A Dog Beside Me: Recollections of a Shooting Man

Throughout his long and varied life, Arthur Cadman has always had a gundog, usually a labrador, at his side. In a book full of humour and anecdote, he now recalls the many remarkable dogs he has trained and also some of the unusual dogs owned by shooting companions that he has encountered along the way. He begins by discussing the various breeds and their aptitude for particular roles in the shooting field. For wildfowling of which Arthur Cadman has vast experience, a dog must be strong enough to retrieve a goose from a fast flowing river; his great goose dog, Bear, was his favourite companion on many memorable days. For stalking he favours the larger species such as Labrador, Alastian sheepdog, GSP or the German Wachtel. His labrador, Mole, is remembered with affection as his finest deer dog. In later chapters he discusses intelligence in dogs and suggests names he has used down the years until the arrival of his latest dog, Happy. He gives some invaluable hints for use in training dogs and for their daily care. His chapter on deer dogs gives interesting insights into the preparation of a dog for stalking and remarks that otherwise splendid dogs sometimes just do not take to it. He recalls books about dogs that he has enjoyed or found helpful. Writing about picking-up, he remarks that this can be one of the greatest pleasures in the shooting field especially when one has a young dog in training. His book is a wonderful blend of reminiscence and practical advice which will appeal to every shooter who relishes the rewards, and inevitable setbacks, in training a young dog to share his shooting days and indeed his life. John Tickner's illustrations are a delight.