We are very lucky in our job that we get to work with so many amazing dog breeds. Watching them play and learning to understand each breed is such an important part of our job!
All breeds have their natural traits. But there’s nothing quite like a spaniel desperate to race around in long grass trying to flush out birds. Or labradors constantly bringing us sticks to throw. They don’t quite understand we don’t allow this on their walks.. Following their natural desire to retrieve. Gun dog breeds definitely love to follow their natural instincts and we love to watch them!
Our walkers, Emma & Zack have put together a brief overview of gundog work. There are also some videos for our clients to give you an idea of what it’s all about!
These are all basic elements of gundog training. You don’t have to work your dog to be able to do these training methods. It acts as great mental stimulation for your dog and satisfies their working abilities. This gives you an all round happier and satisfied dog.
Retrieving – Basics
The rationale behind developing a positive retrieve is that it gives the owner the opportunity to build and develop a trusting bond with your dog.
By creating this bond, it forms the basis to all your future training. It gives your dog a positive reason to want to interact with you rather than find other things to occupy itself with. This step also has the added benefit of instilling recall, as the dog is more willing to return to you with a retrieve.
Basic retrieving
This is where we throw a retrieve for the dog to fetch without any hesitation. For example we do not add any steadiness element (sit/ stay) here as we want to build the dogs desire.
Blind retrieve
Moving on from this, we then start to add some challenge. We can do this by throwing the retrieve before then covering the dog’s eyes so that they cannot see where the dummy landed. From here we then send the dog to find the retrieve. In this scenario we are asking the dog to begin to use its nose in order to find the retrieve.
Finally, we can then begin to incorporate some steadiness by asking the dog to sit and then wait before being sent for the retrieve. By doing this the owner is now beginning to regain some control and is working on the dog’s patience.
Memory retrieve
This is where we are exercising the dog’s memory in order to fins a retrieve. Here we start by throwing a retrieve out for the dog. Then we turn and walk the dog away from the retrieve before then sending them to fetch. This can then be built up to become more challenging if needed.
A solid sit
The ‘sit’ is arguably the most important element within gundog training. This can be a life saver in certain situations if a dog can have a reliable ‘sit/stop’.
A lot of gundog training is focused around this aspect as we need a dog that can be asked to sit and ‘switch off’ without pining for attention.
The beauty of this part of the training, is that it can be included in many other facets of training. (i.e. sitting before being sent for a retrieve, heelwork).
Have the dog at heel, ask the dog to sit. Take a step away from the dog making sure it remains seated. From this, handler can then start to use a whistle to indicate sit.
Sitting at a distance
So in this exercise we are building the dogs confidence to want to be away from us. We start by having the dog at our side. Then we give the sit command before stepping away from the dog. This can be as little as two steps, with the aim to build up the distance between you and the dog.
Recall and sit
In this exercise we incorporate two of our training elements, the sit and recall.
We start by asking the dog to sit before moving a distance away from then. Then we give the recall command, which is usually short consecutive pips on the whistle. The dog should respond quickly and come back to its owner before being asked to sit.
Stop whistle
Arguably the most important command we teach our dogs. This can be the ‘get of jail’ command when well established.
So in this exercise we can start by having the dog free playing before we give the stop/sit command. This can then be developed by increasing the temptation. This is achieved by stopping the dog getting something it values, for example a retrieve.
We are planning to hold a 6 week introduction to gun dog training course. It will run every Sunday afternoon through November and into December.
Redditch Dog Walking does not endorse hunting in any way. This course is designed to encourage gun dog breeds to use their natural instincts and in a fun and informal way. We’ll use exciting training methods in a relaxed environment.
If you are interested in joining this course or getting some more information please get in touch. Also please have a watch of our superstar Zeusy showing off his skills! 💫