So after Jett's success in a gun dog competition in August I felt it was time for Jett to be pushed to the next stage of his gun dog training
.
The training I take him to have award schemes to give us something to aim towards. In Jett's case we were going for the 'bronze' award.
These are the requirements to pass the 'Bronze' award:
Test 1 Heel.
Handler to walk with dog at heel 20yds off lead. Handler and dog to about turn and return to start.
Test 2 Sit.
Handler to command dog to sit, leave dog 10yds and return to dog. Dog not to move.
Test 3 Stay.
Handler to leave dog 20 yds and turn and face, one command may be given. Dog to remain at sit for 2 mins, handler to return to dog.
Test 4 Recall.
Handler to leave dog 20 yds, call dog, call or whistle. Dog to come without delay, sit in front of handler and, on command, return to heel.
Test 5 Retrieve 1
Straight marked retrieve 10 yds. Dog to be sent on command, retrieve dummy to hand and return to heel.
Test 6 Retrieve 2.
As retrieve 1 but distance 20 yds.
I think I have been taking Jett to training for probably 1.5 years now, so we have worked hard at the above. He was tested last weekend and he only went and passed it
The tester was very good and gave Jett a second chance on the retrieval as Jett retrieved the dummy but accidentally dropped it as he ran back to me
. This should of been a 'fail' as he has to hold it in his mouth, but the tester knew that it was an accident and let him have another go. Jett did it fine the second time round.
I was worrying about Test 1 (walk to heel off lead) as this has always been our weakness as Jett loves to 'wander' off and smell all the lovely new smells
.
I am amazed by these cocker spaniels, they are just so clever and constantly want to impress.
Jett now moves up to the advanced group
with the older dogs. He will now learn to do things like split retrieves and retrieve seen with gunfire.
I would highly recommend gun dog training as not only it teaches the dog obedience but its a good way for them to socialise with other cockers.
One thing I've noticed is that with Jett at home, he plays around and acts like a puppy. But as soon as we go to training, he is like a different dog. He listens, he takes orders and he generally loves to be worked. Its such a good thing to see