Moderator: Peter Butterfield
Steve Bath wrote:I,
The answer to this is complex and varied, but in my opinion the requirement to handle real firearms and real items of game are massive turn offs to the large majority of dog sport enthusiasts. Both these elements are out of step with modern societal expectations in 2014. The truth is that despite there being strong resistance for any movement on either firearms or game amongst the "long established" triallers, these two factors deter large numbers from even taking up our sport at the Novice level. Surely the sensible thing would be to consider less confronting options, even at the entry level, and alter the rules to suit. But such a strategy has received no real support from those at the helm, preferring instead to stay directly on course to what I fear will be extinction. I have heard many triallers tell me that they believe the requirement to posess a shooter's licence is a good thing as it supposedly demonstrates one's commitment to the pursuit. my view is that we can ill afford such tests of commitment before we even have the person properly engaged.
.
Steve Grainger wrote:This is the attitude we all should display “only too happy to steer people in the right direction” What I have found is that the general public are fascinated with what we do so be proud and tell all who will listen on how well your dog works and especially how they enjoy what they were bred to do, better still give them a little demonstration it blows most people away. What would be great if you inspire someone to get a gundog and give it ago themselves, I know from experience that can and does happen.
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 22 guests