Techno idiot!

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Aug 142013

I was very lucky to find Ron McKinlay to build this web site for me. After hours of patient coaching, I eventually got to fly solo and maintain the site myself. The result? I managed to crash the site in a way that Ron described as “catastrophic”. But Ron came to the rescue and by manipulating codes, widgets, wotsits and howsyourfathers, he has restored the site to health.

Note to self: stick to training gundogs.

Thanks Ron! I owe you big time!

One Response to “Techno idiot!”

Ron McKinlay says:

August 15, 2013 at 7:59 am

Thanks for the accolade Stephen, but it’s really not necessary.
I’m just glad to help. Now, a knighthood on the other hand……..

Keep up the good work.

Demonstration Testimonials

I was lucky enough to watch One Man and his Gundogs at The Wessex Country Fair recently and even luckier to chat with him after the demonstration. On mentioning writing a review of his demonstration, Stephen, tongue in cheek, informed me of the correct spellings for some adjectives I might need for the review-

Stephen told me “there are two p’s in appalling and two b’s in rubbish”!

Of course these are two adjectives I would never have need of using when reviewing one of Stephen’s demonstrations, however, it highlights his wonderful humility and sense of humour which shines through fantastically when you watch him.

Stephen starts with some classic dog training but makes it accessible for anyone. He follows with a brilliant display of his Gundog’s skills which is a joy to watch. You leave feeling you can achieve great things with your dog too, which is wonderfully empowering and an amazing achievement from one man in a demonstration with his dogs.

Then there’s the fun and tricks which always gets the audience going! Stephen does “voices” for the dogs and a brilliant array of tricks which particularly appeals to children but entertains the adults brilliantly as well. The trick at the end with Daisy “fooling” Stephen is genius and brings laughter all round!

It is the very fact that Stephen doesn’t take himself too seriously that is part of the charm of the show. If it’s hot and his dogs don’t perform perfectly, that’s fine. I love that. There’s no pressure and therefore it ends up being a lot of fun to watch.

You cannot help but smile and feel good when you watch One Man and his Gundogs. In this world of increasing connectivity, competition and complications, the fact that a man in a field with his beloved dogs can achieve this and enrapture and lift his audience is nothing short of astounding.

Thank you and the dogs so much for a wonderful show Stephen.

Lorraine Taylor

From: David J Nobbs, Shoot Captain, Durrington Shoot

24 June 2013

Dear Mr Harrison,

I visited Winterbourne Church Fete on 23 June and was intrigued with your gundog demonstration. I must say that I have never seen such a wonderful display.

I have been involved in gundog scurries and retrieving competitions well in excess of 20 years. As a shooting man and springer spaniel owner, I have some insight into gundog trials.

In my opinion, your springer spaniel was the best I have ever seen, very steady and responsive to whistle and hand signals. You must be very proud of her, and so you should be. Congratulations on a wonderful display.

Yours sincerely,

David Nobbs

Winterbourne Fete

“Stephen provides such an enthralling and thoroughly engaging display of dog/owner training that we’d have Stephen back at any future event – no question!

No matter how many times I’ve seen Stephen and his wonderful dogs in the ring, I’d watch him over and over as there’s always something to learn - or remind yourself again that you’re not doing!

On a personal note, both my collies (& myself) are so much happier having taken on board his very practical advice, given in a very straightforward and practical way. It’s great fun too! Look forward to see Stephen back at the Cranborne Chase Woodfair next time around!”

Linda Nunn, AONB Director

Cranborne Chase Woodfair, Breamore House, 3 & 4 October 2015

Over the years we have seen many dog training demonstrations but this was one of the best. Stephen’s style was so engaging and even though we are unlikely to ever go shooting we were inspired to get the clicker back out!
It was fun as well as instructive, if only we had a fraction of his skill, how happy would our cockapoo be!
Look forward to seeing him and his dogs again.

Sally Watson

Dear Stephen,
Thank you, you were amazing! Very many people have said how much they enjoyed your display. Comments included things like "great display", "so engaging", "he was just brilliant", "great to watch", "amazing dogs" and one of my friends (who is an animal behaviourist & dog trainer who works at Kingston Maurward College) said "that guy really knows what he's doing, it's excellent to watch" - she was definitely very impressed.
Thank you hugely again Stephen - as far as we and many others are concerned you were definitely the star of the arena events!

Linda Nunn, Director Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs AONB

6 October 2013 - Cranborne Chase Woodfair

Bryn Parry OBE, co-founder and CEO OF Help for Heroes, wrote:

It was good to meet you this afternoon and to see your superb dog demonstration and to get advice on wayward spaniels! Good to meet you and I look forward to meeting again.

Best wishes

Bryn

Samantha Male, the Regional Coordinator at Help for Heroes, wrote:

Thank you so much for attending our first ever Band of Brothers and Band of Sisters summer fete. Your gun dog show was fantastic, and I am so glad that you could be a part of the day.

Ali Richmond, a Manager at Help for Heroes, wrote:

Thank you so much for coming along to the Fete at Tedworth House. The dog display was fantastic and we have had some great feedback. I have got a large hairy golden doodle that could do with some of your magic touch!

Help for Heroes

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