Well we decided to try our luck at our first Gun Dog Working Test
I knew field trials were no collar but didn't know or thought it was off lead collar on for GWT
It was bucketing down with rain, both dogs were soaking wet and I was so wet even my underwear was wet
hope I set the scene, got to the start peg to be told take the collar off
well her collar only comes off when she is having a bath (thats another saga but I'll spare you that one) took the collar of firmly said work time and she took off and wouldn't come back I'm looking for her in the scrub only to be told by the judge she is right behind you
so we gave up on that part and just tried a retrieve she watched it go waited till I gave the command, jumped the gully heading for the dummy then found something more interesting
so I had to find it.
Luckily I had already spoke to the judge and explained this was our first time, wanted to see how it worked in practice. Embarrassed, feeling rather silly knowing how much work we now have to do, mostly trying to control her she is hyperactive and can rarely sit still she only has 2 speeds all out or a sleep, she is only 2years old. The weather is cooling down now so hopefully I will be able to get out and practice working in open fields. How do you go from training mode, collar on and long lead so she doesn't do a runner, to no collar? Surely the dog knows no collar I'll do what I want where is the reward, I know the reward should be getting to retrieve which she loves, will chase and bring back almost anything in the backyard or our local park.
I'm going to try taking the collar off for backyard training and at the park then try a cricket pitch which is fenced how does this sound please help with suggestons I need all the help we can get.
Also will I include Kody in this training he is not really interested in retrieving well once or twice he will then he will find something else to do, sniff out possums he is only 16 months.
I know she is over the top with enthusiasm, but he is very quiet, lazy loves to cuddle with me on couch with only occasional bursts of energy running zoomies around the washing line but then has a lay down and a snooze, at Agility he can weave really well, now has the bounce
but after twice through he has had enough which is always when the instructor is watching so he hasn't been passed up to the next class.
I feel guilty if I leave him at home and spend more time with her.
Help needed
