act back in its banning form in a timescale that would engage the Parliament Act. Gerald Kaufman even wrote a comment piece in The Guardian stating that he would vote against the Government on Foundation Hospitals for the first time in his long, long parliamentary career if it did not give him a hunting ban. By July Chief Whip Hilary Armstrong and Leader of the House Peter Hain, never shy of trying to endear himself to his colleagues, went to Blair and told him that they could not hold the PLP unless he gave them their hunting ban, and he agreed in the full knowledge of exactly what he was doing.
For the first and only time in 13 years of Labour Government, Parliament was recalled in September. The Hunting Bill was brought back as a total ban and on September 15th 2004 it passed all stages in the Commons in one day despite massive demonstrations. Blair emerged from Downing Street to vote against the ban, but this act, like the denials in his book, was completely duplicitous. By bringing back the Bill and engaging the Parliament Act he had sabotaged a carefully crafted position which should have allowed the Government and parliament to agree a workable licensing regime.
The Daily Telegraph's Matt cartoon, November 2004
The law that was passed does not allow hunting to continue "provided certain steps were taken to avoid cruelty when the fox is killed". It bans nearly all hunting of nearly all species. This was not "a masterly British compromise," it was a craven retreat from evidence and logic for short term political ends. If there is any compromise it is in the enforcement of the law, and Blair can claim no credit for passing an Act which is both so illogical and so reviled by every single person it is meant to affect that the police take the view that they have better things to do than try and make it work.
Tony Blair's re-writing of history is not going to fool anyone. He, and he alone, was responsible for the rejection of the 'middle way' proposals for licensed hunting and the passing of a complete ban on all hunting. A compromise was on the table, but by bringing back the Hunting Bill as a complete ban in a timetable that allowed the Parliament Acts to be used he created one of the most illiberal, ineffective and wasteful laws of modern times. The fact that he knew what he was doing was wrong makes his actions more reprehensible, not less.
Saturday, 21 August 2010
Top UK Gundog Websites August 2010
Latest Traffic information can be obtained from
http://www.alexa.com/siteinfo/workinggundogs.co.uk##
1 thekennelclub.org.uk 192,902
2 shootinguk.co.uk 332,404
3 thefield.co.uk 1,123,079
4 dogtraininguk.com 1,360,556
5 thegundogclub.co.uk 1,364,042
6 ukgundogs.org 2,079,901
7 workinggundogs.co.uk 2,813,218
8 gundogtrainingforum.co.uk 3,798,145
9 itsaspringthing.co.uk 4,067,254
10 country-classifieds.com 4,802,630
11 csjk9.com 5,097,776
12 lamingtongundogs.co.uk 5,500,271
13 felsteadgundogs.com 5,945,862
14 questgundogs.co.uk 6,651,611
15 gundog.co.uk 6,675,733
16 sportinggundogs.co.uk 6,920,350
17 fallowfen.com 7,149,184
18 Gundoggear.co.uk 8,758,452
19 tawnyhillgundogs.co.uk 8,884,511
20 warrenbygundogs.co.uk 9,071,771
21 gearandgundogs.com 9,291,184
22 gundogkit.co.uk 9,336,117
23 gundogfinder.com 9,524,354
24 gundogsdirect.co.uk 9,727,116
http://www.alexa.com/siteinfo/workinggundogs.co.uk##
1 thekennelclub.org.uk 192,902
2 shootinguk.co.uk 332,404
3 thefield.co.uk 1,123,079
4 dogtraininguk.com 1,360,556
5 thegundogclub.co.uk 1,364,042
6 ukgundogs.org 2,079,901
7 workinggundogs.co.uk 2,813,218
8 gundogtrainingforum.co.uk 3,798,145
9 itsaspringthing.co.uk 4,067,254
10 country-classifieds.com 4,802,630
11 csjk9.com 5,097,776
12 lamingtongundogs.co.uk 5,500,271
13 felsteadgundogs.com 5,945,862
14 questgundogs.co.uk 6,651,611
15 gundog.co.uk 6,675,733
16 sportinggundogs.co.uk 6,920,350
17 fallowfen.com 7,149,184
18 Gundoggear.co.uk 8,758,452
19 tawnyhillgundogs.co.uk 8,884,511
20 warrenbygundogs.co.uk 9,071,771
21 gearandgundogs.com 9,291,184
22 gundogkit.co.uk 9,336,117
23 gundogfinder.com 9,524,354
24 gundogsdirect.co.uk 9,727,116
Monday, 16 August 2010
Gundog Obituary Lawton Evans
Mike Smith of Mailscot Gundogs recently issued an excellent Obituary of Lawton Evans 29th May 1935 - 11th January 2010
http://workinggundogs.co.uk/default.aspx
http://workinggundogs.co.uk/default.aspx
Tuesday, 10 August 2010
Group Gundog Training Oakham Rutland
Only a few more days left to book the remaining places for our grade 1, 2 & 3 gundog training courses starting Tuesday 17th August 2010.
Course will run for 8 weeks including assessment.
For more information
http://workinggundogs.co.uk/GroupTraining.aspx
Course will run for 8 weeks including assessment.
For more information
http://workinggundogs.co.uk/GroupTraining.aspx
Thursday, 29 July 2010
Review of Gun Legislation
Members of the shooting community have until 27th August to make submissions to a new inquiry into firearms control, set up by the Home Affairs Select Committee in the wake of the Cumbria shootings. Countryside Alliance has serious concerns that this inquiry has been set up before the results of the Cumbrian Police investigation have been announced, but we cannot simply ignore it.
The one million people who are licensed to shoot in the UK take their responsibilities in owning and using legal firearms incredibly seriously.
The CA are confident that their common sense approach will be represented to the Committee. CA will continue to work with the Government and relevant authorities to ensure that events like that which occurred in Cumbria are even less likely, but they make it clear that now is not the time for kneejerk legislation which has no effect whatsoever on reducing gun crime. As the Prime Minister observed, you cannot legislate for a switch flicking in someone's head.
The Committee, chaired by Keith Vaz MP, will examine whether or not there is a need for changes to the way in which firearms and/or shotgun certificates are issued, monitored or reviewed as a means of preventing gun violence. In particular the inquiry will focus on the extent to which legally-held guns are used in criminal activity and the relationship between gun control and gun crime, including the impact of the Firearms (Amendment) Acts 1997; whether or not the current laws governing firearms licensing are fit for purpose; proposals to improve information-sharing between medics and the police in respect of gun licensing; information-sharing between police and prisons in assessing the risk of offenders who may have access to firearms and the danger presented by, and legislation regulating, airguns.
Shooting is worth £1.6 billion to the UK economy, supporting the equivalent of 70,000jobs and shooters spend £250 million a year on habitat and wildlife management.
Those who play a part in this are not the criminals. We cannot turn the clock back to take away what happened in Cumbria on that dreadful day, but we can make our case calmly and with common sense; now is not time for over-reaction, but for proceeding on the facts - and everyone who shoots should help to provide those facts.
You can respond via email to homeaffcom@parliament.uk or in writing to
Home Affairs Committee
House of Commons
7 Millbank
London SW1P 3JA
Telephone 020 7219 3276
Click here http://tinyurl.com/364mdhh for a note on written evidence from the Committee's website.
The Committee is seeking written submissions of no more than 2,500 words from interested parties, before it takes oral evidence on this inquiry. Organisations and individuals interested in making written submissions are invited to do so by Friday 27th August 2010.
Go to http://tinyurl.com/3a85vrufor more information on our shooting campaign and on Countryside Alliance work following the shootings in Cumbria.
The one million people who are licensed to shoot in the UK take their responsibilities in owning and using legal firearms incredibly seriously.
The CA are confident that their common sense approach will be represented to the Committee. CA will continue to work with the Government and relevant authorities to ensure that events like that which occurred in Cumbria are even less likely, but they make it clear that now is not the time for kneejerk legislation which has no effect whatsoever on reducing gun crime. As the Prime Minister observed, you cannot legislate for a switch flicking in someone's head.
The Committee, chaired by Keith Vaz MP, will examine whether or not there is a need for changes to the way in which firearms and/or shotgun certificates are issued, monitored or reviewed as a means of preventing gun violence. In particular the inquiry will focus on the extent to which legally-held guns are used in criminal activity and the relationship between gun control and gun crime, including the impact of the Firearms (Amendment) Acts 1997; whether or not the current laws governing firearms licensing are fit for purpose; proposals to improve information-sharing between medics and the police in respect of gun licensing; information-sharing between police and prisons in assessing the risk of offenders who may have access to firearms and the danger presented by, and legislation regulating, airguns.
Shooting is worth £1.6 billion to the UK economy, supporting the equivalent of 70,000jobs and shooters spend £250 million a year on habitat and wildlife management.
Those who play a part in this are not the criminals. We cannot turn the clock back to take away what happened in Cumbria on that dreadful day, but we can make our case calmly and with common sense; now is not time for over-reaction, but for proceeding on the facts - and everyone who shoots should help to provide those facts.
You can respond via email to homeaffcom@parliament.uk or in writing to
Home Affairs Committee
House of Commons
7 Millbank
London SW1P 3JA
Telephone 020 7219 3276
Click here http://tinyurl.com/364mdhh for a note on written evidence from the Committee's website.
The Committee is seeking written submissions of no more than 2,500 words from interested parties, before it takes oral evidence on this inquiry. Organisations and individuals interested in making written submissions are invited to do so by Friday 27th August 2010.
Go to http://tinyurl.com/3a85vrufor more information on our shooting campaign and on Countryside Alliance work following the shootings in Cumbria.
Working Gundog Cockers Stolen Bedfordshire
http://www.gundogtrainingforum.co.uk/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=4265
http://www.doglost.co.uk/dog_blog.php?dogId=24329
http://www.doglost.co.uk/dog_blog.php?dogId=24330
Its worrying when these things are happening not so far away and worth spreading the word so working dog owners are vigilant about their own dogs and also to make sure that these stolen dogs become too hot to handle or sell on.
Kind Regards
Stewart North
http://workinggundogs.co.uk
http://www.doglost.co.uk/dog_blog.php?dogId=24329
http://www.doglost.co.uk/dog_blog.php?dogId=24330
Its worrying when these things are happening not so far away and worth spreading the word so working dog owners are vigilant about their own dogs and also to make sure that these stolen dogs become too hot to handle or sell on.
Kind Regards
Stewart North
http://workinggundogs.co.uk
Wednesday, 28 July 2010
Graded Gundog Training Group Course 1st August Brixworth
We have just a few places available for the start of graded gundog training at Brixworth, Northamptonshire. All enquiries 07836736868 or via the web
http://workinggundogs.co.uk/GundogTraining.aspx
http://workinggundogs.co.uk/GundogTraining.aspx
Research into a Labradors Life for Disease Prevention
What are the aims of Dogslife?
•To determine the incidence (frequency) of disease in the UK Labrador Retriever dog population, within their first year of life.
•To identify environmental risk factors for the development of the most common diseases.
•To encourage responsible pet ownership within the general dog owning public.
•To provide a platform to allow the study of canine health over a period of time (longitudinal study).
•To provide a tested framework to facilitate similar studies in other breeds.
http://www.dogslife.ac.uk/home
•To determine the incidence (frequency) of disease in the UK Labrador Retriever dog population, within their first year of life.
•To identify environmental risk factors for the development of the most common diseases.
•To encourage responsible pet ownership within the general dog owning public.
•To provide a platform to allow the study of canine health over a period of time (longitudinal study).
•To provide a tested framework to facilitate similar studies in other breeds.
http://www.dogslife.ac.uk/home
Wednesday, 21 July 2010
Welcome Wendy Sycamore & Labrador Retriever Ruby
Welcome to new client Wendy Sycamore & Labrador Retriever Ruby, who recently started 1;1 training at Working Gundogs primarily from obedience training. Ruby has presented numerous challenges with the basics of heel, sit & stay, because of the freedom previously aloud by wendy. Wendy is now becoming a much more assertive leader, exercised with patience and consisitency.
Wednesday, 14 July 2010
Gundog Training Labrador Retriever Minnar
Sarah Gullan Whur and Labrador Retriever Minnar recently completed Grade 2 Gundog Training, Sarah is a typical client who has no immediate aspiration to get involved with gundog work, but found our obedience and retrieving training
suited both their needs at this stage in the dogs development.
suited both their needs at this stage in the dogs development.Loros Shooting Championship Launch Party Stapleford Park
Exciting times at Stapleford Park, Stewart North our resident professional gundog trainer was invited by Shuif Hussain & Simon Jacot de Boinod to the Loros Shooting Championship Launch Party, the guest list was extensive, a very enjoyable atmosphere created the desired momentum for whats looks to be a very entertaining event in September. More details to follow.
Monday, 5 July 2010
Gundog Training Award Chris Busse Grade 2 Retriever Rutland
Congratulations to Chris Busse & Labrador Retriever Willow who recieved a Grade 2 PASS at a recent gundog assessment judged by Mr. D Field and organised by our Gundog Trainer Mr. S North.
Chris has been attending Working Gundogs Group training Course in Rutland for 8 weeks, weakness on heelwork and delivery lost Chris a few marks but overall Willow performed well.
New training Courses starting in Rutland soon.
http://workinggundogs.co.uk/GundogTrainingAwardsRutland.aspx
Gundog Training Award James Roote GSP Grade 1 DISTINCTION Leicestershire
Congratulations to James Roote and German Shorthared Pointer Arthur were awared with a Grade 1 Distinction after training at Working Gundogs for 8 weeks at Great Glen Leicestershire.
Assessments were carried out by Mr. D Field who is an experienced kennel club judge and takes a keen interest in the training of numerous gundog breeds.
Working Gundogs Trainer Stewart North has only been training HPR's over the last 2 years. In this time our trainer has recognised that these breeds can be very sensitive, its important to maintain a balance of obedience and hunting skills if these dogs are to reach their full potential.
New Training Course starting soon
Monday, 28 June 2010
Welcome Daniel Chilver & Labrador Retriever Charlie
Daniel & 3 year old Labrador Retriever Charlie recently joined working gundogs group training program, after 6 weeks 1:1 training.
Daniel had been struggling with Charlies behaviour especially on recall and distractions.
Daniel is a typical client who just wants a dog, without being embarrassed, he had no particular desire to work the dog, just wants to be able to control his dog in the vacinity of other dogs and enjoy working relationship with basic retrieving skills. Daniel was not interested in carrying any formal assessment, and is happy with the progress of his dog.
Welcome Amanda Smith & Chocolate Labrador Archie
Amanda & Archie recently joined one of group training sessions and has made such progress completing grade 2 work, that Archie has become much more easy to control.
Amanda is one of our typical clients that loves their dog so much, she found it very difficult to demonstrate any assertive leadership.
After a few tears, and a very strict regime change, it was not too long before Archie started to change his behaviour and Amanda developed some leadership skills, which created a mutual respect of each other.
Welcome New Client Juliet Martin & Labrador Retriever Reggie
Juliet & Reggie recently joined one of our group training sessions and has now completed grade 2
Juliet was struggling to control Reggie as a pup, and sought advice from working gundogs on basic problems of Heelwork, sit. stay & recall.
Juliet was so desparate to control Reggie behaviour a vet advise to have the dog castrated, which juliet reluctantly agreed to as she was not considering any future breeding.
Our Trainer advise against this, but reggie had the Op and came for training after a few days.
Reggie is proving to be a first class retriever, despite Juliet having no aspirations to participate in a shooting environment.
Gundog Training has given Juliet some structure and ideas to keep Reggie interested, he is no longer 4 legs of trouble and frustration!
Welcome New Client Dr K Nuberg and Labrador Retriever Jasper
Dr Nuberg & Jasper recently started private 1:1 gundog training with working gundogs and has progress to grade 2 level very quickly.
Kim and his family struggled with Jasper behaviour prior to gundog training which has now given them a structure and the dog has improved significantly.
Being a GP based in Loughborough and having a very young family time is at a premium, Kim has found that channelling Jasper energy into something positive is proving very rewarding.
Welcome New Client Yvonne Flavell & ESS Teasel
Workinggundogs.co.uk Moves into the Top 10 Gundog Websites
Workinggundogs.co.uk is one of the fastest growing gundog websites, we have just reached an average of 4000 visitors a month.
The data has been obtained from alexa.com on the 28th June 2010, if you aware of any other web site suitable for this index, please send an email via web site. http://workinggundogs.co.uk
Index, Web site, Traffic Rank, Avargae Time on site/visitor, GB ranking. Web designed
1 thekennelclub.org.uk 217,662 2.57 11906
2 shootinguk.co.uk 315,269 2.48 20042
3 gundog.co.uk 1,079,678 22.16 No Ranking
4 ukgundogs.org 1,179,738 3.2 74560 07/07/2001
5 thegundogclub.co.uk 1,332,063 4.15 84591
6 thefield.co.uk 1,360,588 2.02 73548
7 dogtraininguk.com 1,682,094 2.43 90730 22/01/2004
8 csjk9.com 2,091,843 3.08 No Ranking 22/11/1999
9 workinggundogs.co.uk 2,747,526 4.29 146439 01/03/2009
10 gundogtrainingforum.co 2,856,067 3.09 No Ranking
11 itsaspringthing.co.uk 2,965,390 0.47 134831
12 questgundogs.co.uk 3,604,893 2.33
13 gundogfinder.com 4,054,992 2.59
14 blackgundog.com 5,834,026 4.28
15 turnerrichards.co.uk 6,116,141 1.23 21/01/2000
16 warrenbygundogs.co.uk 7,096,752 2.45
17 lamingtongundogs.co.uk 9,437,763 3.05
18 gearandgundogs.com 9,548,296 0.63 10/01/2005
19 Gundoggear.co.uk 10,994,472 0
20 dovevalleygundogs.com 12,253,334 4.37 17/01/2000
21 gundogkit.co.uk 15,665,711 1.54
22 gundogsdirect.co.uk 15,772,047 0
23 waynnsongundogs.co.uk 19,081,843 0.53
24 gundog-magazine.com 25,237,007 0
This information is subject to change by the hour.
The data has been obtained from alexa.com on the 28th June 2010, if you aware of any other web site suitable for this index, please send an email via web site. http://workinggundogs.co.uk
Index, Web site, Traffic Rank, Avargae Time on site/visitor, GB ranking. Web designed
1 thekennelclub.org.uk 217,662 2.57 11906
2 shootinguk.co.uk 315,269 2.48 20042
3 gundog.co.uk 1,079,678 22.16 No Ranking
4 ukgundogs.org 1,179,738 3.2 74560 07/07/2001
5 thegundogclub.co.uk 1,332,063 4.15 84591
6 thefield.co.uk 1,360,588 2.02 73548
7 dogtraininguk.com 1,682,094 2.43 90730 22/01/2004
8 csjk9.com 2,091,843 3.08 No Ranking 22/11/1999
9 workinggundogs.co.uk 2,747,526 4.29 146439 01/03/2009
10 gundogtrainingforum.co 2,856,067 3.09 No Ranking
11 itsaspringthing.co.uk 2,965,390 0.47 134831
12 questgundogs.co.uk 3,604,893 2.33
13 gundogfinder.com 4,054,992 2.59
14 blackgundog.com 5,834,026 4.28
15 turnerrichards.co.uk 6,116,141 1.23 21/01/2000
16 warrenbygundogs.co.uk 7,096,752 2.45
17 lamingtongundogs.co.uk 9,437,763 3.05
18 gearandgundogs.com 9,548,296 0.63 10/01/2005
19 Gundoggear.co.uk 10,994,472 0
20 dovevalleygundogs.com 12,253,334 4.37 17/01/2000
21 gundogkit.co.uk 15,665,711 1.54
22 gundogsdirect.co.uk 15,772,047 0
23 waynnsongundogs.co.uk 19,081,843 0.53
24 gundog-magazine.com 25,237,007 0
This information is subject to change by the hour.
Dick White Referrals Open Day Working Gun Dog Display 27th June 2010
Workinggundogs.co.uk provided
Dick White Referrals, Cambridge (Specialist Veterinary Services)
with a Working Gundog Display at Six Mile Bottom on 27th June 2010.
The event was well attended with several hundred people in glorious weather, who found the event interesting and educational.
Visitors enjoyed a variety of events including Dog agility and obedience, Newfoundland Display, Terrier racing, Face Painting, Fire Engine, Italian Spinone club, Nova Scotis Duck Tollers, Guide Dogs, Pat Dogs
The event also raised a considerable amount for Aniplant, a partner charity in Cuba which looks after street Cats & Dogs.
Photographs of those taking part in the display can be viewed via
The demonstration included basic foundation work of heel, sit, stay, recall and retrieve with some very young retrievers and spaniels, progressing to more intermediate handling skills of stop whistle, directions, distractions, and hunting patterns.
Congratualtions to those involved in the team Bel Grundy and Labrador Retriever Harley, Alex Hayes and English Springer Spaniel Pop, Susan Sharman and Labrador Retriever Algie, Carol Hayes and English Springer Spaniel Fudge, Dawn Williamson with Cocker Spaniels Saffie and Tegan, the team commentator was Stewart North Midlands Gundog Trainer.
Details of future gundog training classes can be obtained from
Thursday, 24 June 2010
Working Gundog Scurry Raised £240 for Cancer Research
Fathers Day Lunch, at Sir David & Lady Samworth home on sunday 20th June turned out to be a triumph raisng a total of £1740 for cancer research in Leicestershire & Rutland.
A Gundog Scurry provided 15 minutes of exciting entertainment during the afternoon, with Retrivers Poppy, Tilly, Beano, Ruari and Golden Retriever Tamar completing a 100m retrieve over 1.2m high hunting fence without any handling.
Guests enjoyed the competition and placed bets on each retriever. The eventual winner was Golden Retriever Tamar who completed the task in 29 seconds.
The scurry raised £240.oo.
Contact http://workinggundogs.co.uk/ for guidence on all gundog training issues.
A Gundog Scurry provided 15 minutes of exciting entertainment during the afternoon, with Retrivers Poppy, Tilly, Beano, Ruari and Golden Retriever Tamar completing a 100m retrieve over 1.2m high hunting fence without any handling.
Guests enjoyed the competition and placed bets on each retriever. The eventual winner was Golden Retriever Tamar who completed the task in 29 seconds.
The scurry raised £240.oo.
Contact http://workinggundogs.co.uk/ for guidence on all gundog training issues.
Friday, 11 June 2010
Monday, 7 June 2010
Sunday, 6 June 2010
Duchess of Devonshire presents Stewart North & Golden Retriever Tamar with COM on behalf of the UK Kennel Club
The Duchess of Devonshire presenting Professional Gundog Trainer Stewart North & Golden Retriever Penmead House Tamar with a COM at the Annual Kennel Club Working Tests.
Stewart has been training this gundog on behalf of Mrs G Clarke, Leicestershire for the last 12 months. Tamar is only 2 years of age, and showing great potential.
Tamar had a great day on the Chatsworth Moor, the marking ability and hunting style of this gundog is a pleasure to watch.
Tamar dropped the dummy after a water retrieve, which lost her significant points.
Sire Haddeo Noble, Dam Coobswater Cloe
Duchess of Devonshire presents Stewart North & Tilly with COM at the kennel Club Gundog Annual Working Tests
The UK kennel Club held its annual working tests at Chatsworth Estate by the Kind permission of the Duke & Duchess of Devonshire June 2010
Duchess of Devonshire presents a certificate of merit to professional Gundog Trainer Stewart North on behalf of the Kennel Club with Novice Retriever Ballagan Handa (Tilly)
Sire Stockiemuir Whiskey Tan
Dam Ballagan Kittyhawk.
http://workinggundogs.co.uk had a very successful weekend gaining awards on two Novice Retrievers, Tilly & Tamar, and one Novice Spaniel Biscuit Owner/handled by Katie Evans.
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