In the world of driven game shooting in the UK, where pheasants, partridges, and other gamebirds are driven towards a line of Guns by beaters, the peg dog plays a vital, yet often underappreciated, role. A peg dog is more than just a companion at the peg; they are a highly trained, reliable partner whose steadiness and retrieving abilities ensure the smooth flow of the shoot. In this blog, we’ll explore the role of a peg dog, their unique skills, and why they are so important on driven shoots.
What is a Peg Dog?
A peg dog is the dog that sits by the side of a Gun at a “peg” during a driven shoot. The term “peg” refers to the numbered shooting positions where Guns stand to wait for birds being flushed out by beaters. The role of the peg dog is twofold: they must remain calm and steady during the excitement of the shoot, and, when commanded, retrieve downed birds efficiently.
Peg dogs are typically retrievers, such as Labradors, but other breeds like spaniels or Hunt Point Retrieve (HPR) breeds can also serve in this role. The primary requirement is that the dog is well-trained, patient, and highly obedient.
The Key Responsibilities of a Peg Dog
A peg dog’s duties may seem straightforward, but they require extensive training and discipline to perform effectively in the intense atmosphere of a driven shoot. Their responsibilities include:
1. Steadiness
One of the most critical attributes of a peg dog is their ability to remain steady. During a driven shoot, birds are flushed towards the Guns in large numbers, often in quick succession. With shots ringing out and birds falling, a peg dog must remain calm, sitting quietly by the Gun’s side without breaking position intil fhe drive has finished. This is essential for safety and ensures the dog doesn’t disturb other Guns or chase after birds before instructed.
Steadiness training for peg dogs is rigorous, teaching them to ignore distractions, resist the temptation to break, and patiently wait for their handler’s commands. Only after the shoot is finished, is the peg dog sent to retrieve.
2. Marking Downed Birds
While sitting beside the Gun, the peg dog’s job is to keep an eye on the sky and mark any birds that are shot and fall to the ground. The ability to mark the exact location of fallen game is crucial to a successful retrieve, especially in larger driven shoots where multiple birds are shot in quick succession. Peg dogs are trained to be highly observant, using their eyes and ears to pinpoint where each bird lands.
This skill is particularly important when game falls in thick cover or difficult terrain, where it might be hard for a Gun to locate the bird. A well-trained peg dog remembers where each bird has fallen and retrieves them efficiently.
3. Retrieving Game
After the drive, the peg dog’s main task begins: retrieving downed birds. A peg dog must retrieve shot game quickly, gently, and without damaging the bird. This requires a soft mouth, which is developed through careful training. They are trained to deliver the game back to hand without hesitation.
Peg dogs need to be versatile in their retrieving skills, as birds may fall in a variety of terrains, including thick brambles, open fields, or even in water. A good peg dog will confidently retrieve from any area, whether it’s rough ground or a small pond.
4. Being Under Control
Another key role of the peg dog is maintaining absolute control during the shoot. These dogs are not allowed to break from their position unless commanded, regardless of the excitement happening around them. Peg dogs should not chase birds that fly past, nor should they interfere with other Guns’ shots or retrieves.
Control also extends to the timing of their retrieves. A peg dog should wait for their handler’s signal to retrieve a bird, even if it has fallen close by. This ensures that the dog doesn’t disrupt the rhythm of the shoot and allows other dogs or pickers-up to carry out their duties without confusion.
The Traits of a Good Peg Dog
The peg dog’s role on a driven shoot demands specific qualities and a high level of training. Here are some of the traits that make a successful peg dog:
• Patience: A peg dog might spend long periods of time sitting quietly, waiting for the right moment to work. Patience is one of the most important characteristics of a peg dog, as they must remain calm amidst all the noise and excitement.
• Focus: A peg dog needs to maintain focus throughout the shoot, paying attention to the birds and the handler’s commands. They must ignore distractions and stay alert to perform accurate retrieves.
• Obedience: A peg dog must be completely obedient, responding to commands without hesitation. They need to understand when to sit, stay, and retrieve, and they should never act independently of their handler’s instructions.
• Soft Mouth: As with all retrieving dogs, a peg dog must carry the game gently, ensuring the birds are brought back in good condition. This is essential for preserving the quality of the game after the shoot.
• Adaptability: Peg dogs are required to retrieve from various terrains, whether it’s dense woodland, water, or open fields. Their versatility and ability to adapt to different environments make them valuable on any shoot.
Training a Peg Dog
Training a peg dog requires time, consistency, and a solid understanding of canine behavior. The goal is to develop a dog that is not only a skilled retriever but also steady and controlled in the heat of the shoot. Key areas of peg dog training include:
• Basic Obedience: Like all working dogs, peg dogs must be trained in basic obedience—commands such as sit, stay, and heel form the foundation of their training.
• Steadiness Training: The dog must learn to remain steady and resist breaking under distraction. This is often one of the most challenging parts of training, as the natural instinct for many dogs is to chase birds.
• Marking and Retrieving: Peg dogs must be trained to mark fallen birds accurately and retrieve them efficiently, returning them to hand. This is developed through repetitive and structured retrieval exercises.
• Controlled Retrieves: Peg dogs need to be trained to retrieve only on command. This ensures they don’t disrupt the shoot or interfere with other dogs working in the field.
Why Peg Dogs Are So Important
Peg dogs play an indispensable role in the overall success and safety of a driven shoot. Without a well-trained peg dog, a Gun may struggle to retrieve all shot birds efficiently, especially in shoots with large bags. Additionally, their presence enhances the enjoyment of the shoot, as watching a peg dog work in harmony with its handler is one of the great pleasures of the sport.
A peg dog’s ability to stay calm under pressure, retrieve game with precision, and work as an extension of the Gun is what makes them so valuable. For any gun who values a seamless, efficient, and rewarding day in the field, a well-trained peg dog is an essential partner.
Conclusion
In the world of driven shooting, peg dogs may often go unnoticed by those unfamiliar with their role, but to the seasoned shooter, they are invaluable companions. Their unique combination of steadiness, focus, and retrieving ability ensures that game is recovered smoothly and efficiently, making them an integral part of any driven shoot. Whether it’s marking birds in flight, retrieving from difficult terrain, or sitting patiently by the Gun’s side, the peg dog is a quiet but vital hero of the field.