Making a steady start

Novice dogs can be overwhelmed by the opening days of the season, so Ellena Swift explains how to tailor their training at this time of year

It is slightly harder to work multiple dogs when beating, but not impossible. Only take a novice dog when you know you can do your job without the dog causing problems. If the dog is a nightmare on a lead or walking to heel, do not take them when you know you will be beating

“Early in the season there are a lot of birds on the ground”

through maize. Anyone that has tried will know what a nightmare it can be. If your dog is relatively acclimatised to shot and controlled enough on and off the lead to walk with you, it could be time to start taking them out and allowing them some basic hunting.

Ensure that you do not put your novice dog in difficult or overwhelming situations early in the season. It is common for shoots to have a lot of birds on the ground,

so a young dog begins to use its eyes instead of its nose and its mind is easily blown.

If you are training your dog for the peg, do not make their first outing one where you are shooting. It is not ideal to be worrying about and focusing on your dog, then not shooting at birds flying overhead. So instead, take your dog and stand on a peg while a friend shoots. This way, if the dog does something unexpected, you are able to deal with it. You will also be able to see if there are any issues before you actually test your dog.

Another option with a novice dog is to pay to go on a training day. These are a wonderful option to focus entirely on your dog and

Try to go picking-up with other handlers, so your dog can learn by watching experienced dogs

It is not advisable to attempt to train a would-be peg dog while you are shooting

Walking in line with your dog at heel means you can select retrieves that will not overwhelm them

Dogs that do not walk well on a lead or to heel can be a problem when beating through maize