[qpd4ever]

Hi my name is Dave, I have been an accidental smallholder since I left the military four years ago and bought a field with my gratuity. I am a dog trainer by trade and enjoy very much being a part time smallholder. I keep sheep, pigs and poultry and three ponies for the kids.

[doganjo]

Aha, a dog trainer?  Now that is a useful member - welcome to the forum, Dave.  Here's the deal - you ask us questions about smallholding, we ask you questions about dog training.   

I'm not a smallholder really, I just have an acre of garden with a small stream, and a woodland area, a few ducks and chickens, and four  oops, sorry forgot about the pup - five dogs. All have been shot over at some point except the pup, and he is destined for that discipline too. Two girls are doing agility, one girl is old and just 'IS', my boy comes beating and picking up, and the wee one hopefully will be field trialled.

[JulieS]

Hello and welcome Dave 

[Hilarysmum]

Hi, welcome, I would be very interested in hearing how you train your dogs, we too have pigs and sheep.  Great life isnt it!!!

[HappyHippy]

Hello from me in South Lanarkshire 
Look forward to hearing more from you
Karen

[Rosemary]

Hi and welcome from sunny Alloa.

Whereabouts is your field? What kind of livestock do you have?

[little blue]

hello and welcome from Derbyshire, what sort of pigs do you have?