Issue: 01/11/2024
In the last few days I have had 3 people ask for information on training. The CBRC, I believe, only hold 2 training days per year. These have been for many years held the day before the Spring & Autumn working tests. I normally direct novices towards United Retriever Club and to a branch in their area. Almost all branches run training courses in the summer. The next is to look up all KC field trial societies/clubs, many of these will also run training days. Then there is BASC, it varies throughout the regions but there is a wide variety of activities including gundog training days. You could try some of the other dual-purpose breeds, they may be very willing to let you join in their training sessions. When I first started working my Chesapeakes I was the only person running in working tests. The newly formed working side of the Labrador Club of Wales always let me join in and participate, always doing very well in their early working tests. Most training classes are reasonably priced. There are many “professional” trainers but their training days can be quite costly. However the 3 people who contacted me are very novice, many of these training sessions will be too advanced. Doing too much too soon can often spoil a Chesapeake. My advice to them was to go to working tests and/or field trials and offer to help. Listen and learn without having your dog at heal. There is nothing worse than throwing dummies willy nilly waving your arms around like a demented windmill or blowing your whistle as if you are a runaway train. Go slow, go steady. Show your dog what you expect of it, two steps forward and one step back. When your dog gains confidence and learns to trust you your training can then begin. I always teach my novices that a retrieve is the reward.
Chris Hutt has been taking clay pigeon lessons this summer, she said it was something she always wanted to do. Without family or friends around her to introduce and teach her, her only options were gun clubs. I was surprised to learn the cost is between £60 & £100 per session, this included the use of the club’s guns, traps, clays and professional tuition. On a recent visit to Wales Chris went on her first evening’s duck flight, bringing down with 1 shot her first duck. A successful result to all the expense and effort.
Running an eye testing day once a year for 35 years at our home we were happy to finish when covid came along. Mentioning it to Pontypool Canine Society I was delighted when they picked up the gauntlet and carried on organising eye testing days. This past weekend 70 dogs were tested, it was pretty hectic when I turned up with 6 more. Well done to Sadie Evans, Katrina McLoughlin, Julie Williams and Debra Roberts for making this day possible. Special thankyou also to Claudia & assistant Jo for coming to test all of our dogs. My dogs that gained a new eye certificate are American imports Penrose Double Trouble from Longmeadow; Longmeadow Barnegat Bay’s Surfer at Penrose and Penrose Marsh Gunner; Penrose Victoria; Penrose Victrix Ludorum and Baymoss Tweed of Penrose.
Unfortunately the day clashed with Midland Counties, huge apologies to judge Rachel Herbert for my non attendance but could not be in two places at the same time. There were no CCs, so a smaller entry of 10 dogs, 3 were absent. BOB & BD Pont’s Oakmarsh Haunting Howl (AI); BB Watts’ Oakmarsh Freedom SGWC; RBB, BP, BSB Blaber’s Oakmarsh Laural; BV Pont’s CH Penrose Hash Brown SGWC. Laural then went into BSB Challenge judge Allyson King winning 4th in the group.
Janet Morris
01873 880271
penrosechesapeakes@gmail.com