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Leeds - Gun Dog Training ideas?


NickP
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I will be looking to train my W/cocker spaniel, i was going to try do this myself using the guide in this section.

 

But, i have read that a good trainer, will pay dividends in the outcome

 

Does anyone have any suggestion for a trainer in my area, ideally one that is used to working cockers

 

Is it best to train with them, or send the dog for training, in what ultimately will be a family pet, as i don't shoot game

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I suppose it depends on what level of training you want and what work you want your dog to do - and how much time you are able to give. I trained my cocker myself (lots of research and questions from knowledgeable people helped massively) but I only wanted her to do basic flushing, retrieving and walking to heel, which is exactly what she was bred for and naturally lives doing (well, not walking to heel) so it was really simple to do. If you want a field trial champ or rock solid dog on a game shoot then a decent trainer is probably needed.

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Group training classes are good for socialising. Especially if you do decide to shoot with her later on with lots of other gundogs. A lot cheaper than 1 to 1 although now OH has got to a more advanced level with our springer there is only 3 in the class.

If you are not going to shoot game why not do a standard dog training class. Lot more dog training classes about than gundog training and they often run in the evenings and at weekends and are cheaper. Most classes are about an hour then you practice during the week before the next class.

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Another thought. If you do the gundog training a lot of the beginner classes are similiar to standard training classes, with an emphasis on what works for gundog breeds. Have attended both types of classes and agility training as well. If you change your mind about live shooting you have your gundog basics in place and can carry on. If you do standard obedience classes at a later date want to have a gundog it might mean getting another dog and starting again.

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Have a go yourself once you have listened to every word you can from established workers of and trainers of gundogs,read every book available and watch every dvd and video,over and over again. Understanding/knowing, exactly what it is you are trying to achieve and the reasoning behind certain methods/ways of gaining results is without doubt your first step. Without clear understanding you are wasting your time, and money, if you choose to send the dog to someone else to train. YOU,and only you,will be the reason for the dog making it or failing, as a gundog.

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I will be looking to train my W/cocker spaniel, i was going to try do this myself using the guide in this section.

 

But, i have read that a good trainer, will pay dividends in the outcome

 

Does anyone have any suggestion for a trainer in my area, ideally one that is used to working cockers

 

Is it best to train with them, or send the dog for training, in what ultimately will be a family pet, as i don't shoot game

 

Ok, just coz nobody else spotted it- Why are you getting gundog training for a family pet? IF as you state you don't shoot game? I agree that a dog bred for work needs something to occupy that active brain but why something from your post it reads like it will never get to do? There are other things that can occupy its attention

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I've had a think about this last night watched a few videos etc,

 

I am going to go down the lines of obdeiance training, to have a dog that will heel, sit and stay put on command, he will have lots of walks off lead and around woods, so I want him controllable to come back not run off after a scent. I don't think the searching out game part will ever come into it

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One way to get a good recall if he is still fairly young is to blow a recall 4 pips on a gundog whistle before you put his food bowl down as a puppy. Tip given me by a gundog trainer. He then associates coming back for something good.

 

Also when off lead don't just call him back for going on the lead. Sometimes calll him back for a fuss, sometimes for a treat sometimes on the lead briefly so he can never anticipate what he is being recalled for.

 

Although gundog training is good for later working use even a good basic obedience training is well worth it as OH's springer was a rehome. We got him at 2.5. He had some basic obedience training then went on to gundog training and is coming on really well. Got a merit on his beginner level 2 and is onto intermediate gundog now and coming on a treat. He will never be field trial standard, but will make a good rough shooting dog which is what OH wants.

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I've had a think about this last night watched a few videos etc,

 

I am going to go down the lines of obdeiance training, to have a dog that will heel, sit and stay put on command, he will have lots of walks off lead and around woods, so I want him controllable to come back not run off after a scent. I don't think the searching out game part will ever come into it

What you want is obedience training and obedience schools locally, ask you vet for a referral there are some right clowns at it and some total gems. I am reckoning the dog will still need some sort of "task" as a diversion or his natural breed instinct will always pull him towards game and hunting, you should discuss this with the trainer you choose

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Discussing it in the office this morning, it looks like i am trying to think of a way to keep him entertained, training him to be a gundog was my way of doing that, so he can root around in the woods and such like.

 

He will be exercised loads, and can run around woods, fetch balls sticks, obedience classes is the way forward and see how he goes, might even get in to flyball or something

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One way to get a good recall if he is still fairly young is to blow a recall 4 pips on a gundog whistle before you put his food bowl down as a puppy. Tip given me by a gundog trainer. He then associates coming back for something good.

 

Also when off lead don't just call him back for going on the lead. Sometimes calll him back for a fuss, sometimes for a treat sometimes on the lead briefly so he can never anticipate what he is being recalled for.

 

Although gundog training is good for later working use even a good basic obedience training is well worth it as OH's springer was a rehome. We got him at 2.5. He had some basic obedience training then went on to gundog training and is coming on really well. Got a merit on his beginner level 2 and is onto intermediate gundog now and coming on a treat. He will never be field trial standard, but will make a good rough shooting dog which is what OH wants.

Don't be fooled by the word 'rough'. A rough shooting dog needs be able to perform all the tasks a trial dog performs.Give or take a bit of polish.

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Discussing it in the office this morning, it looks like i am trying to think of a way to keep him entertained, training him to be a gundog was my way of doing that, so he can root around in the woods and such like.

 

He will be exercised loads, and can run around woods, fetch balls sticks, obedience classes is the way forward and see how he goes, might even get in to flyball or something

Hi Nick forget the stick's I have seen my mates dog go for a stick,it went into the dogs open mouth and into to back of it's throat it was a mess just use balls etc.

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Don't doubt it. Just won't have the polish that a trial dog will have.

One thing Leo does is he will go into the water from a high bank to fetch a dummy then looks for a lower bank to come out with it. This could cost time on a Trial, but not a problem for rough shooting.

sounds like the dog has a modicum of intelligence, who the heck wants a dog that's too dim to avoid a poor exit spot if better is available, if they struggle they might drop or damage the quarry being retrieved .

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