Rare breeds and working

On Friday I was invited to take part on a new shoot for their 'beaters day', this is so good for Bepop and I as its new ground, new people and new dogs. To me it felt like the first day at a new job, but once again everyone was extremely welcoming and made us both feel at home. Bepop knows its going be a good day as soon as she sees my working trousers and my beating stick.Since the Shooting times article, I have realised that working folk are sympathetic to the difficulties of working a rare breed, they are interested to see how a different dog works. Bepop was good on Friday, she did turn deaf a couple of times, but she worked well flushing. My downfall is I issue too many commands, so I know we have a long way to go together.I am also lucky that I have the chance to see Remy (Novaforesta Drew) at work, he is a fine flushing dog, and not forgetting DiDi (Novaforesta Diamond Black) who have been present on other shoots. At least this year at the game fairs we attend, I will have a greater understanding of the shooting world in the UK, and more importantly how the barbet can fit into that world.

Bepop has fame at last, she is in the Shooting Times.

This weeks shooting times magazine (dated 12th January) has an article by David Tomlinson about 'Beating with a Barbet'

I love this photo