Well, my OH takes both boys (Forrest & Wilson) for one-to-one Gundog Training. It's not cheap, but it's enjoyed by all It's a bit of good news and bad news we got yesterday as the trainer assessed both dogs. Forrest has just passed his Grade 2 assessment a short while ago and trainer wants OH to come out working him - which is great news and we are very pleased. However, Wilson has recently passed Grade 1 (God knows how!!) but the trainer isn't sure he's got what it takes in the long term - not enough confidence, a little bit devious(!) and generally doesn't seem to "get it" like Forrest does. A fair assessment we think, so not too shocked. OH will continue to train both boys to further Forrest's ability and hopefully bolster Wilson's ability - the trainer has given some good advice & tips to try. Just thought I'd share as it has been a very good experience & we'd recommend the training to others - along with the realisation that not all dogs can make it as successful gundogs - even though they are FAB pets Would like to hear the experience of others
Are you taking the training through the Gundog Club? Flynn passed his grade 1 with a merit (just lucked out on a distinction!) and then got a distinction in grade 2. They dont currently do any more grades for HPR's so i've settled for 1 to 1 training with a GWP breeder and I will be sticking to that as I think the Gundog Club dont really test the abilities of your dog in the class scenario. Flynn has an issue with confidence but it's just a case of building up the trust so he knows that when I send him for a retrieve, he's got to trust it's actually there. My main issue is with barking which is obviously an undesirable trait in a gundog! When I send him for a blind retrieve, his frustration and lack of confidence on the outrun manifests itself in a lot of noise! Flynn certainly has the nose for the job and the strong desire to actually work so if I can crack the noise problem then i'm told i'll have a very good dog. Maybe not for picking up though as his anxiety also means he chomps the dummies on the delivery! All problems of my own doing i've realised so i'm also hoping I can repair some of the damage i've already done.
Hi Leanne, Yes, the Graded training was arranged via the Gundog Club - this inroduced my OH to the trainer that we now have the one-to-one training with. He's learnt so much more on the one-to-one sessions. They are expensive, but worth it. He's definately going to persist with Wilson on his own to help build his confidence and, as you say, much of it may be our own making and we realise how much he depends on Forrest to reassure him. Fortunately they are both very quiet, but Wilson gives himself away by doodling about instead of going straight for the dummy! However, they he confounds you by doing perfect retrieves - it seems that the more complicated the retrieve the better result you get. Hopefully he is going to enter Forrest into a couple of trials this year - which is really exciting.
