Gundog training???

[sarahb2206]

Bramble is now 3 years old!!!  Although she went through puppy training and came out with top marks, both she and the family would benefit with some further training.  I think she would get an awful lot out of some formal Gundog training - we are not wanting her to work.  Normal training like agility and obedience just isn't her cup of tea. She doesn't retrieve (more like grab and run!!), and turns into a howling banshee if ever she sees a cat!!  We live in Gundog country so there are no shortages in trainers - are Show-type Cockers any good at gundog type activities? And is it too late (she is now 3)

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

[Nicola]

Show type cockers can be trained for gundog work definitely. If you're not actually wanting to work her and just do it for fun then I wouldn't worry too much about her age or her potentially not being a working superstar. One on one lessons with a pro trainer can be expensive though (usually around £20-30 per hour). You could try contacting The Gundog Club to see if they are running any courses in your area...

http://www.thegundogclub.co.uk/home.htm

There is also a lot you can do yourself training wise without having to go to a professional, particularly if you're not actually going to work the dog. You can work on her retrieving and teach her a good leave command without even leaving the house and garden! You can play hide and seek games with her toys, again starting in the house until she gets the hang of it and then taking it outside so she learns to search for things and use her nose to hunt properly. It's all good training practice and good fun and they're never too old for that!