Shooting Times & Country

Time to sharpen up

Hopefully, as we creep closer to spring, most of the dogs are beginning to feel rested and have recovered from any injuries. Mine are in absolute top condition and loving their downtime.

I always feel this time of year highlights how working breeds thrive off their duties. Although I recognise how important downtime is for them, the more pet-like their days become the more I see undesirable behaviours creeping in. They start eating more disgusting things when on walks and focus on chasing, play fighting and, for the boys, bitching. Basically, I become less important to them and they become self-employed.

It is at this time I realise they are ready to start coming back to work. They have obviously dropped a little fitness but not too much. It is important to time this right for your own dog. Some

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