Next generation shines at young gundog handlers’ event

Twenty-six young handlers, some as young as five years old, demonstrated remarkable natural ability at Muntjac Trading’s inaugural Young Handlers Day on 3 August.

The ambitious event saw sessions run simultaneously across three counties – Buckinghamshire, Worcestershire and East Staffordshire – with professional trainers putting the children through challenging exercises, including memory retrieves over fences, water work and mock beating lines.

What impressed organisers most was the children’s focus and independence. Kit Taylor from Muntjac Trading noted how seriously the young handlers approached their gundog training, with “total focus” despite the occasional “mad cocker moment”.

The day proved transformative for many young participants. Jennifer Thomas from JT Dog Training watched confidence bloom throughout the sessions, while Emma Stevens from Cunningshot Gundogs was delighted to see even the youngest handlers working independently, with some in the older group impressively managing multiple dogs.

Tucker Munday from Midland Gundog Training, father of two young daughters, saw deeper benefits in getting children away from screens: “Dog training teaches real-life skills,” he observed.

Parents were equally impressed. Antonia Mitchell reported her son Bertie “came away feeling so inspired” after attending Jennifer’s session.

Every participant received medals, rosettes and equipment-filled goody bags. Professional photographers captured the action throughout the day. Following the overwhelming response, Muntjac plans to expand the event next year.

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