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2022 GROUP TRAINING DATES ANNOUNCED
/in Uncategorized /by Gary WatkinsSeptember Gun Dog Training Courses
/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by Gary WatkinsRoad Closure Notice – Diversion
/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by Gary WatkinsSTOURPORT BRIDGE CLOSURE
Stourport bridge is closed for 5 days from Monday 5th July 2021.
If this is your normal route – the best alternative is to cross the river at Bewdley and turn left left at the top of the town (by the church) along the switch-back (B4194 Ribbesford Road). This will bring you to the cross roads on the right side of the river. Straight over onto Pearl lane (signposted Shrawley).
Resurfacing works from Thursday 1st July for up to 5 days
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Although the road works are still in place at teh junction of Larford lane – Larford Lane is open to traffic to access our Training grounds.
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Resurfacing – Road closure (from Worcester side)
As can be seen from the map below – there is currently a short length of road closed on the B4196 heading from Worcester just before the junction of Larford Lane (Longmore Hill). If the road is closed you will need to turn right at Bull Hill and follow the lane. Follow the lane and then keep right at the small triangular junction (Signposted Larford). Follow this lane and you will then need to turn left (signposted Larford) . if there is a further road closure (It has access to frontages – business open as usual). Drive up through the road closure and carry on. Follow the lane all the way turning sharp left at Larford Lakes. If you encounter any other road closures, speak to the workmen and they know where our training ground is and they will let you through! 😊
We can only apologies for the long-way round but there is no other route and because it’s only a lane to residential properties, the diversion is not clearly sign posted. We’ve added a map to show you in essence the diversion. Please allow about a further 10 minutes to your journey.
Gundog Training Courses – Summer 2021
/0 Comments/in Basic Training, Spaniel Gundog Training /by Gary WatkinsGUNDOG TRAINING COURSES *** NEW DATES ANNOUNCED ***
Following the easement of lockdown restrictions we are delighted to be nearing the completion of our first co-hort of Group Training!
We have been so overwhelmed by the amount of interest in our group gundog training that we have engaged some of our experienced handlers, who have trained with Fortiscorde Gundogs for a number of years, to assist with our group training classes to meet demand. Our head Gundog Trainer Gary continues to oversee all group training and the small break-out groups during these training sessions is proving very successful meaning we can accommodate a few more people on the courses yet maintain quality training time.
Head trainer Gary Watkins comments “Our assistant trainers have been selected because of their ability and passion for gundogs and gundog training. They have been through the Fortiscorde Gundog training programme themselves, showing great handling ability and dedication to the sport. We are also thrilled to be able to offer additional 1-2-1 training capacity with our new trainer Julie Thatcher who brings to Fortiscorde Gundogs her extensive knowledge, having trained her own gundogs and trialling all around the country. Julie has also been the Spaniel Field Trial Secretary for the Worcestershire Gundogs Society – we’re delighted to welcome her to the Fortiscorde family!”
Fortiscorde Gundogs group courses are designed to be relaxed and informative and very much a social occasion as well – often with fresh homemade sausage rolls being served afterwards and a chance for dogs and handlers alike to relax after training and chat with instructors. The groups are open to all working gundog breeds – and are aimed at both individuals who plan to ‘work’ their gundogs as well as those who just want to use gundog training to provide a stimulating environment in which to train a calm and obedient companion.
Fortiscorde Group Training courses consists of four, 2-hour group lessons held every other week. The next co-hort for Summer 2021 course dates are as follows:
Level One Group Training dates:
Commencing Sunday 4th July 10am-12pm
Week 1 – Sunday 4th July
Week 2 – Sunday 18th July
Week 3 – Sunday 1st August
Week 4 – Sunday 15th August
Level Two Group Training dates:
Commencing Tuesday 22nd June 7pm-9pm
Week 1 – Tuesday 22nd June
Week 2 – Tuesday 6th July
Week 3 – Tuesday 20th July
Week 4 – Tuesday 3rd August
Level Three Group Training dates:
Commencing Sunday 4th July 1pm-3pm
Week 1 – Sunday 4th July
Week 2 – Sunday 18th July
Week 3 – Sunday 1st August
Week 4 – Sunday 15th August
Courses are £150 per dog/handler, Certificates of achievement are awarded on completion.
For more information and to discuss booking a place on one of our courses please send us an email: info@fortiscordegundogs.co.uk
Handlers interested in joining our group training will need to have attended at least one, 1-2-1 lesson with a Fortiscorde trainer to ensure the dog has achieved a suitable standard of training in the basics to ensure both the dog and hander get the very best out of the course and indeed, placed at the right Level for their ability.
Group Gun Dog training is back!
/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by Gary WatkinsGROUP TRAINING IS BACK!!!!!
Dog Theft – BASC Dog Owner Survey
/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by Gary WatkinsBASC have recently launched a survey assessing the impact of dog theft over the last 12 months since lockdown began in March 2020. This short online survey hopes to provide valuable data to help ensure as much as possible is done to reduce the risk of theft and raise awareness. It takes less than 5 minutes to complete (yes it does, we’ve timed it!)
Statistics from organisation Dog Lost showed an increase of 160% in dog thefts since lock down. With such a huge rise in the cost of puppies it’s not surprising that thefts have also increased.
The survey, which is open to any dog owner runs until 18th April. Please take a few minutes to complete this survey and contribute to helping reduce dog theft.
Complete the online survey here: BASC online survey
Gundog Theft Awareness
/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by Gary WatkinsThe COVID-19 pandemic has sent the volume of puppy sales and prices soaring – people are seeking a companion for the long days in lockdown and provide the ideal escape and excuse to get out in the fresh air.
BASC commented that in a recent BBC article, Working Gundogs, are highly trained and indispensable to gamekeepers and those involved in shooting – making these animals a prime target for dog thieves due to them being highly trained, sociable and well mannered.
The write-up addresses some important hints and tips for preventing dog theft both at home or in kennels and extra precautions to take when out and about. Whilst you will never stop the most determined of dog thieves, there are certainly deterrents you can put in place to make it less appealing and put them off.
BASC also offer tips for added security when selling puppies and advice on what to do if your dog is missing or thought stolen.
Yes they are working dogs, with a purpose, but they are certainly no less a part of a family as a pet dog and leave gamekeepers and the like devastated.
To read the full article visit the BASC website: Gundog Theft Awareness | Advice and guidance from BASC
Seasonal Canine Illness
/0 Comments/in Dog Health /by Gary WatkinsOrganised shoots will go-ahead this year
/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by Gary WatkinsShooting exempted from new COVID-19 restrictions in England
Following the latest article released this week by BASC (The British Association for Shooting & Conservation) many guns and gun dog handlers will by breathing a sigh of relief…
After substantial work by BASC and other organisations with government ministers and pro-shooting MPs, the government has announced exemptions, which cover shooting in England, to the rule of six which came into force (Monday, 14 September).
• Any outdoor physical activity which requires a licence issued by a public body for the activity itself, or for equipment used during the activity, will be exempt from the limits on numbers who may gather together
• For shooting, this means that where the organiser or a participant holds a valid shotgun or firearms certificate, there is no limit to the number of people who can gather for the purpose of the relevant activity while outdoors
• The organiser will be required to have undertaken a health and safety risk assessment and put in place all reasonable measures to limit transmission of COVID-19, including ‘test and trace’ protocols
• This exemption does not apply indoors where the gathering limit of six people will still apply
• Employees, such as beaters, pickers-up and loaders, are also exempt from gathering limits, both indoors and outdoors, where their gathering is necessary for work purposes.
Related articles:
https://basc.org.uk/covid-19-exemption-for-shooting-granted-in-england/
https://basc.org.uk/shooting-exempt-and-tackling-hysteria/
Spiralling pet insurance premiums
/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by Gary WatkinsInsurance is big business in the UK, and COVID has certainly had an impact on premiums, particularly in light of the sharp increase in puppy prices and demand during the pandemic.
Whatever insurance company your choose, it’s important to make sure you understand exactly what your pet insurance policy covers (more importantly what is excluded). Particularly if you have a working dog for example or they compete at agility – be sure your policy will cover injuries sustained during these ‘working’ activities. Be honest about the level and type of work, condition of the dog and any previous medical history – there’s nothing worse than needing to put in claim to find the insurance wont pay-out when you need it to because of a minor detail you failed to disclose.
Some insurance companies offer ‘lifetime’ policies. This means that the policy is continuous, in so much that if your pet is diagnosed with a condition that will require ongoing treatment and medication during a policy year, this will continue to be covered even upon renewal of your policy. It’s important to understand if this applies to the policy you take out and how it works. Most policies as standard ‘reset’ each year so any pre-existing or recently diagnosed conditions may not be covered.
As with all insurances, pet insurance can be purchased online through many brokers and comparison websites. GoCompare have produced a useful report that reveals the cost of dogs and dog insurance during this most recent pandemic. It includes the average price of a dog by month, year and which breeds have been affected the most.
Our advice is always to speak to the insurers direct and ask explicitly to clarify certain aspects of your policy so that you are confident it meets your individual pets’ needs.
Do your research and if you have working dogs or are members of any associations for example BASC, check if they partner with a specific insurer as there may be further discounts available through your membership – BUT don’t assume. Always double check that the policy is right for you and your dog before signing up to a policy and ensure you read all the policy documentation as soon as you receive it. There is normally a cooling off period in which you can cancel if you find out in the fine print something which wasn’t made clear to you.
* This article has been written as guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. It is your responsibility to ensure any policy you take out is right for you.