The Joy of Working a dog on the Shoot

Real teamwork. Real terrain. Real joy!

🐾 The Joy of Working a Dog on a Shoot

Real teamwork. Real terrain. Real joy.

There was a time when I loved nothing more than competing. The thrill of it, the pressure, the precision. But over the years, my focus has shifted. These days, I find the deepest joy not in a score sheet but in the quiet, steady rhythm of a shoot day.

I’m incredibly lucky to have a shoot right on my doorstep. It’s nestled in the kind of stunning Welsh countryside that takes your breath away. The kind of place that makes you grateful — not just for the land, but for the dogs, the people, and the entire experience.

And honestly? There’s nothing quite like working a dog on a shoot.

Training Come to Life

I spend so much of my time teaching — running courses, holidays, and masterclasses — helping handlers understand their dogs, build confidence, and improve their skills.

But being out in the field? It’s where I get to see all of that come to life.

The stop whistle you practised endlessly on the training ground suddenly becomes a moment of beauty when your dog responds perfectly in the chaos of a busy drive.

The delivery training you drilled starts to pay off when your dog climbs through brambles, across a stream, and still presents the bird cleanly to hand.

Those tiny moments that we work so hard to shape in training become effortless in action — and watching it happen, watching the dogs get it… it’s incredibly rewarding.

The Dogs Take My Breath Away

Every single shoot day, I’m blown away by what the dogs can do. Their natural scenting ability, their drive, their agility, and the sheer determination to get the job done.

They climb steep banks, dive into cover, power through water, and somehow seem to know exactly where the bird is — even when we don’t.

And yet, despite all that independence and instinct, they stay with us. Looking to us. Listening. Teaming up.

It’s a bond that’s hard to describe to anyone who hasn’t felt it but if you know, you know.

The People Make It Too

One of the biggest joys of working on this particular shoot is the team I’m part of. It’s not just the scenery or the dogs that make it so special, it’s the people.

There’s a real sense of community. No egos. Just dog lovers who respect their animals, support each other, and genuinely enjoy the day.

There’s laughter. Banter. Plenty of tea. Shared stories from the day.

And always, always, the sound of tired, happy dogs snoring in the back of the truck as we head home.

The Highs and the Wobbles

Of course, not every day goes perfectly. We all have moments where the dog takes a line we weren’t expecting, or a whistle gets ignored (oops), or a bird gets missed. That’s part of the game.

But the lows make the highs even sweeter. The teamwork, the problem-solving, the little wins they matter more when you’ve earned them.

And the beauty of shoot work is that it’s real. It’s not staged or rehearsed — it’s instinct, communication, and trust in motion.

Why I Do It

Working dogs on a shoot isn’t just a job or a hobby it’s a way of life that gives me so much joy.

It’s where I get to live what I teach.

It’s where I see the bond between dog and handler deepen with every drive.

It’s where I get to be part of something honest, practical, and full of heart.

If you’ve never had the chance to experience it, I hope one day you do.

Because there really is nothing quite like it.

Thinking about taking your dog on shoot for the first time?

My Beginner’s Guide to Working Your Dog on a Shoot masterclass has everything you need to know to get started the right way.

🎓 Positive, practical, and pressure-free.

👉 View the course here