82. Inside the Ring: A Gundog Handler's Guide to Crufts

This week we look inside the world of gundog handling and showing, specifically at the prestigious Crufts dog show. In today's episode, we have a special guest, Abbie Reid, a Featured Expert of the LWDG who has been showing her gundogs at the BASC Showring at Crufts for several years. Abbie shares her experience with gundog showing how she first got started and what she learned in her early days. She gives tips and advice for newcomers to the sport, including the importance of research, training, and networking with other handlers. Abbie discusses how she prepares her gundogs for Crufts, from the initial training and conditioning to the grooming and presentation. She explains the importance of having a solid routine and sticking to it, as well as the need to stay calm and focused in the high-pressure environment of the show. Abbie takes us behind the scenes at the BASC Showring at Crufts and shares what it's like to compete with her gundogs. She talks about the judges, the other competitors, and the unique challenges of showing up in front of a large audience. She also shares some of her favourite moments from past Crufts shows. Abbie offers some final tips and advice for gundog handlers who want to succeed at Crufts or any other show. She emphasizes the importance of enjoying the process, not just the outcome, and the value of having a support network of fellow handlers and enthusiasts. Thanks to Abbie Reid for joining us on the podcast and sharing her expertise on gundog showing at Crufts. We hope this episode has been informative and inspiring for our listeners who are interested in this exciting sport. Join us next time for another inside look at the world of gundogs.Thanks for being here. If this episode gave you something, a laugh, a lightbulb, or just the feeling that someone gets it, that's exactly why we make it.📚 Not sure where to start with your gundog training? Grab the LWDG Gundog Progress Gap Map. Work out where you exactly where you are and what to work on next, no more guessing needed.