I had a friend who had a black Labrador retriever. He (the guy) liked to hunt geese. (A coincidence, given some of today's posts.) Since retiring, he's had some new hips installed (arthritis) and is no longer able to give his dog the field experience needed to keep sharp. As a substitute, he'd send the dog to a professional trainer before hunting season. On opening day, the dog was superb. By mid-season, the dog was still OK in the field, but no prize winner. By the end of season, the dog was once again a house-pet.
Watching this dog do it's thing was a joy. Instant response to a whistle. His power and enthusiasm was phenomenal. I loved to watch this dog's approach to water. He'd accelerate, digging clumps of sod at each step, until full speed, and then launch himself over the water's edge, landing some distance later with four legs and tail all in full motion. And swim! This dog would've been able to fetch the Titantic if he'd been there.
Cheers, PW. |
