Working News

Compared to previous IWSA water picnic's I felt as the new working co-ordinator that we should base it around the working side of the IWS and this should lean towards a special venue so to kick start this years working events

The Chatsworth Estate has some wonderful ground that lends its self to gun dog training and yet can still be seen as a fun event such as the water picnic. So with grateful thanks to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire this years gathering was held in front of the main house next to the river on the deer park. It is with regret that the dates had to be change at the last minute but the torentail down pour that happened on the 8th June it was perhaps a good job that it was moved to the 13th June. The Kennel Clubs 8th June working test that was held else where on the estate was reduced to a muddy mire and no one stayed dry all day.

With a brief introduction by myself I explained what was in store and then split the dogs into groups for training. Understandable no one wanted to leave their cars up at the car park, but to be fair this was explained in the invite before the event. It was to every bodies spirit of cooperation that the people that took part in the day reparked their cars(one gentleman who had M.S. and every reason to stay with his vehicle obliged to his credit).

To gauge the reaction to gun fire and the ability of the dogs to walk in line the gathering lined up and walked towards John Clancy who discharged a .22 training cap. All the dogs reacted well except mine who attempted to run in and find game!

The first session comprised of puppy, and two groups of novice that were required to display basic obedience and handling skills. David Rawlinson took the puppy class and seemed very busy teaching some basic skills. I took the minor novice and assessed the ability of the dogs to remain steady off lead and the introduction to calls and signals when working dogs. The majority of the dogs in my group had some difficulty in trusting their handlers when instructions were given. I did notice a lack of drive when sent out for short retrieves. But that said I did think that all this would come in time. One gentleman who I think was called Andy had a dog that displayed real promise and I would encourage him to keep up the training. Johns' group went through similar exercises but as this group had taken part in similar days or had the ground work already, he acheived more progress.

We broke for lunch and the obligatory raffle tickets were passed around for a study of a water spaniel and goose from the 19th Century. Some fantastic cakes were brought in for sale and I ended up spending my beer money on some chocolate cake that made my fillings ache.

The day was getting hotter and the dog snooker that I promised was put to one side so as not to exhaust the dogs. Eventualy the water work was I think the highlight of the day and every dog entered the water with relish. Some when they got there forgot why they were there and others ploughed through the water to gather a canvas dummy. It must have been enjoyable because I saw the same dogs entering the water on several occasions. Eventually every body realised they had run out of alcohol and said their goodbyes but not before prizes had been handed out to those that had showed real promise. As this was a fun event no names of dogs were taken so I cannot report who won what.

I think this was a valuable day to have experienced as we can gauge the level of ability of dog and handler. Some are not too far of the stage where they could enter a working test. Others need to put more work in even if they have no intention of working ther dogs. I would encourage members to get in contact to arrange regional training days. September is not too far off and a working test is planned in Clumber Park with some special prizes. If anybody wants to take up the offer please contact me on 0114 2323474.