Gallery: Doddington farm holds its first Gun Dog Scurry and sees competitors from across the country take part
A Doddington farm saw 36 gun dogs and their handlers compete in an all day event which challenged the canines and their retrieval skills.
Organised by Shannon Slender, of Rednels K9, the Gun Dog Scurry saw 20 handlers and 36 dogs compete across five disciplines for the Mount Meg of Mountemple Challenge Trophy.
Shannon, who did not want to make public the exact venue because of security concerns, said competitors had travelled from as far afield as Yorkshire, Lancashire and Norfolk to take part in the five events, all of which were timed.
They included one long retrieve; a short sense; an up and over and a multi-pick-up as well as the clockface challenge where dogs were expected to collect a dummy from a circle of eight picking the one that corresponded to the number drawn from a hat.
There were prizes for the fastest three in each event, and then the dog which was fastest over all five challenges picked up the trophy. The winner was Robert Dunning and his dog from Lincolnshire.
Shannon explained Covid-19 rules meant only 20 handlers were able to compete and there were no spectators. The success of Sunday's first Gun Dog Scurry means there are now plans to hold a monthly event.
"It was a really good day, and people really seemed to enjoy it. Unfortunately we were unable to have people come along to watch because of the coronavirus, which also meant we had to limit the number of people taking part, but it was still a great event.
"It wouldn't have been possible without our sponsors: Kennel and Coup Company, Sinder Mills Dog Food, Muntjac Trading and Ruby Ropes - so I would really like to say a big thank-you to them."
