Gundog training with people with restricted mobility

I train a number of people who, for one reason and another, have challenges with their mobility. Gundog training is hard work. It is physically demanding, requiring agility and strength. Correcting your dog on a stop whistle, for example, can be difficult if you have restricted mobility. However, these people often work harder than those with no such challenges. Their dedication and commitment to achieving with their dogs is inspirational. I often wish all my clients would put in that much effort.

For example, I frequently work with Sam and his dog Harry, a Springer Spaniel. Sam has cerebral palsy but he has trained Harry up to be a great working dog. There are aspects of the training that are really hard for Sam, who has limitations to his movement but he never uses this as an excuse.

I would love to hear of a shoot that would welcome people with restricted mobility. Perhaps there is someone who would be prepared to sponsor a shoot like this? After all the hard work Sam and others like him have put in, it would be great to see them out in the field. Contact me if you could help make this happen.

Posted: April 29, 2019