And here I come across terms like “Full Tayyar”. This is the attitude that clearly overrides the meaning of having a gundog. It puts me off every time I see a post of such “Negligent Urgency”. A gundog on the other hand, is an utter indication towards the lifestyle of both the owner and the dog itself. Chances are if there’s a gundog there’s a gunman. More important, it shows the prudence of its owner towards the game. A gundog that isn’t synched with its handler is a disaster in the field, we all know that. Before that sync happens, there’s a long trail of zeal and dedication in bonding with the dog through its life as hunting companion. With sessions of affection, command and companionship, rises a gundog that will read its owner before the owner starts following and reading the dog in field. At the end of the day, it’s all about following and reading the dog isn’t it?

But here, the whole idea is indigestible. Well, let’s assume you don’t have a dog but you really want to go hunting. But then you can’t do it without a dog either. Don’t go! Still if you do, accompany your hunting buddies who have a gundog and satisfy your itch this way. Meanwhile, you can look for another puppy, which you will raise, bond and train to your standards. And by the time next season opens, it will be ready to accompany you in the field. Everything takes time like we all did learning about hunting and outdoors. Similarly, a dog turning into a gundog takes time. And as the owner, you must ensure it takes its due time to be called as your gundog. This is the most rewarding side of a hunter’s life. How could one possibly miss out on this?

The dog reflects the approach of its owner in the field. It ensures a close quarter in front and makes sure a clean retrieve. The owner’s job is to read its gundog and follow accordingly. Very basic idea of having a gundog. In between the owner’s language, command and tone plays a key role. How does one ensure that in a “Full Tayyar” dog is beyond my apprehension.

I have no ending for this, but whatever it takes to own a gundog, is a man’s job not some schoolboy’s. Schoolboys like to make it quick. Our youngsters are obsessed with overnight success with everything. And in the race for doing so, they miss out on small yet most important values and lessons of life. The same goes for outdoors and hunting. There are lessons to be learned, only if one is patient enough and have a heart for it. Mentorship is another aspect and I must admit, we haven’t been able to transfer the knowledge and values associated with the sport while raising our youngsters. The outcome would be devastating both for the habitat and heritage. I only fear, times to come shall witness ignorant intruders in the field not hunters.