Working training dvds

[Mel]

I'm sure I asked before but I can't find the thread. Can anyone please suggest training dvd's showing how to train cockers for working/gundog training, please?

[Nicola]

Caoimhe's trainer has a set of DVDs, they are excellent but quite expensive (£100). I would say they're for serious/full-on gundog training so it depends what you're looking for really.

http://www.paulfrenchvideo.com/epages/BT2728.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/BT2728/Products/F123

[Mel]

I would really like something with basics to expand Tali's skills. I obviously won't work him but it would be great to get him to do things like go to fetch something, stop on command then send him off in a different direction. I'm working on a 'sit, stay, come, stay, down', i.e. calling him and stopping him half way. But I'm not sure I'm doing things right and would like something to watch to gain some knowledge. Thanks.

[Nicola]

Ah right, those DVDs are geared towards game training for work and competitions. Maybe a more general training DVD might be better for that kind of stuff.

[Mel]

What would you suggest? I have never trained beyond very basic 'sit', 'stay', 'down', etc, and a few tricks. I really want to train him to be my right hand man, not just a pet. I would be very interested in any recommendations you have for basic working training dvd's so I can understand how they start to teach these things. Sorry I'm very tired and probably not very clear. I mean even novices to working training must start somewhere?

[Nicola]

Hmmm, I can't think of any 'working' DVDs that cover that kind of stuff, I've never used DVDs for it. The ones I've got/seen may skim over it briefly before focussing on game work, gunshot etc. There's a 'Master Class' series with Edward Martin, the first one focusses on puppy training but it's stuff like walking on and off the lead and very basic training for young puppies up to around 8 or 9 months old. The next one shifts up to game, shooting etc. Does it have to be a DVD? I think joining a training club or having some 1 to 1 lessons to get you going would probably be more useful than a DVD.

[Mel]

Yes that might be a good idea. We're off the a country fair in a few weeks and may be able to find out about clubs. I have tried everything I know to get Tali to have a soft jaw, although he's miles better, he could have an even softer one. I can't even ask where the OH works because they did very little training other than basics and not playing with toys(?) and he was taken on his first shoot, watched for a bit and copied the other dogs.

[Nicola]

I have tried everything I know to get Tali to have a soft jaw, although he's miles better, he could have an even softer one. I can't even ask where the OH works because they did very little training other than basics and not playing with toys(?) and he was taken on his first shoot, watched for a bit and copied the other dogs.

A soft mouth isn't really something you can teach unfortunately although a true hard mouth is unusual these days in Cockers. The not playing with toys rule has something to do with this as letting them free play with toys as pups/youngsters - especially cuddly toys and even worse, squeaky toys - often encourages them to mouth and bite at things they're holding and makes their bite harder.

[riotous_uk]

Luckily playing with toys hasnt had that effect on Tank, and he held his first rabbit beautifully and with no mouthng. He was so gentle. He also plays tug with me, and still has a soft mouth for his gundog work.