The Game Fair has long been synonymous with dog lovers, and none more so than those with their trusty gundog by their side. It’s not a long walk through the rows of trade stands before you come across a spaniel of sorts or loyal labrador on the end of a lead, making their way to the working dog ring to watch one of the many demonstrations on offer throughout the day.
With an action-packed programme, there is something for everyone. From rare breed working displays to the Parade Of The Sporting Pavilion, highlighting the spectacular array of working dog breeds, there is something to peak the interest of even the most avid amateur owners of a working dog breed.
In amongst the list of daily exhibitors is Lez Graham, owner of The Pet Gundog, a training system tailored to those who want the best of both worlds – a family friend and a gundog. Her principle is simple yet effective and through her team of demonstrators with their pets, they show the crowds lining the arena how to harness the instincts of the gundog.
The key take away from the 30-minute demonstration is “make it fun, keep it steady and do the pet stuff as well, people want a dog you can take to the pub and onto the shooting field – you really can have a pet in the house and a working dog.” Lez says. “The discipline starts with us, if we want a well behaved dog, we have to be disciplined ourselves to train them.”
If demonstrations aren’t your thing, there’s plenty to fill your day here at The Game Fair, from inspiration at the International Gundog Ring whist watching the world’s best compete for the Euro Challenge, to speaking to the best of the best breeders in the Sporting Dog Pavilion to gain some handy tips or insights or even having a go at dog agility. It really is a working dog lovers paradise.
