Gundog Training Day Report

On Sunday 16th July around 90 people including Trainers and helpers, plus their Welshies and their English counterparts got together for a Gundog Training Day organised by the South Eastern Welsh Springer Spaniel Club in co-operation with the Southern English Springer Spaniel Society at Steve Pick’s home in Sussex.

After registration and the ‘obligatory’ bacon buttie, the morning began with fun training games designed to simulate some of the training that would follow after lunch: Various heelwork tests ( YOU try walking your dog to heel carrying a tray – not easy!) , Fastest sit, Fastest recall, Timed scurry, and even Wellie Wanging if you fancied it!!

Before the wonderful lunch provided by the Committees, Chris Page (Clumbers) gave a talk about training with David Hines demonstrating the working abilities of show bred ESS, followed by Julie Revill with her 8 year old Welshie.

The afternoon was what the 28 Participants had come for and we had organised four very experienced Trainers, Sandy White, Chris Page, Julie Shawyer and Paul Shawyer, with assistance on the day from David Hines .

From the feedback so far it appears that everyone (and their dog!) gained something from the day and they were amazed to discover what their dogs were capable of doing after just a short training session.

Whilst the training was taking place, Barry Blinks with his four working bred ESS provided a talk and demonstration for those who were not taking part.

Finally, prizes were awarded to the winners of the morning events, and Attendance Certificates to those who had completed the day. With bags of food provided by Skinners for all the Trainees.

Big thanks must go to Steve for once again allowing his home to be used, to the Trainers who came a long distance to help us out, the demonstrators from the ESS/WSS fraternity and everyone on both Committees who helped to make the day such a success. Not forgetting the great support in numbers from both Clubs which made the day such a success.

There are photos on our Website and on that of the SESSS, so you can get a flavor of the day from these.

Julie Revill

Hon: Secretary SEWSSC