I registered Flynn with the Gundog Club a while ago as i've been wanting to get him on one of their courses. They arent the cheapest of courses so i've had to miss a couple but i've finally got the cash to do it so have booked him on one in May in Matlock, Derbyshire. I'm really looking forward to it as it's not something i've had experience with but Flynn's mum did Field Trials and she's obviously passed on her enthusiasm to him because hunting out pheasant is the only thing which keeps him calm, patient and quiet. I'm just wondering if anybody else on Dogsey has taken part in one of the Gundog Club's courses?
I've thought about it but he costs have put me off! Please keep us posted as to how it goes would be very interested. Becky
Well I registered Isla with the Gundog Club, but rather than train with them I've bought the manuals and trained Isla myself! I have to say they are excellent, very concise and positive in their training manner. We're getting past grade 3 now and I'm really pleased with how Isla's training has gone, good luck with it all and let us know how you get on!
Have you taken any of the tests with her or do you simply feel she has passed a certain grade by using your own judgement? I dont think i'd be confident enough to train Flynn myself as I know nothing about gundog work and he's a difficult nut to crack. I'm having to take him down a class in his obedience so that we can work on specifics for his gundog training (heelwork etc). I cant wait for the course to start, I just hope it will be his opportunity to shine.
No I haven't taken any of the tests with ber, but have used my own judgement - the manuals are that good that you will know when the dog is ready for the next stage. Also "Lotties Diary" also gives a good insight in that not every dog will be ready to go onto the next level due to individual issues. Isla's (or should I say MY) main problem was the retrieve to hand, I made the mistake of giving treats for a retrieval! A big mistake as she then learnt to spit out the dummy on her return to me - awaiting the treat! I spent many months back chaining the retrieve and she now has it down to a tee, perfectly (minus the sit, she refuses to sit! ). If you are unsure then going to the classes is a brilliant idea, I'm absolutely sure you won't regret it. Their trainers train gundogs only in a positive manner - something that is still very, very hard to find in this country sadly. :-(
That's what's put me off going to other trainers as I get told that they have an 'old fashioned' way of training and that may work with working cockers and springers but will have the opposite effect on a poodle! Becky
I read another thread about force fetching which said many gundog trainers use this method and I was a little concerned that the Gundog club may use such methods. Anyway, if you say they only use positive methods then i'm happy with that! I've made the mistake of letting Flynn just run around with his dummy so I think we're going to have to relearn retrieves as well! He'll be over 1 when he starts his first course and I think the ideal is between 6-9 months so i'm wondering if he'll have any difficulties because of this.
No they definitely won't use force fetching, positive methods only. You might have to try back chaining the retrieve though if he's been allowed to run amock with his dummy! Don't worry about that though as they'll show you how to do it if it's needed at all. The one thing I have done right with Isla is to use the dummies only for formal retrieving sessions, this way she learns the correct behaviour when retrieving them. I'd definitely stop using the dummy in general play, before bad habits develop. I don't think being 1 year old will set Flynn back at all, you'll probably find others in the same situation as yourself tbh.
I only use the dummy to practice retrieves and blind retrieves, never for general play and Jed isnt allowed to play with it either (he tends to chase Flynn with it wanting to play tug). Of course, I use the word retrieve loosely as, like i've said, I dont tend to make him bring it back but it is only used for that purpose. I think I need to start taking him out alone so Jed doesnt interfere and making him bring it back straight away. Actually, tonight will be the perfect opportunity so will see how he gets on.
