In June this year, Jemima Harrison informed the Kennel Club and others know that the BBC has commissioned her to make a follow-up film to Pedigree Dogs Exposed, to explore what impact the film had and to assess what progress has been made in addressing conformation and genetic issues in purebred dogs since 2008.
PDE 2 will be what the BBC call a "personal view" film - acknowledging, as of course I have to, how involved I have become in this issue since making Pedigree Dogs Exposed.
There has been no response from the Kennel Club yet. Jennifer is keen for the KC to have a voice in the film so hope they will decide to take part and to let me film at one or two dog shows between now and the end of the year so we can see what progress has been made since PDE, particularly as regards the "high-profile" breeds.
Read her blog
It was also interesting to read that a group called "STOP THE BBC PRODUCING ANOTHER PDE" had been formed attracting some 2500 members on facebook, which has since been removed by facebook.
Details of its creation can be found here
FACE BOOK has since removed this group, which I have some sympathy with , if we continue prevent people or journalists from speaking out, large insitutions, such as the kennel club will never be held to account for their actions. The Kennel Club is self regulated, unlike the our press and banks, which have proven even when regulated to use their power for there own interest!
I want to see an investigation expose the reality and give an opportunity of supporters and complainants to voice their opinons and evidence such that a balance view is obtained.
Sunday, 31 July 2011
Thursday, 28 July 2011
Health Care Tips for Older Gundogs
When Your Gundog is getting older and whines terribly each time you leave home without him. But do you really need to retire a gundog at age nine, 10 or 11?
Assuming he’s physically sound, there’s no reason a gundog can’t hunt through most of his golden years. But for his safety and your peace of mind, you have to make sure he’s as healthy as he can be.
Here are some health care tips for older gundogs.
Tuesday, 19 July 2011
Google Plus 1 Project? will this correct artificial rankings?
What Is The Need for Google Plus Project?
If we go back to the start of Google, part of their objective was to be the world’s information source. To that end, any information including communications, are fair game to be pooled under one roof for better accessing, interpretation and availability based on content relevancy. Information from social communities certainly falls into the process of aggregating information and in line with Google’s objectives.
Secondly, a few years ago if you logged into your Google account, you had the option of commenting on web pages in search results. I think it took one comment to realize that nothing we did would have an effect on website rankings, because the comments were only relative for our own account. Now why would I comment on web pages if my comments are not shared with anyone? Exactly! So, the comment we had on our own website is no longer there and the Google Plus Project seems to have replaced this feature more effectively. Now, all comments, ticks, etc. are shared with people in our community. Certainly seems to be more effective for web marketing.
Perhaps not the last reason, but certainly another important reason, would be related to anti-spam. Google has always sought out ways to reduce spam in the search results. So much so, that it has made it more difficult and complicated for businesses to rank legitimate information and websites (this is also known as job security for web marketers!).
Spammers have infiltrated social communities and found ways to get their information indexed through these communities and/or impacted search engine results for their websites. Since most popular social communities are not as good as Google in terms of anti-spam, one would expect Google to take a pro-active role. Content in the project can be better monitored (aka controlled) to minimize spam, fraud and less reputable websites.
If we go back to the start of Google, part of their objective was to be the world’s information source. To that end, any information including communications, are fair game to be pooled under one roof for better accessing, interpretation and availability based on content relevancy. Information from social communities certainly falls into the process of aggregating information and in line with Google’s objectives.
Secondly, a few years ago if you logged into your Google account, you had the option of commenting on web pages in search results. I think it took one comment to realize that nothing we did would have an effect on website rankings, because the comments were only relative for our own account. Now why would I comment on web pages if my comments are not shared with anyone? Exactly! So, the comment we had on our own website is no longer there and the Google Plus Project seems to have replaced this feature more effectively. Now, all comments, ticks, etc. are shared with people in our community. Certainly seems to be more effective for web marketing.
Perhaps not the last reason, but certainly another important reason, would be related to anti-spam. Google has always sought out ways to reduce spam in the search results. So much so, that it has made it more difficult and complicated for businesses to rank legitimate information and websites (this is also known as job security for web marketers!).
Spammers have infiltrated social communities and found ways to get their information indexed through these communities and/or impacted search engine results for their websites. Since most popular social communities are not as good as Google in terms of anti-spam, one would expect Google to take a pro-active role. Content in the project can be better monitored (aka controlled) to minimize spam, fraud and less reputable websites.
Thursday, 7 July 2011
Gundog Training Testimonial Show Spaniel
Andria Warren Show Spaniel ~ Mable ~ NorthamptonshireI am not the traditional attendant for gundog training as I have a cocker spaniel, from mostly show lines. I knew training Mable would be a challenging experience for both me and Mable and my trainer Stewart but I feel the training has been really beneficial and enjoyable.
read more
Monday, 4 July 2011
Working Gundog Graded Field Assessments 3rd July 2011
Working Gundog Graded Training Field Assessments
3rd July 2011 ~ Leicestershire
Congratulations to those students who passed their graded assessments, disspointments for two grade 4 and one grade 3 student as their dogs did not perform on the day.
Out of 14 students who started group training courses back in May 2011, 13 finished the course and 11 completed the graded field assessments, unfortunatley 2 students could not make the assessments, Ben & Millie got lost on route ! and Catriona Spaniel Monty was not fit due to a recent operation. 1 Student left a grade 1 course who deemed it unsuitable.
Stats
93% of students complete courses.
84% of students completing course go on to complete the assessments.
78% of students pass their graded assessments
GRADE 4 MERIT for WORKING COCKER BRAMBLE !
After 7 weeks training nearly all of students entered their gundogs for an independent graded field assessment covering basic and novice gundog foundation training for Spaniels and Retrievers.
On this occasion we had four grade 4 spaniels taking an assessments, which involves blind retrieves, jumping fences, hunting in medium cover, long and short marks with shot, all dogs needed to demonstrate steadiness, hunting pattern, good marking and handling skills.
Training Groups from the East Midlands met at our training ground at Houghton on the Hill, Leicestershire, weather was very hot and humid.
Assessments are carried out independently by another professional gundog trainer who has not seen or trained any of the applicants, other than in previous grades, we like to think this gives more reward and credibility to the achievement.
Assessments on this occasion were conducted by Mr. David Field, who is a kennel club B Panel Judge, he has many years experience in training a number of gundogs breeds and like our own trainer wants to see more people enjoy working their gundogs for the purpose, which they were bred for.
Grade 1 Results
James Rose & English Springer Spaniel PASS
Claire Greenwood & Chocolate Labrador Reriever PASS
Susan March & Golden Retriever MERIT
Sharon Lee & Brittany Spaniel MERIT
Grade 2 Results
Carole Williams & Chocolate Labrador Retriever PASS
Ian Butcher & Flat Coated Retriever MERIT
Grade 3 Results
Claire Thomas & English Springer Spaniel NOT READY
Ann Lester & English Springer Spaniel PASS
Dawn Williamson & Cocker MERIT
Grade 4 Results
Adrian Phillips & Raffy NOT READY
Peter Wright & Purdey NOT READY
John Billings & Raffles PASS
Paul Toseland & Bramble MERIT
Further reports & photo's can be found on our facebook page and website
3rd July 2011 ~ Leicestershire
Congratulations to those students who passed their graded assessments, disspointments for two grade 4 and one grade 3 student as their dogs did not perform on the day.
Out of 14 students who started group training courses back in May 2011, 13 finished the course and 11 completed the graded field assessments, unfortunatley 2 students could not make the assessments, Ben & Millie got lost on route ! and Catriona Spaniel Monty was not fit due to a recent operation. 1 Student left a grade 1 course who deemed it unsuitable.
Stats
93% of students complete courses.
84% of students completing course go on to complete the assessments.
78% of students pass their graded assessments
GRADE 4 MERIT for WORKING COCKER BRAMBLE !
After 7 weeks training nearly all of students entered their gundogs for an independent graded field assessment covering basic and novice gundog foundation training for Spaniels and Retrievers.
On this occasion we had four grade 4 spaniels taking an assessments, which involves blind retrieves, jumping fences, hunting in medium cover, long and short marks with shot, all dogs needed to demonstrate steadiness, hunting pattern, good marking and handling skills.
Training Groups from the East Midlands met at our training ground at Houghton on the Hill, Leicestershire, weather was very hot and humid.
Assessments are carried out independently by another professional gundog trainer who has not seen or trained any of the applicants, other than in previous grades, we like to think this gives more reward and credibility to the achievement.
Assessments on this occasion were conducted by Mr. David Field, who is a kennel club B Panel Judge, he has many years experience in training a number of gundogs breeds and like our own trainer wants to see more people enjoy working their gundogs for the purpose, which they were bred for.
Grade 1 Results
James Rose & English Springer Spaniel PASS
Claire Greenwood & Chocolate Labrador Reriever PASS
Susan March & Golden Retriever MERIT
Sharon Lee & Brittany Spaniel MERIT
Grade 2 Results
Carole Williams & Chocolate Labrador Retriever PASS
Ian Butcher & Flat Coated Retriever MERIT
Grade 3 Results
Claire Thomas & English Springer Spaniel NOT READY
Ann Lester & English Springer Spaniel PASS
Dawn Williamson & Cocker MERIT
Grade 4 Results
Adrian Phillips & Raffy NOT READY
Peter Wright & Purdey NOT READY
John Billings & Raffles PASS
Paul Toseland & Bramble MERIT
Further reports & photo's can be found on our facebook page and website
Sunday, 3 July 2011
Working Gundog Graded Field Assessments 23rd April 2011
Working Gundog Graded Training Field Assessments
23rd April 2011 ~ Northamptonshire
Congratulations to those students who passed their graded assessments, if we exclude those who attended just to take the test, 80% of of our group training clients who take the test are passing their grades.
MERITS FOR FLAT COATED & LABRADOR RETRIEVERS !
After 7 weeks training a number of students entered their gundogs for an independent graded field assessments covering basic gundog foundation training for Spaniels, Retrievers and HPR's.
On this occasion we had a very wide cross section of breeds, Show Cocker, Labrador Cross, Chocolate Labradors, Munsterlander, Sprocker,Flat Coated Retriever and Labrador Retrievers.
Out of the 9 Assessments, 7 of the gundogs had undergone 6/7 weeks training prior to the assessments, which started back in February 2011. 8 Students started group training in February, 5 dogs went on to take assessments, 2 dogs were not ready at the end of course and 1 was on holiday. All students starting the course completed the course.
Training Groups from the East Midlands met at our training ground at Creaton near Brixworth, Northamptonshire, weather was very good.
Assessments are carried out independently by another professional gundog trainer who has not seen or trained any of the applicants, other than in previous grades, we like to think this gives more reward and credibility to the achievement.
Assessments on this occasion were conducted by Mr. David Field, who is a kennel club B Panel Judge, he has many years experience in training a number of gundogs breeds and like our own trainer wants to see more people enjoy working their gundogs for the purpose, which they were bred for.
Grade 1 Results
Roger Billson & Munsterlander NOT READY
Ben Cleave & Labrador Reriever PASS
James De-Wit & Hungarian Vizsla PASS
Carole Williams & Chocolate Labrador PASS
Ian Butcher & Flat Coated Retriever MERIT
Grade 2 Results
Chris French & Sprocker NOT READY
Ruth Sheehan & Labraor Cross PASS
Andrea Warren & Show Cocker PASS
Paula Harriss & Labrador Retriever Scouse MERIT
Further reports & photo's can be found on our facebook page and website
23rd April 2011 ~ Northamptonshire
Congratulations to those students who passed their graded assessments, if we exclude those who attended just to take the test, 80% of of our group training clients who take the test are passing their grades.
MERITS FOR FLAT COATED & LABRADOR RETRIEVERS !
After 7 weeks training a number of students entered their gundogs for an independent graded field assessments covering basic gundog foundation training for Spaniels, Retrievers and HPR's.
On this occasion we had a very wide cross section of breeds, Show Cocker, Labrador Cross, Chocolate Labradors, Munsterlander, Sprocker,Flat Coated Retriever and Labrador Retrievers.
Out of the 9 Assessments, 7 of the gundogs had undergone 6/7 weeks training prior to the assessments, which started back in February 2011. 8 Students started group training in February, 5 dogs went on to take assessments, 2 dogs were not ready at the end of course and 1 was on holiday. All students starting the course completed the course.
Training Groups from the East Midlands met at our training ground at Creaton near Brixworth, Northamptonshire, weather was very good.
Assessments are carried out independently by another professional gundog trainer who has not seen or trained any of the applicants, other than in previous grades, we like to think this gives more reward and credibility to the achievement.
Assessments on this occasion were conducted by Mr. David Field, who is a kennel club B Panel Judge, he has many years experience in training a number of gundogs breeds and like our own trainer wants to see more people enjoy working their gundogs for the purpose, which they were bred for.
Grade 1 Results
Roger Billson & Munsterlander NOT READY
Ben Cleave & Labrador Reriever PASS
James De-Wit & Hungarian Vizsla PASS
Carole Williams & Chocolate Labrador PASS
Ian Butcher & Flat Coated Retriever MERIT
Grade 2 Results
Chris French & Sprocker NOT READY
Ruth Sheehan & Labraor Cross PASS
Andrea Warren & Show Cocker PASS
Paula Harriss & Labrador Retriever Scouse MERIT
Further reports & photo's can be found on our facebook page and website
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