Aye Mates,
So TEAM TRAD made another go at an AKC Master Hunter Stakes this weekend going through on the land series on day one which was extremely hot and humid. We optimistically went back today to run the last two series. Series two was a double mark on water and land, a diversion shot on the way back from the "go bird", and a water blind under the arc of the 2nd mark. TRAD was steady, pinned both marks and retrieved the water blind. We were not called back for the third series.
So given the title o' this post ye might think this is where I whine about how we were treated unfairly or moan about the incompetence o' the judges, blah, blah, blah. NOT HAPPENING. The judges were doing what judges are suppose to do in discerning those that met the standard for the test and those that did not. One of the judges is a friend o' mine and a gunning partner in years gone by. He cut no special favors, nor would I expect him to. I did speak with both judges after the 2nd series and started the conversation by letting them know I had no complaint to be issued, was not contesting their decision, but simply wanted to know how they had reached their conclusion that we be disqualified. The judges politely and professionally explained that they were not pleased with the handle on our water blind and I fully concurred that it left room for improvement. My approach to every hunt test I enter is to learn as much as I can from it. Talking with judges is a great way to get feedback both positive and negative. I generally tout the "Train Don't Complain" school of thought whenever I get dropped. I learned again today and that is always good.
Another hunt test, another grand experience surrounded by retriever folks and their wonderful dogs, quality time spent with me retriever TRAD and me mates in the hunt test community during the "off season", and a ride back home through some truly beautiful landscapes. Me artist's eyes caught flashes of red contrasted amongst the summer greenery and I was soon out o' me truck, camera in hand, and capturing shots o' Cardinal flowers and swamp maples, their varying red tones underlining the approach of bird season and the good times ahead with me lad TRAD and me gunning partners.
These complimentary red's in a sea o' green have me longing for the coming bird season, the hunt tests of the season behind us it will now be time for the practical application of all o' the many, many, hours o' retriever training. "Seeing red" isn't always a bad thing.
Slan go Foill,
THE DOG WHISTLER
TEAM TRAD PRO STAFF
DUBLIN DUCK DYNASTY
Joanie Madden, Mary Bergin, Adrea Coor, and Nuala Kennedy, each an Irish whistle goddess in her own right.
All I can say is good job Mike and TRAD! You have a great attitude, and no doubt will learn and grow from this experience. I've often said I've learned more from my failures than I have from my successes. Give TRAD a rub for me and tell him well done!
Aye Barry,
Thanks kindly. TEAM TRAD is a resilient duo and we try not to sweat the small stuff. We are back at it with another HT next week in NY. Went home from the HT today and trained tonight. Consider the rub for TRAD delivered. He is passed out tonight and I will be too before very long.
Cheers,
Mike
TEAM TRAD PRO STAFF
DUBLIN DUCK DYNASTY
Joanie Madden, Mary Bergin, Adrea Coor, and Nuala Kennedy, each an Irish whistle goddess in her own right.
barry581 (08-21-2017)
Not so much not qualifying as a learning event. I, too, applaud you for you attitude. The best was that both you and TRAD had a great time together. It will come.
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Kissing Bandit
IRISHWISTLER (08-21-2017)
Best of luck to you guys next week!
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