Posted: Fri Jan 13, 2012 9:36 pm Post subject: Gun dog training for beginners/puppies
Although we have no desire to work our new puppy, we would love to train her to gun dog level for both hers and our enjoyment as well as having a very obedient dog and to help exercise her mind too.
My first question is how old does a puppy have to be to start gun dog training? I know she will have to have at least a basic level of obedience but we plan to start this as soon as we get her.
Also, with this future training in mind, is there anything we should (or shouldn't!) be doing from the start in order to make the training easier when she eventually starts. I was thinking of things such as commands, whistles etc. or can this all be introduced when ready? I guess I just dont want to get into any 'bad' habits that we will have to undo later!
____________ Emma
Always in my heart, my beautiful girl Belle 14/9/10 - 26/11/11
Hi Emma - I don't know if you have seen that there is a gundog training day in Essex at the end of April. I know Tiana will be too young to join in but why don't you come along and watch and meet some more LFers at the same time. You will be very welcome.
I train and look after field trial champion dogs for a company and would be happy to help you with tips and things.
I come to Essex a lot so could maybe bring one of the dogs by on the way to or from a shoot or show to show you.
But its never too young to retrieve. From day one make it fun, a ball or something then on to a dummy.
Whistles are a must and the commands needed are Stop, Return, Change Direction and Hunt.
as good reads for a beginner - I am no further on than beginner and don't intend to be anything other than a pet fundog owner due to lack of time!
It is also worth finding a good gundog trainer to chat with or train with too.
Come along to the Chicksgrove day it is great fun and we all love lab pups! Great socialisation opportunity for you little one and a chance to meet people and dogs who range from doing it for fun to serious competitors!!
I've bought the Gundog Club books and they are full of good tips which we've started putting into practise with Seb. Let me know how you get on as I'm new to this too!
" My first question is how old does a puppy have to be to start gun dog training? I know she will have to have at least a basic level of obedience but we plan to start this as soon as we get her. "
That basic level of obedience is key. Almost all Gundog work is based in obedience in the early stage so 2 - 12 months of age.
Di
____________
The boys!
Read: Wylanbriar Dog Blog on the website: Updated! 1st February 12´!
Thanks for all of your advice, I think I will start by ordering the gun dog club book and go from there, though it's on a 2 week delay so I hope it arrives in time
____________ Emma
Always in my heart, my beautiful girl Belle 14/9/10 - 26/11/11
Hope you have a large house and space for kennels, because once you start on the gundog training malarky you will become very very addicted before you know it you'll have 4 dogs, dress in the most horrendous, drab khaki coloured clothing, drive a 4x4, tramp round the countryside in wellies in the mud, torrential rain and snow, forego holidays abroad to go camping in a tent that progresses to a caravan just so you can go to places with the dogs because you have so many they can't go to a hotel, associate with the most barmy people who encourage this behaviour, start liking Cocker Spaniels , look at beautiful scenery as a good place to set up a retrieve ..............the list is endless and I'm sure others can add to it ???
Joking aside, you go for it. Hobby wise, it's the best thing I've ever done in my life, and you'll meet lots of likewise amazing people and their dogs Like others have said the Gundog Club books are excellent
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before you know it you'll have 4 dogs, dress in the most horrendous, drab khaki coloured clothing, drive a 4x4, tramp round the countryside in wellies in the mud, torrential rain and snow, forego holidays abroad to go camping in a tent that progresses to a caravan just so you can go to places with the dogs because you have so many they can't go to a hotel, associate with the most barmy people who encourage this behaviour, start liking Cocker Spaniels 
, look at beautiful scenery as a good place to set up a retrieve ..............the list is endless and I'm sure others can add to it ???
