Hi All,

Very interesting reading all the latest emails and lovely to see the puppies growing up- they are all so lovely. Evie and me had a very productive afternoon with Raymond and Christine yesterday and as a result I now feel that I am beginning to understand munsters a little bit better (start of a long journey). I also feel more positive and focused on what I have got to do to build my 'Partnership' with Evie.
Ironically Evie behaved herself very well and stuck to me like glue at first. It was reasurring to know that she does have a clear bond with me which Raymond and Christine were quick to point out. It became obvious that I am going to have to walk Evie away from her home territory in less gamey areas where she will meet other distractions such as dogs,people etc and begin training there rather than here where there are lots of scents (especially hare and deer) and big open spaces. Raymond and Cristine taught me how to 'quarter in' and how to do the 'memory retrieve' as well as learning to watch my dog and pre empt what she is going to do before she does it. The other thing I have got to work on is the distance sit/wait. The main thing really is to incorporate all this into a walk so that I am working with her not just walking her that way she learns to focus on me and not self hunting. I know that I have got to put the work in and not be disappointed when it all goes pear shaped but I am ready for it now and feel that I am on the right path. It was lovely for Evie to spend time with Christine and Raymonds 4 dogs and Evie especially bonded well with Kauto. I am thankful for their time and their obvious commitment to the breed in general. I will of course keep you updated on our progress.