Gundog Training Mock Grade Assessments

Gundog Training Mock Grade Assessments Sunday 16th January 2011

A long day of highs and lows! 16 dogs (12 OK on the day 4 Not Ready)

Grade 3 Spaniels both would pass but further training required for Merits & Distinctions.



ESS Murphy poor heelwork with distraction, lacks confidence on deep ditches, improved pattern, training ground was more suitable for hunting, dog more of a retriever than hunting Spaniel? Stop whistle good. Poor steadiness to fall, you need someone else throwing for you. Major weakness nose not on ground ! this dog needs constant hunting in good cover and a few flushes! Cocker Spaniel Sky hunting much improved, although pattern weak, obedience is slipping, handler too relaxed got caught on your basic stay! retrieves ok if the dog has mark well, poor stop whistle when hunting.

Grade 1 Spaniels. Show Spaniel Satchi will not be ready for assessment both handler & dog need more 1:1 work to progress. Cocker Spaniel would pass massive improvement in retrieving skills but obedience has become weak, especially the recall! ESS Wilf Not Ready this dog will always have you on the edge! if the handler has the patience this will be a great G3 dog, firmer leadership still required, less freedom more control required at this stage, no half way house here! failure or distinction!

Grade 2 HPR's both had good results on the day. Do not over train! practise hunting pattern and obedience.

Grade 2 Retrieves Holly, Ruby and Ella all passed further work required to improve points, hope it continues.

Grade 2 Spaniels ESS Purdey was not ready on the day, sit and stay still a weakness, need to close escape hatch! go back to a thin leadline, this dog would have passed with merit last week, your nearly there! Sprocker Skie not ready but sit and stay much improved, poor stop whistle, good retrieving skills.

Grade 1 Spaniels ESS Mille excellent calm handler please! Cocker Mable Brilliant progress delivery issues remain, Sprocker ollie passed with poor sit and stay this week. Previous weeks has been very good, handler nerves?

Grade 1 Retriever Ozzie, excellent progress considering absense, massive improvement in sit & stay, although recall not consisitent. Still has his silly puppy moments! need to keep him away from sticks! he will be ok if not distracted! Barking needs to be stopped

1 G1 Show Spaniel Not Ready
1 G1 ESS Not Ready
1 G1 ESS Ready
2 G1 Cocker Ready
1 G1 Sprocker Ready
1 G1 Retriever Ready
3 G2 Retrievers Ready
2 G2 HPR's Ready
1 G2 ESS Not Ready
1 G2 Sprocker Not Ready
1 G3 ESS Ready
1 G3 Cocker Ready

Results 12 Ready, 4 Not Ready

Results were encouraging considering all the bad weather and dark nights, assessor has a problem with 23rd January cannot attend. So decided to use it as an extra training day, know doubt most of you will be pleased with the extra training time.

There will be no training on the 30th January, those that wish to take extra lessons may do so in the week.Please email request.

Graded Assessments will now take place on the 6th February at Houghton on the Hill, Leicestershire. Directions will be available on web site shortly.