GUNDOGS & BEYOND

Episode 5 - Craig Koshyk, Hunter, Author and Podcaster.

Craig Koshyk is author of Pointing Dogs Volume 1 – The Continentals and Volume 2 – The British and Irish Breeds. He also hosts the excellent Hunting Dog Confidential podcast and writes for Project Upland Magazine. The discussion covers the author's fascination with writing and researching, the discovery of rare and extinct dog breeds, hunting experiences in different countries, and the vastness and diversity of upland bird hunting in North America. The conversation delves into the hunting culture, contrasting the traditional hunting ethos in Manitoba with the more sport-oriented approach in the US. It also explores the hunting culture in Quebec, the impact of market hunting on conservation efforts, and the distinct hunting traits of different breeds. The journey to a new breed of hunting dog is also discussed, highlighting the personal connection to the breed's origin. The conversation delves into the influence of breeding on hunting behavior, the unique characteristics of French dog breeds and culture, the decline of English setters and pointers, the potential development of an English HPR, and the discussion of genetics and breeding practices. The conversation delves into the art of breeding dogs, the impact of selective breeding, the role of true breeders, challenges in dog breeding, testing and proving working abilities, the evolution of dog traits, the impact of breeding practices, the importance of testing and proving, the reality of breeding and hunting, the impact of breeding on working dogs, the significance of honesty in breeding, the experience of English trials, and future plans and trips. Takeaways * The joy of writing and researching * Discovery of rare dog breeds * Cultural exchange through hunting experiences * The vastness and diversity of upland bird hunting in North America Hunting culture varies between regions, with some emphasizing tradition and sustenance while others focus on sport and economic activity. * The impact of market hunting on wildlife conservation efforts and the subsequent regulations and laws put in place to protect endangered species. * The distinct hunting traits and tendencies of different breeds, and the considerations involved in choosing a new breed for hunting. Breeding significantly impacts hunting behavior * French dog breeds and culture are unique and influential * The decline of English setters and pointers is a notable historical trend * The development of an English HPR is a potential area of interest * Genetics and breeding practices play a crucial role in dog breeding and development Selective breeding shapes dog traits * Testing and proving working abilities is crucial for breeding * Honesty in breeding is essential for the well-being of dogs Chapters * 00:00 The Joy of Writing and Researching * 39:22 Hunting Experiences and Cultural Exchange * 53:37 The Vastness of Upland Bird Hunting * 59:31 Upland Game Hunting: Manitoba vs. the US * 01:06:03 Breed-Specific Hunting Traits * 01:23:06 German vs. French Breeds in North America * 01:31:15 The Journey to a New Breed * 01:36:22 French Dog Breeds and Culture * 01:41:55 Developing an English HPR * 02:03:38 Genetics and Breeding Practices * 02:09:06 Challenges in Dog Breeding * 02:14:18 The Evolution of Dog Traits * 02:20:24 The Reality of Breeding and Hunting * 02:37:39 The Experience of English Trials

Episode 4 - Andy Hughes, Professional Falconer.

The conversation delves into the Andy's journey into falconry, starting with his early encounters with birds of prey and the progression to becoming the falconer at Dunrobin Castle. The conversation delves into the art of falconry and grouse hawking, highlighting the expertise and fieldcraft required for success in these pursuits. It also explores the impact of environmental changes on falconry and the role of dogs in falconry and grouse hawking. The conversation covers the adaptation to prey behaviour, the impact of environmental factors bird populations, challenges and conservation efforts, the process of breeding grouse, influential mentors, and the encouragement of new falconers through observation and learning. Takeaways * Falconry as a Passion * Training and Managing Harris Hawks Fieldcraft and expertise in falconry * The impact of environmental changes on falconry Falconry requires careful observation and adaptation to the behaviour of prey birds. * The impact of environmental factors, such as bird flu and wind turbines, on falconry and bird populations. Chapters * 00:00 The Origins of Falconry Passion * 05:23 First Encounters with Birds of Prey * 10:59 Training Sparrowhawks and Unconventional Methods * 18:39 Transition to Harris Hawks and Their Management * 31:03 The Role of Harris Hawks in Falconry * 45:17 The Art of Falconry and Grouse Hawking * 01:08:50 The Role of Dogs in Falconry and Grouse Hawking * 01:26:21 Adapting to Prey Behaviour * 01:33:28 Challenges and Conservation * 01:43:48 Breeding Grouse * 01:52:49 Influential Mentors * 01:58:53 Encouraging New Falconers

Episode 3 - Peter O'Driscoll, Champion Pointer, Handler, Trainer and Breeder.

The conversation delves into Peter's early experiences with dogs, particularly the remarkable Turpin, and the transition to bird dogs. It also explores pointer training and trials, as well as a discussion on training techniques and tools. The conversation delves into the training of dogs for endurance, the impact of discipline on hunting behaviour, and extreme scenting behaviour exhibited by dogs in different scenarios. It provides insights into dog training techniques and the understanding of scenting behaviour in hunting dogs. The conversation explores the judging of dogs, exploring various scenarios . It also discusses the influence of scent and environmental factors on dog behaviour, as well as the unique characteristics of British breeds and their training methods. Takeaways * Insights into dog behaviour * Training and working with gun dogs * Understanding Scent * Understanding Dog Behaviour Chapters * 00:00 The Early Years with Dogs * 12:13 Transition to Bird Dogs and Training Methods * 22:39 Pointer Training and Trials * 35:34 Discussion on Training Techniques and Tools * 49:20 Training Dogs for Endurance * 01:00:35 Discipline and Hunting Behaviour * 01:12:00 Extreme Scenting Behaviour * 01:30:51 Training and Judging Dogs * 01:36:16 Scent and Environmental Factors * 01:41:39 British Breeds and Training

Episode 2 - Nigel Musto, technical clothing expert.

Brought to you by The Red Dog Company, host Nick Lambert and outdoor clothing expert Nigel Musto, explore the importance of choosing the right clothing to stay comfortable in various weather conditions. They delve into the use of different materials, layering techniques, and the performance of specific fabric technologies. The conversation also touches on the history and expertise of Musto in technical clothing and the development of outdoor gear for specific activities. The conversation covers a range of topics related to outdoor clothing and gear, including the importance of comfort, warmth, and waterproofing. It also delves into the use of specific materials like Merino wool and Polartec fleece, as well as the challenges of maintaining and renewing outdoor clothing. Takeaways * Layering is essential for staying comfortable in outdoor conditions. * The choice of fabric and material plays a crucial role in determining the performance of outdoor clothing. Layering is key for outdoor comfort * Understanding the materials and their properties is crucial for selecting the right gear Chapters * 00:00 Exploring Gore-Tex and Other Fabric Brands * 36:25 Importance of Comfort and Waterproofing * 43:14 Static vs. Active Hunting Gear * 55:09 Challenges of Maintaining Outdoor Clothing

Episode 1 - Rory Major, HPR Handler, Trainer and Breeder

Brought to you by The Red Dog Company, host Nick Lambert, and expert guest Rory Major delve into the world of breeding and training HPRs; emphasising the importance of temperament and hunting ability. They explore training techniques, the use of e-collars, walking and training dogs, and the differences in training for field trials and shooting dogs. The conversation delves into the world of field trials and dog training, discussing the challenges faced in handling and training dogs for various tasks. It emphasises the importance of early training and yard work in shaping a dog's behavior and skills. The conversation covers a range of topics including training techniques, German vs. other European breeds, and the passion for breeding and lineage in HPR dogs. It explores the impact of breeding and lineage on the performance and characteristics of HPR breeds, as well as the unique hunting styles and behaviors of different breeds. Takeaways * Breeding and training gun dogs * The importance of temperament and hunting ability in gun dogs field trials and dog training * Handling and training challenges * Importance of early training and yard work Breeding and lineage impact the performance and characteristics of HPR breeds. * Different breeds have unique hunting styles and behaviors. * The German breeding system for HPR dogs is highly organized and documented. Chapters * 00:00 Training for Field Trials and Shooting Dogs * 33:18 Field Trials and Dog Training * 41:05 Training Approaches and Techniques * 01:00:31 Training Techniques and Methods * 01:06:45 German vs. Other European Breeds * 01:19:08 Passion for Breeding and Lineage