Hi there my name is Shane and I work on shoots with my gundogs.
I have a ESS, labrador and a GLP.

My wife brought the kids a pet cairn terrier puppy, I hate seeing dogs deprived of being dogs, so when old enough took this little terrier with me on a shoot, scooby's (the cairn) confidence amazed me, not shy of the guns, and had the same spark in his eyes i see in the working dogs.
I trained him as i did the gundogs, and this little dog has amazed me ever since, he is now 9 months old, and works with my other dogs.
Of course working past the stubborn streak is a challenge, and he does sometimes forget what hes doing.
But its amazing to see, this dog flushes, retrieves (all terrain), hunts and points.
I must admit i didnt think this dog was capable of such work but im gobsmacked watching him! 
The other lads on the shoots hold their hands up to this little dog.

has anyone else known of a dog totally not being what they should be?
and totally outshining your expectations.

Shane Andrews, Lincs

well done , can you do my next pup pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Hi Shane.

When I first met my 2nd hubby he had a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. A 'TOY' breed. She was the best working gundog I've ever seen :D She eventually worked as part of a team (the better part I might add) along with my English Springer. I've never seen a dog so happy to be out in the field. ;)

When training my gundogs I was "joined" by a pet english bull terrier who would spot us and come and join in. She was a good retriever. On one of my shoots we have had a mini poodle and a stafford working, in the beating line. Both totally joined it. We have also had rescuse spaniels which have been trained and work on the shoots.

We have a couple of Jack Russells on my shoot. I also have a girl at the dog club who's Rottie accumpanies her Springer beating. Add to that there was an article in Shooting Times a few weeks ago about an Elkhound on the beating line at a shoot. It's lovely to see these different breeds out enjoying themselves.

Best wishes, John

We've got a pekinese on one of our shoots - sound familiar - Polly?

Jo and the Casblaidd Flatcoats

Yes very. In temperament I always think they are closer to terriers than the stereo typical toy image they have. i have seen them working away and little Bizzie Lizzie was a good mouser and given have a chance ratter too!