I think I know where Cazzie is going with this question and agree completely
The gun has to be introduced carefully so you don't make him gunshy, which will make him useless for work I'd make sure these are very experienced gun dog trainers and not just casual "weekend warriors"
Not as such, but the reason I asked is an untrained dog can quite easily ruen a drive, any dog on a paid driven shoot must be 100% steady in all aspects, says Carol with Miss Sweepie
But the difference is, I do alot of rough shooting with Will so if sweepie mucks something up its not a distaster. If it was me I would attend the shoot and beat without your dog, if you enjoy your day which Im sure you will then it will give you something to work to with your dog.
Beating on a shoot involves the following:
Walking through all aspects of cover, driving birds towards the guns, dealing and handling of game, enjoying the countryside, meeting great people and learning about all aspects of countryside management. Shooting/gamekeeping is NOT all about killing there is so much more to it than that and anyone who tells you different deserves a slap.