Gun Dogs......

While out on a walk came across a pheasant shoot, not my thing but guess its not too bad if the pheasants are used for food.

Anyway I stayed and watched for 30 mins until the drive was finished and they move on to the next drive, mainly so I could observe the dogs....

There were about 20 dogs of mixed breeds, springer spaniels, cocker spaniels, black labs and others.....

What struck me was that the humans weren't giving directions / commands to the dogs, they just seemed to know what to do, while everyone was quiet waiting for a pheasant to appear they just sat there fully focused apart from the dogs sent in with the beaters to flush out the pheasants....

There was no fighting or squabbling over a pheasant, whichever dog got there first 'owned' the pheasant.

Until the drive was over the dogs didnt make a sound....not one bark or whimper of excitement.

When the drive finished most dogs went into woods to find any injured birds....

While it may not be everyones cup of tea, I doubt there are many instances when 20 dogs all off lead from various owners get on so well.

One thing Shaun Ellis installed on me that people with multiple dogs will have better chances of them getting on if each dog has a defined 'job' or role within the pack.....

This is what I observed today....

Also it was almost like two predators working together.....a throwback to the days perhaps when we first used wolves to help us to hunt....

I know in reality the humans were mainly rich toffs as it costs £40,000 a season to go pheasant shooting around here.....