Dead of winter..

[Blackmag 6,354]

One of the best dogs I saw on that ground was a lab grey /collie grey a good bitch think it was called Keeley  and a collie x saluki type that dog was relentless nothing to look at but worth kennel space of anyones  yard me being young an stupid ran a bull x up on that ground one night she never ran again after hitting a critter she also hit some serious bolders but she was out of her depth on that ground  we run and that was my fault  I take my hat of to any man who wanders up there and any mutt that runs there as I couldn't do now you saying of carrying a dog off the mountain is one I have heard many times and that not many make old bones 

[FUJI 17,623]

This was Boots having been successful yet the weather was absolutely baltic & within minutes he was within a breath of death as soon as the adrenaline in him relented..this is the reality of hunting up in the mountains & Wales 1234 post confirms the dangers of running up there too..we all know every run can be a dog's last run everytime we slip them even on a nice flat pasture of a field but a couple of thousand feet up,miles from anywhere or anything in the dead of winter if things go pear shaped you really are walking on a knifes edge in regards to the wellbeing of your dog..I'm glad I'm all but done with it if I'm honest,as I've aged I've came to realise my dogs are my pals & not just tools to go to work with..I know the limits my dog's will go to when working,they would never ever quit & I know that because I've taken them right to the brink many times yet they would still go & give everything including their lives the very next time out & everytime out thereafter..now I attempt to curtail their work before we hopefully reach that point & that of the point of no return,we all like to test our running dog's & by hunting the mountains for many years in mid winter i know they have been..I'm quite fond of the bugger's if I'm honest & I'd not like to lose any of them if I could help it

[FUJI 17,623]

19 minutes ago, jukel123 said:

Daresay dogs get their fill too.

Absolutely fella

[Bearfoot 1,477]

il have shorts on to finish my bucket lists 

[FUJI 17,623]

9 minutes ago, Blackmag said:

One of the best dogs I saw on that ground was a lab grey /collie grey a good bitch think it was called Keeley  and a collie x saluki type that dog was relentless nothing to look at but worth kennel space of anyones  yard me being young an stupid ran a bull x up on that ground one night she never ran again after hitting a critter she also hit some serious bolders but she was out of her depth on that ground  we run and that was my fault  I take my hat of to any man who wanders up there and any mutt that runs there as I couldn't do now you saying of carrying a dog off the mountain is one I have heard many times and that not many make old bones 

Thankyou for you input buddy,I've always loved lurchers with a bit of Lab in them, problem being I've never owned one myself! The ones I've seen have all been cracking animals,I've not seen a moderate one let alone a bad one,were I a younger fella I'd probably try & source a dog with working Lab blood in it ..they really impressed me & sounds like that Keeley bitch did you too..I hear you regarding the boulders etc,they don't move if a dog hits them at full speed & the outcome is never favourable for a four legged pooch if the worst happens..I've seen more than enough injuries from the mountains,many of them to myself..it's definitely not like a walk in the park up there that's for sure matey

[Blackmag 6,354]

5 minutes ago, FUJI said:

Thankyou for you input buddy,I've always loved lurchers with a bit of Lab in them, problem being I've never owned one myself! The ones I've seen have all been cracking animals,I've not seen a moderate one let alone a bad one,were I a younger fella I'd probably try & source a dog with working Lab blood in it ..they really impressed me & sounds like that Keeley bitch did you too..I hear you regarding the boulders etc,they don't move if a dog hits them at full speed & the outcome is never favourable for a four legged pooch if the worst happens..I've seen more than enough injuries from the mountains,many of them to myself..it's definitely not like a walk in the park up there that's for sure matey

Keeley was owned by a lad cockermouth way Carl a big lad she was better than anything I owned and a pleasure to watch work a hardy bitch in feet and coat and knew how to run that ground as you say when the bloods up and your trying to get there as fast as you can those ice or moss filled rocks are leg breakers and given the wind chill and mist that suddenly drops that makes it even more dangerous fair play Andy for being up there regular but like most lads it's not for me 

[Neobliviscaris1776 1,998]

Nice write ups lads Yes the hills can be the best of times and the worst of times. The sense of remoteness and seeing your dog run on testing quarry with an incredible backdrop is really an experience. Not inclined to divulge much of my own escapades but I do echo some of the sentiments concerning being prepared with essentials for not only the dogs possiblity of injury, but also yourself. Survival blankets and a light weight bivvy bag are a must for me when taking a longer journey on foot just incase the elements take a turn and the best option is to take a break before continuing on or back whatever your goal is. The good thing about winter, is that few venture out