ShootingUK is the complete shooting resource for the British shooting community. From shotgun licence and shotgun certificate information to gun reviews, game shooting, clay shooting and more.
By Paul Rawlings
Thursday, 13 September 2007
I sent him out to pick a winged pigeon, but he refused to pick the flapping bird. Shortly after he picked another winged bird and brought it perfectly to hand. Why would he not pick the first bird?
A: A steady peg dog that is not used to this new situation may react in the same way as any young dog. I have experienced the same thing with a young labrador, which refused to pick the first winged bird, but subsequently became proficient with all wounded game.
Your dog will obviously be very steady to game and the first pigeon may not have looked as though it was winged.
Your dog needs to be well behaved on a formal shoot and has learned from experience to ignore any unshot game walking past the peg.
If it happens again, which I doubt, then immediately catch the bird, kill it, put it down and then send the dog back to retrieve it. Once he is confident he is doing the right thing, this should not occur again.
I am a historian working on the history of Savernake Forest.... Read more
Don't miss this week's issue (on sale Wednesday 1st February). FREE PRIZE DRAW - it is week 3 of our great "Gun a Week" competition, see P53 for further details and how to enter! Plus, who is top dog? Paul Rawlings reports on the 2012 Cocker Spaniel Championship. Get down to your newsagents and buy your copy today!
A legend in the shooting world, Shooting Times' much-loved column... Read more
Save up to 31% on a subscription to Shooting Times & Country Magazine, subscribe today and perfect gift this Christmas.
Comments