Lack of steadiness in hide

[Proudly]

My spaniel never did any hide shooting before I got him just rough shooting. He started off steady for the first hour but became impatient to the point he would run through the net upon shooting. Whether I hit or missed the bird, correction would not stop him so I've had to peg him down. I'd fetch most of the birds myself & give him a couple of retrieves to hopefully teach him everything is not his to fetch. Hasn't bloody worked & he'll start yipping/whining loudly wanting to retrieve. To the point I have put him back in the car on occasion. He's been up & down when rough shooting while I'm trying to keep on top of him. Days he'll be steady as you like but some days going deaf, especially if a rabbit gets up. The lad I got him from said he normally does some rabbit pen work before the season starts so my fault. Think I'm going to have to seek assistance as I feel I've let the previous owner down in by my lack of experience. When I first got him he was a joy to work

[bigbird]

Perhaps you need to do some work building up the time that you stay in the hide, it's understandable that if it's his first time having to sit still and quiet for a whole hour it could have been far too boring lol. I appreciate that the problem may be a bit far gone for this to work. Id say (as always!) it'd be a good idea to see a trainer, if only for one session for him/her to get you both on the straight and narrow. You'll feel a whole lot better too, having somebody to help.

What area are you in if you don't mind my asking?

[Proudly]

I'm in the Newcastle area. Did intend to attend the group sessions in sunderland held by Yorkshire gundogs but thought it might be more beneficial seeking one to one. Have been in touch with someone who has been recommended. He's suggested meeting up, giving me a demonstration of his own dogs standards then helping me sort my problems by teaching me where I'm going wrong

[bigbird]

Perfect