Two sunny days at the magnificent Breamore house, by kind invitation of the owners, Michael and Doone Hulse, to end our season.
I think the weather (and the fact that this was our last show of the year) contributed to a really relaxed atmosphere, which was apparent during our demonstrations. I can honestly say that the dogs have never performed better.
There was definitely a party atmosphere, and I was touched that we were joined by all our “supporters” who came to help and watch: Rebecca Senior and her three dogs, Anne Filkins (who came along and helped immeasurably on both days), Barry & Shelley Overton with Jess and Dylon, Kim Swain with Bee, Matt Gunter with Oakley and Victoria. We had a total of nine dogs! And, of course, special thanks to the indispensable Andrea who by now is an accomplished ring master, dummy thrower, pistol firer, pen erector, dog catcher, trainer and jack of so many other show trades!
Afterwards, our training clinics were really well attended, with Sunday’s session lasting close to three hours: there was just so much interest from all sorts of owners of all breeds, sizes and shapes of dog. We were confronted with problems ranging from chasing cats, aggression to other dogs, digging holes to escape from gardens and many, many more! I’m not a behaviourist expert, but I do know that most behaviours are down to the owners, so offering advice on changing regimes, the basics of sit, stay, heel, come, rewards, correction, exercise, discipline, affection, leadership, anthropomorphism etc was relevant to almost all situations!
Anyway, Katie Bradley-Hudson and Linda Nunn looked after us so well and ensured that the programme ran smoothly. We received so many comments from people on the day and subsequent messages on FB and email that it has been a little overwhelming. We have been asked to post a selection of these as testimonials for the Woodfair, so watch this space.
It’s the first driven shoot of the season this Saturday, so it’s away with the hoops, PA system, collar tricks and all the other show paraphernalia and out with the whistles, priest, dog coats and hip flask for the next four months. Can’t wait!
Oct 092015