All the latest developments from field sports in the UK.

Vaccinate your dog.

Unless properly vaccinated, your dog runs the risk of contracting one of several possibly fatal infectious diseases. Parvovirus and Distemper probably represent the most widespread threat, but it is also necessary to protect against Hepatitus and Leptospirosis. Some Hepatitis vaccines can also protect against a virus implicated in the 'Kennel Cough' syndrome. In addition, vaccines are also available to protect against Parainfluenza and Bordetella bronchiseptica, also involved in 'Kennel Cough'. Immunity to these diseases does not last indefinately and will gradually fall, leaving your dog at risk. Annual boosters are vital to maintain the immunity which will protect your dog from these infections and provide an opportunity for a yearly health check by your veterinary surgeon.

Your dog is valuable.

All pedigree gundogs are vulnerable to theft and it would seem that traditional methods of security are not enough to both deter and prevent would be thieves. It is not just enough that you place your animals in kennels at the bottom of your garden away from a main road. Too many pedigree owners think that it will not happen to them, but i'm affraid that unless proper precaution is undertaken the probability increases.

Owners would not leave their car unlocked with valuables in, or their expensive guns leaning against a car or an expensive computer on the patio, but people do leave their pets exposed for some would be thief to pinch. People need to start changing their habits to increase pet security. Torngat recommends that the gundogs are kept in secure bolted kennels with security lights and as added security Torngat recommends that all pedigree gundog owners to have their dog micro-chipped to help prevent theft. Torngat will gladly arrange micro-chipping of both its existing customers and new customers gundogs.

Selecting your dog. 

Avoid chocolate labs at all costs! Chocolate labs have something about them, they're in charge, they want all your time and will gladly sit there looking adoringly at anyone and everyone. The problem lies herein, people give attention because of the stares, this causes the chocolate labs to sit more, often leading to the development of a belly. This is exactly what happens with Bud. Every visitor to the house gives him attention, aaargh they say seeing him with his blanket in his mouth, they're sucked in! Black labs ,a very popular choice, remain very active and therefore usually end up with a heart attack, while yellows become progressively ponderous leading to total domestication and life on the couch.

Spaniels are considerably different, remaining active all the time chasing their tales in between humping everyone's legs. Where you have a spaniel you will have all sorts of dog biscuits, slippers and other households hidden away in corners and behind sofa's. That's because spaniels are more hunter than retriever.

Foreign dogs are eccentric including Vizlas, Weimaraners, French Bassets, Abyssinian Owl Hounds, Spinone, Shiztsu and Irish Water Spaniels. All of which have their loveable attributes and mannerisms but at the end of the day are foreign.

UK - USA Gundog Network

I have a new client in Minnasota Rough Shooting British Labradors. Rather quickly they became my biggest clients. My nwe friend Brian Lassond has imported several dogs from me to the U.S.A. This was accomplished with the help of Jim Marshall owner and operator of Misty Harbour Kennels in the US. Jim and I have been talking back and forth a couple of times a week for the past few years. He has been kind enough to teach me a lot of things about the British labs currently in the United States. I hope I have now helped him to sort through all the cow dung that is out there. My friend and handler Steve Brankin accompanied me out there in May and were guests of Jims and Brian's for a couple of weeks they really made us feel welcome  but it was rather strange that both house still had xmas decorations up see the pictures later.

Goose Shooting in Canada

I am running a trip out to Minnatoba in November for a few friends to investigate the possibilities of running trips there next year so watch this space for pictures and reports.