
MEET THE TEAMS - PART III
Well it's here, time for the Yorkshire Game Fair, which means time for the National Gundog Competition.
Those that can't be there with you this weekend, raise a glass and wish our Kirkbourne Teams the very best of luck as they endeavour to bring home the silverware.
For now lets meet those remaining team members (whilst they huddle down in their caravans and tents with butterflies in their tummies .. ah no, of course it's a Kirkbourne Weekend...... )

DORIAN WILMORE & BRAMBLE
Labrador Retriever , Bitch, 18/08/2013
Being picked for the team was and still is a real honour. Being part of the team last year was not only rewarding but catapulted me and my dog forward in our training.
The training this year has been very good, I started with a dog out of her first years picking up who had picked up some bad habits as had I allowing them. Training under the pressure to gain a place makes you really sit back and work out and work on your problems and overcome them with Darren's guidance and fellow team mates pointing out your mistakes, or suggesting" you thought of this, or that way etc" .
For me I feel I went from bottom of the team if rankings were there, to feeling like I can shoulder to shoulder with any other handler and dog, we are not perfect, but my handling has come on plenty, my bond with my dog is stronger than ever, Brambles confidence in me is strong, and when she listens we can achieve retrieves and results that I stand back afterwards and smile from ear to ear as the sense of achievement is amazing.
As for results this year, we as a team have no idea what the exercises are going to be, but we have trained well for anything and should be walking away holding the trophy as winning is how we train.

JEFF KITCHEN & SAM
Labrador Retriever, Dog, 27/05/2014
How did I feel when I got picked ? . Yes yes yes, just as much as I did when we got through the selection day.
How's the training been,. Very good, learnt so much, still got a lot to learn test wise , but Sam's been up and down in my mind , I know what he can do when he wants, but he is still young.

KERRY DALEY & LOULOU
Cocker Spaniel, Bitch

BARRIE CHESTER & WILLOW
Labrador Retriever, Bitch, 04/06/2011
DEFRA's Gamebird Consultation Isn't Just a Shooters' Issue. If You've Got a Gundog, Read This.
The window closes at midnight on 1st November. And right now, the people who want to see game shooting restricted are putting their evidence on record. The people who rely on it - shooters, handlers, trainers, beaters, pickers-up, working dog competitors - aren't keeping pace. BASC have said it plainly. There are an estimated 650,000 people involved in game shooting in England. The response so far? A fraction of that. This post is for everyone who's thought this doesn't apply to them. Because...
Your Puppy Isn't Aggressive. It Just Needs Manners.
I had a phone call a while back that's stuck with me. A family had a five-month-old puppy. Spaniel. Full of life, full of energy - and biting them. Jumping up, nipping fingers, going for ankles. They'd tried everything they could find online. They'd been to see someone. That someone had told them the dog had behavioural issues. Possibly needed a behaviourist. Maybe even medication. They rang me to say they were going to have it put to sleep. A five-month-old puppy. Put to sleep. Because it...



