12/05/2025
Yesterday was the last day of the positive gundog conference, and what a day to end on. A while day of spaniels. The morning watching beginner spaniels (non spaniel) and some older ones, troubleshoot and navigate though the world of hunting.
The afternoon was the time for my boys. I feel a sense of pride when I get to participate in an advance workshop ☺️ especially with my baby boy.
First up was Grouse and he was amazing, hunted so well with an audience, nice and close not bothered at all by the spiky stinging bank cracking deliveries, and some great self control. So proud of him this weekend, he has shown me that he may just beat his dad to maturity.
2nd up Quill the big man, and I was blown away by him. Yes I know he can hunt and retrieve pretty much away where any how. But he struggles with groups as it builds frustration and excitement. Yesterday he was pretty quiet 🤫 🥳🥳 and he hunted so nice with me it both settings which didn't have cover or scent really but he did exactly what I asked and how I asked him to do it, which 18 months ago I would have said was impossible because he would pull forward and then just run around with his head up.
So my next aim for Quill apart from pushing and being the best we can be together is to find an open charity test and go what the worst that could happen we go home without a prize but we had fun.
I truly love my boys. If I'm honest I have always love Grouse from the second said she would ask Gadget to make me one, but we had a few cocktails months during adolescents 🤨😏 but now I can see our hard work paying off. Dont get me wrong he is a challenge every day but I love that as it makes me a better handler and trainer.
As I'm sure everyone is aware I love Quill with every fibre of my being not just because he is handsome and fun and a cracking dog but he makes me feel close my old family ways and the amazing men that helped shape me.
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