“I have just had a brilliant evening training my dogs. The sun was out, the birds were singing and it wasn’t just me that was feeling good. The dogs were flying.

Like all addictions, training dogs can give you some real highs. This evening was one of those times, but it does raise the question: what came first, the chicken or the egg? Were the dogs flying because I was feeling really good, or do I feel good because the dogs were flying?

Don’t worry, I haven’t suddenly come over all philosophical, but it’s a really important point. The modern working dog is a subtle, sensitive creature and will almost certainly pick up on your state of mind. If your dog senses tension, annoyance or irritation in you it will affect the dog’s state of mind and performance.

Calculated disapproval can be used to discourage some behaviour, but if you are feeling grumpy and tired it might be best to just go for a walk with the dog and leave training until tomorrow.

One thing’s for certain: just being around and watching dogs can be so therapeutic and I recommend it.

A few weeks ago I mentioned Razz, a young black Labrador puppy who is rather enthusiastic about life. The last couple of weeks of training have seen him start to settle down and concentrate. It’s essential that we don’t stifle his energy and just teach him self control. He is just starting to become steady when a dummy is thrown so we can gradually build up the time he has to wait before we cast him off.

For retrievers, this self control and patience will be essential if the dog is to be successful in the shooting field. So, do your best to remember that practice does not make perfect, perfect practice makes perfect. Get training!”