My Passion with Robin Watson: Working with man’s best friend perfect contrast to everyday life

I BELIEVE that everyone needs a contrast to the everyday challenges of their professional lives and in my case this is working gundogs.

For as long as I can remember I have owned dogs and been actively involved in country pursuits.

I consider myself very much an amateur in this field but am fortunate to have friends who are professional dog trainers and whose advice I often seek.

Fundamentally, a good gundog does not need as much training as the handler does – or that certainly is how it is in my case.

For my dogs, which are spaniels, an expert friend tells me: “You won’t fully train them – you will just learn how to keep them under control.”

The traits of a good gundog are frequently a result of breeding. Prior to choosing a dog it is important to determine its lineage to get the very best chance of getting a good one. However, luck plays a big part in the temperament and skills of the dog you end up with.

For me it is very much a continuous learning experience and every time I get a new dog it is the start of another steep learning curve. The dogs are keen and willing but it is important to give them the right messages and commands.

As far as handling a dog, it is often the case of less is more. Once the fundamental disciplines and understanding between dog and handler has been established, then the key is not to over control, but let the dog work to its own capabilities and instincts.

My four spaniels all have varying levels of ability. If I take one out on its own it will behave in a totally different way to when they are all together.

The dogs seem to understand that when they are on a ‘one on one’ with me they are working not playing. I fully understand that field sports and shooting is a sensitive issue. However I believe it is an intrinsic part of country life. At weekends I frequently work my dogs on shoots, which is a contrast to my Monday-to-Friday life. It brings me into contact with a totally different set of people and presents me with a fresh set of challenges.

An added bonus is that I get to see some beautiful parts of the Yorkshire countryside which gives me great pleasure and makes me realise how lucky I am to live in God’s Own County. I am also aware that being physically active is an antidote to my job which involves many hours working at my desk.

My hobby is truly a passion and gives me tremendous pleasure and the opportunity to switch off from the pressures of my job.

I love being out in the countryside with my dogs, often with interesting companions of the human sort as well, and  firmly believe in the adage that a dog is man’s best friend – but please do not tell my wife.