DOG

I brought my flatcoat retriever Bramble, and James his two fantastic Labradors, Kola and Otter. After a shaky start they made friends and were fantastic company, as well as vital for retrieving the pigeons. However, training is key and three high-energy dogs in a small hide did result in it collapsing, not once but twice as they burst through it, accompanied by a stream of expletives from us.

Along with the dog, no matter how well trained it is, I must advise a spike for peace of mind. And of course they get hot too, so make sure you have plenty of water and a bowl. started to flock in, in ones, twos and threes — all coming in to feed.

The sun beat down on the hot barrels and it was like nothing else. One crossing to the left, then one to the right, then one spotting my excited grin, wheeling away and speeding into the distance.