Old dog, neat tricks

A team of dogs usually comprises varying age and ability levels. It is common to have at least one youngster that is in training and learning its trade from older members. The middle-aged dogs are generally the main workers that are old enough to know their job and young enough to carry out most of the work. They hold the most attention and admiration, often closely followed by the exciting up-and-coming prospects.

Sometimes overlooked are the older, semi-retired dogs. They tend to potter around, rather unassuming, quieter, less dramatic and perhaps not inclined to hunt as far, hard or find as