Show vs Working - what's the difference?

[Helen]

all aspects of general gundog training  - obedience, retrieving, whistle training etc

But can this not be done without actually hunting? The kind of thing you mention isn't just for gundog training, surely, but would form part of normal dog training?

I don't know what your idea of 'normal' training is TBH and it just seems that this is going around in circles.  I'm not going to spend hours typing out exactly what I do with my dog as this is becoming pointless - have you purchased and read any gundog training books?

there are a couple mentioned here that would be worth you reading.

http://www.cockersonline.co.uk/discuss/index.php?topic=65868.0

FWIW there is a LOT more to good gundog training than 'normal' training and if you're intent on buying a working breed it may be an idea to understand the job they were actually intended for - that's only fair to the breed 

You've clearly made up your mind and just want to argue every point the people that own 'working' working cockers make so I'll bow out of this thread now.

[Jane S]

I'll close this now as it seems the right time to put this thread to bed. The OP is of course welcome to ask any further specific questions about gundog training on our Working Board HERE