Help! My knowledge about these things is limited. Is training for working trials different to gundog training? If someone wanted to do gundog training as a 'hobby' where would you start and what does it involve...same for working trials??? thanks in advance...
They are two different sports. Try contacting the Gundog Club they have been set up so that anyone can do training with their dog and go through specific certificates of ability. Working trials is a combination of different disciplines such as tracking, jumping etc. Becky
Thanks Becky....so 2 entirely different things then the gundog and working trials? Sorry to be so dim!!!!! What is the better thing to do for an amateur ?
Yes field trials are for the gundogs, working trials can be for any breed. Either, I suppose it depends what you want to do. The Gundog club was set up for everyone to do from the basics upwards but the courses are quite expensive. Becky
Have a look at this working trials site Ramble http://www.workingtrials.co.uk/ I think a lot might depend on the breed you are getting. Working Trials seems to suit breeds such as GSDs and collies and obviously gundog training suits ... well, gundogs
Gundog training as a hobby - be aware, it can get addictive and a lot of people do go onto working their dogs - either in the field or at working tests. First thing you need to do is basic obedience, then retrieving, then it gets more specialised, depending on what breed, what you ultimately want to do. It's very good fun. Helen
I started in working trials first before I moved onto gundog work, working trials gave be a GREAT basis for my gundog work. But out of the two though I prefer gundog work, and my flattie gets a much bigger buzz from doing gundog work. He really enjoys getting his nose down and finding things. I still even know will do a scent square occassionally or even lay a track for him just to keep his mind active
Hi there Id love to do tracking with my Bracco Italianos. They are bred for that. I find it difficult to get classes in my area though and then when I have them trained where do I go to keep them occupied. Kind regards Spettadog
After reading this post i've registered Flynn with the Gundog Club and am hoping to get on one of their courses in March. Working Trials is still the sport i'd like to get him into but since i'm not having much luck finding classes I thought i'd do some Gundog Training with him in the meantime. Having looked through what the initial test requires though, I think I need to work on some areas with him before I enter him, like heelwork (which is non-existent) and bringing retrieved articles directly back without fuss! The other stuff in the test he can do without issues.
