Training Day Report

Fifty people arrived at Steve Pick’s house for the Gundog Training ‘Taster’ Day on 5^th April, the dogs were mainly WSSs (as expected) but also included a Clumber Spaniel and a Field Spaniel.

On registration participants were asked about their level of ‘expertise’, which ranged from no gundog knowledge but some obedience, to those who had competed in the past. The day itself included a brief introduction from Derek Dean on the role of a spaniel in the field before people were split into the four working groups for the day (roughly on their said abilities).

The location was perfect for the format of the day with a fenced paddock, which meant that no-one lost their dogs and it could easily be divided for the various elements as Derek and his team of helpers each ran different practical workshops, giving demonstrations and getting people to try each activity, two before lunch and two after lunch.

The workshops included: Derek Dean – heeling, sit, stay and recalls, Julie Revill – steadiness, Sandy White – retrieves and Julie Shawyer – hunting. I know from one quite experienced participant that he learnt things during the day as the instructors talked about different ways to teach and try the various aspects of gundog work.

Lunch was sumptuous considering we were all sitting outside and included a choice of soup, a variation on a ploughmans and choice of gateaux. We were very lucky with the weather which meant that people could spread out and mix, chatting to each other. It was good to see so many new faces, a lot of new members.

The teaching part of the day was completed with Derek Dean giving out attendance certificates and asking attendees to complete a feedback form immediately at the end of the day so that the Club could gauge how the day went and to provide input to any further potential events.

A number of people then wanted to participate in a series of assessments, being tested on what they and their dogs had learnt during the day.

The feedback suggests that most people would like continuing training, and to that end Sandy White has agreed to organize some further help at the Fun Day to be held at Steve’s residence, Ty Llon (again!) on Sunday 8^th June 2008.