Kind Gun Dog Training?

[milly]

I am training 8 month old Caoimhe to hopefully compete (although it's very difficult to get into) and she doesn't get to walk with the other two dogs, all her training is separate and she doesn't get to run around and do whatever she likes when we're out as if they get into the habit of free hunting for themselves and going too far from you it's hard to break; unless she's retrieving something the furthest she goes from me is about 7 yards. She gets plenty of play though and we have a massive garden in which she gets to play with the other dogs in every day although under supervision.   

I agree with Nicola's method, OH has a working lab Max (out shooting with him now) and he's also a pet. My cocker's a pet and worker in trainer, both pampered house dogs in the day and kennelled overnight or if we're out. The cocker didn't go out with the lab until his commands were firmly in place and he's never had 'play time' with dogs we meet when we're out training. He gets lots of fun play in the garden with Max and his mum Kate under supervision and he's well socialised with other dogs in a gundog training group. We're just getting to the point where I am going to let him have a bit of supervised play at group training after the class and goes out with Max about once a week now because he's at the stage where he'll take commands with the distraction of Max.

Try reading 'The Cocker Man' by Hedley Millington, he trained eight cockers as field trial champions and was in the British gundog team, his cockers were much loved house pets.

[sophiew]

Thanks for the book recommendation, I'll go and find myself a copy!

I've ordered the Gundog Club puppy book too, so I can make sure we're not making any no-nos early on!

I'm so pleased other people have pet dogs who work... hope ours will turn out alright!

Thanks

Sophie
x

[turbobert]

I like the sound of a lot of the comments.  We have three dogs . The first an old working cocker who has basic obedience only.  The second a JRT cross who also has basic obedience and a 14 month old working cocker who has more than the basics.  I have to train him separately which is a bind but any 'games' with the other two ends up in tears and not helpful.  I have reached the stage where - yes 14 month old is firstly a pet but I want to do more with him.  He loves being trained and I enjoy doing it - but in what?  I dont shoot and am a little long in the tooth for 'beating' or agility.  Any ideas?

[DLK]

I know many gundogs that are pets,  dogs are pets regardless of what they do it does not make us not want to stroke them.
When training a pup ensure you dont do tugging games, not too many throwing games, and my main tip is just because your dog brought you a retrieve back it does not mean you have to take it from the dog.

If your over keen to remove the retrieve the dog will associate a retrieve with you taking it off it.  Then the dog will start thinking, well last time I came to you you took it off me.  This can bring 2 reactions, 1 spitting the retrieve    2 not coming back to you  .

[Birdie Wife]

One of the best things I picked up from the Gun Dog puppy guide was NOT to tell my pup off when she was carrying something in her mouth - even if she picked something precious up in the house - which did get me some funny looks from people I know.  Instead, I tell her she's very clever and such a good girl (not always easy to stick to!!) and so instead of running away with the item, she comes towards me because she thinks she might get a reward - in which case, I say "thank you", whcih is her cue to give me the item, and I tel her "good girl" again. 

It works!!

[sophiew]

Have just finished reading the Gundog puppy manual and found it really sensible and useful. Can't imagine I'll find it too easy to praise the puppy from bringing me something I don't want her to have, but will put on a brave face!

Sophie
x

[DLK]

Best thing to do when the pup brings you some of your best shoes hit the husband

Your husband will soon remember to tidy up after you

[sophiew]

Best thing to do when the pup brings you some of your best shoes hit the husband

Your husband will soon remember to tidy up after you

Hehehe, I'll remember that!