FIGHTING FIT AND READY FOR ANYTHING

Getting my team of dogs and ferrets physically and mentally fit started the moment the Game Fair finished. The ferrets completely switched off and relaxed over the warmer months. Now they just need to be tweaked with a few warm-up days. When the weather is warm, I usually swap them about rather than work them as hard as I would in a cooler climate.

The dogs on the other hand, even after a complete rest, take a little longer to get fit, not just fitter. Millie, at 11, just does what she does.

Her days are over, save for the few occasions when her experience is required over the youthful exuberance of Tawny. I’ve started to exercise Bella and Tawny on the beach, where they are able to run and enjoy themselves without fear of them putting up game in inappropriate circumstances.

Sprinting on the beach

Along with the miles I do with them when I am out on my bike and road walking, I have continued using my Bull-x lure machine. It is light and portable and perfect for taking down to the shingle beach to really get the dogs sprinting.

I am a strong believer in getting the dogs down the beach. It is just behind my house and great for their feet as much as their lungs and muscles.

This year I am also going to swap Tawny’s food back to a raw diet. I have found a good source of raw food and with the Dorwest Herb Keeper’s Mix supplement I use, I’m hoping to boost Tawny’s fitness to a whole new level.

Years ago, I fed the now-late Maud this diet and her fitness and stamina were unbelievable.

And as for me, I do have to get fitter, eat more healthily and worry less, which is easy to write and a little bit harder to put into practice. But I’ll try.