Monday 28 February 2011
Friday 25 February 2011
Gundog Water Training at Stapleford Park, Melton Mowbray
Stewart North at Workinggundogs has been invited on many occasions to events at Stapleford Park Country House Hotel, 2011 brings with a number of high end events to the region for further information contact the Stapleford Forum
Several clients joined Stewart North and workinggundogs.co.uk for a gundog training day around the lakes and woodland owned by the Gretton family.
We started with 5 gundogs, Irish Water Spaniel Aoife, English Springer Spaniel Pippa, Cocker Spaniel Bramble, and two Labrador Retrievers Freddie & Algie.
The main tasks set out for the training session were, Entering Water Freely, Steadiness to other dogs, Steadiness to a fallen dummy, recall to handler, delivery to hand, water retrieve with water distraction, retrieve on land with water distraction, directional retrieve with water distraction.
Several of these gundogs live at home with no other dogs in the family, these types of training sessions are invaluable in creating a much more tolerant and steady gundog, all the gundogs improved throughout the session, it was a particular difficult session for the IWS who was very challenging of the owner.
Aoife, Pippa & Freddie all had delivery issues that needed to be sorted.
All the gundogs retrieved from the water and ignored the water distraction!
Cocker Spaniel Bramble had very little water experience, typical of a young dog she had to work out that her swimming technique was pushing the dummy further out!
A number of set up problems were discovered, when gundogs were asked to ignore a water distraction, several clients were reminded about sending techniques and their go back commands!
A very rewarding session, which needs further practice?.
Why does someone travel from Suffolk to the East Midlands for Gundog Training?
Sara Rooney, Stowmarket, Suffolk, February 2011
First and foremost i wanted to say how much we enjoyed our trip to Leicestershire on 12th Feb and how very much worthwhile it was. I think even 10 days on we are still amazed at the difference an hour assessment with you has made to Maggie and we really do wish we lived closer.
I think the the most immediate difference was how you demonstrated the use of the slip lead. We promptly purchased one on the way home and Maggie has now made a big improvement to walking to heel! We have also now managed to conquer her possessiveness and she is now returning a retrieve and after some thought on her part now dropping the retrieve for the handler! A huge improvement to how she was before.
Editors Note* (Dropping a retrieve is not a gundog requirment?, hopefully a more local trainer, can sought this problem out!)
The session with you was very informative and the report you have posted us has given been useful to know which areas to work on and an objective opinion on Maggies's abilities and areas in need of improvement. The way in which you explained things was clear and easy to understand and i do wish we lived closer, so i am extremely grateful to you for passing a number onto us that is more local. However, i shall keep in touch and hope to come and visit you with Maggie again in the future
First and foremost i wanted to say how much we enjoyed our trip to Leicestershire on 12th Feb and how very much worthwhile it was. I think even 10 days on we are still amazed at the difference an hour assessment with you has made to Maggie and we really do wish we lived closer.
I think the the most immediate difference was how you demonstrated the use of the slip lead. We promptly purchased one on the way home and Maggie has now made a big improvement to walking to heel! We have also now managed to conquer her possessiveness and she is now returning a retrieve and after some thought on her part now dropping the retrieve for the handler! A huge improvement to how she was before.
Editors Note* (Dropping a retrieve is not a gundog requirment?, hopefully a more local trainer, can sought this problem out!)
The session with you was very informative and the report you have posted us has given been useful to know which areas to work on and an objective opinion on Maggies's abilities and areas in need of improvement. The way in which you explained things was clear and easy to understand and i do wish we lived closer, so i am extremely grateful to you for passing a number onto us that is more local. However, i shall keep in touch and hope to come and visit you with Maggie again in the future
Monday 21 February 2011
Sunday 20 February 2011
Congratulations to Gundog Max who qualified for Crufts
Congratulations to Caroline Edwards & Labrador Retriever Max who recently qualified for Crufts, Caroline & Max came to Stewart North for gundog training back in April 2008
Max was very much a character 3 years ago, a very confident and wilful Labrador, who at the time was almost too strong for Caroline.
Caroline battled through his training for 8 weeks and received a PASS, which was a great achievement, considering Max was at the bottom of the class at week 1!
He now has qualifications for brains and good looks !
Wednesday 16 February 2011
Top 10 Gundog Websites
Workinggundogs.co.uk maintains its TOP 10 Position over the last 6 months
Previous Data June 2010
Gundog Web Sites________________Alexa Ranking__ Time on Site
1 thekennelclub.org.uk_____________ 212740_________ 2.37
2 shootinguk.co.uk_______________ 426814_________ 2.79
3 ukgundogs.org___________________ 1337709_________ 4.72
4 thefield.co.uk__________________ 1479196_________ 1.32
5 gundogtrainingforum.co.uk_______ 1558253_________ 4.92
6 csjk9.com_______________________ 2021310_________ 8.02
7 dogtraininguk.com_______________ 2391803_________ 2.12
8 thegundogclub.co.uk_____________ 2950121_________ 3.03
9 workinggundogs.co.uk________4069685_________ 4.3
10 felsteadgundogs.com____________ 4126370_________ 2.66
11 turnerrichards.co.uk___________ 5522544_________ 0.81
12 Spanielinthefield.com__________ 5548766_________ 1.97
13 gundog.co.uk___________________ 5620091_________ 10.62
14 gundogfinder.com_______________ 6351245_________ 1.28
15 Gundoggear.co.uk_______________ 6827575_________ 4.15
16 tawnyhillgundogs.co.uk_________ 8495942_________ 6.77
17 gundogkit.co.uk________________ 10043727________ 0
18 dog-n-field.co.uk______________ 10193931________ 1
19 questgundogs.co.uk_____________ 11284784________ 0
20 blackgundog.com________________ 11593941________ 2.59
21 buccleuchgundogs.com___________ 12038522________ 0.42
22 waynnsongundogs.co.uk__________ 12392522________ 6.71
23 gundogsdirect.co.uk____________ 13317528________ 2.77
24 fallowfen.com__________________ 14619985________ 0
This data was extracted from Alexa.com February 2nd 2011
Previous Data June 2010
Gundog Web Sites________________Alexa Ranking__ Time on Site
1 thekennelclub.org.uk_____________ 212740_________ 2.37
2 shootinguk.co.uk_______________ 426814_________ 2.79
3 ukgundogs.org___________________ 1337709_________ 4.72
4 thefield.co.uk__________________ 1479196_________ 1.32
5 gundogtrainingforum.co.uk_______ 1558253_________ 4.92
6 csjk9.com_______________________ 2021310_________ 8.02
7 dogtraininguk.com_______________ 2391803_________ 2.12
8 thegundogclub.co.uk_____________ 2950121_________ 3.03
9 workinggundogs.co.uk________4069685_________ 4.3
10 felsteadgundogs.com____________ 4126370_________ 2.66
11 turnerrichards.co.uk___________ 5522544_________ 0.81
12 Spanielinthefield.com__________ 5548766_________ 1.97
13 gundog.co.uk___________________ 5620091_________ 10.62
14 gundogfinder.com_______________ 6351245_________ 1.28
15 Gundoggear.co.uk_______________ 6827575_________ 4.15
16 tawnyhillgundogs.co.uk_________ 8495942_________ 6.77
17 gundogkit.co.uk________________ 10043727________ 0
18 dog-n-field.co.uk______________ 10193931________ 1
19 questgundogs.co.uk_____________ 11284784________ 0
20 blackgundog.com________________ 11593941________ 2.59
21 buccleuchgundogs.com___________ 12038522________ 0.42
22 waynnsongundogs.co.uk__________ 12392522________ 6.71
23 gundogsdirect.co.uk____________ 13317528________ 2.77
24 fallowfen.com__________________ 14619985________ 0
This data was extracted from Alexa.com February 2nd 2011
Tuesday 15 February 2011
Why Some Men Have Gundogs & Not Wives
Why Some Men Have Gundogs And Not Wives:
1. The later you are, the more excited your gundogs are to see you.
2. Gundogs don't notice if you call them by another gundog's name.
3. Gundogs like it if you leave a lot of things on the floor.
4. A Gundog's parents never visit.
5. Gundogs agree that you have to raise your voice to get your point across.
6. You never have to wait for a gundog; they're ready to go 24 hours a day.
7. Gundogs find you amusing when you're drunk..
8. Gundogs like to go hunting and fishing.
9. A gundog will not wake you up at night to ask?
"If I died, would you get another dog?"
10. If a gundog has babies, you can put an ad in the paper or give them away.
11. If a gundog smells another dog on you, they don't get mad!
They just think it's interesting.
And last, but certainly not least:
12. If a gundog leaves, it won't take half of your stuff.
1. The later you are, the more excited your gundogs are to see you.
2. Gundogs don't notice if you call them by another gundog's name.
3. Gundogs like it if you leave a lot of things on the floor.
4. A Gundog's parents never visit.
5. Gundogs agree that you have to raise your voice to get your point across.
6. You never have to wait for a gundog; they're ready to go 24 hours a day.
7. Gundogs find you amusing when you're drunk..
8. Gundogs like to go hunting and fishing.
9. A gundog will not wake you up at night to ask?
"If I died, would you get another dog?"
10. If a gundog has babies, you can put an ad in the paper or give them away.
11. If a gundog smells another dog on you, they don't get mad!
They just think it's interesting.
And last, but certainly not least:
12. If a gundog leaves, it won't take half of your stuff.
German Short Haired Pointer Maisy Gundog Training Assessment
Mr. Andrew Bullock and German Shorthaired Pointer visited working gundogs for a pre training Assessment prior to starting Group Gundog Course this coming weekend.
Mr. Bullock arrived apprehensive having tried a number of trainers, in the past and not made the progress he had wished for.
Our trainer Stewart North always demonstrates the tasks of each course with one of his own gundogs or a gundog which is currently in for training, he then spends a great deal of time explaining the different methods of achieveing those tasks, depending on the character of the gundog presented. Every situation is different, if your trainer has only one way of training then rest assured they will have problems.
No amount of book reading or time spent watching DVD's will ever transfer that sense of timing or ability to read a dogs body language, that comes with a more hands on approach under the guidance of someone with considerable experience.
Knowing when to push through difficulties and when to take a slower pace to create the desired behaviour, only comes through real experience, you must therefore learn to be both rewarding and assertive at the right time.
Mr. Bullock inadvertently introduced his GSP to some methods of gundog training, ie. "Steadiness to game" at 3 months of age! this is just creating problems rather than solving them ?
Mr. Bullock GSP was a very obedient gundog for its age, we therefore did not recommend our early course of group training, as the client wants to produce a hunting gundog and it was clear to us we need to develop more style drive and consistent hunting pattern.
Maisy was in season during assessment, so we probably did not see her natural flow.
RECOMMENDATION 1:1 Training
Mr. Bullock arrived apprehensive having tried a number of trainers, in the past and not made the progress he had wished for.
Our trainer Stewart North always demonstrates the tasks of each course with one of his own gundogs or a gundog which is currently in for training, he then spends a great deal of time explaining the different methods of achieveing those tasks, depending on the character of the gundog presented. Every situation is different, if your trainer has only one way of training then rest assured they will have problems.
No amount of book reading or time spent watching DVD's will ever transfer that sense of timing or ability to read a dogs body language, that comes with a more hands on approach under the guidance of someone with considerable experience.
Knowing when to push through difficulties and when to take a slower pace to create the desired behaviour, only comes through real experience, you must therefore learn to be both rewarding and assertive at the right time.
Mr. Bullock inadvertently introduced his GSP to some methods of gundog training, ie. "Steadiness to game" at 3 months of age! this is just creating problems rather than solving them ?
Mr. Bullock GSP was a very obedient gundog for its age, we therefore did not recommend our early course of group training, as the client wants to produce a hunting gundog and it was clear to us we need to develop more style drive and consistent hunting pattern.
Maisy was in season during assessment, so we probably did not see her natural flow.
RECOMMENDATION 1:1 Training
Bitch in Season (on heat) Should I train her Yes or No ?
Should I train my gundog whilst she is in season, is a question regularly asked of our trainer?
The answer is quite simply YES, but do not start introducing new tasks during this period! always be carful where you train, be respectful to others gundog trainers and stay away from other dogs, wherever possible.
As always there can be exceptions to these rules, you may want to train a gundog near a bitch that has been or is in season, It is true that bitches in season can accelerate another bitch cycle and bring on a premature season, which may be desirable?
Gundogs need exercise, which does not mean unfetted freedom! it is not always easy for responsible owners to exercise their gundogs who live in urban areas and normally use public parks.
It can also be difficult in places where there are a number of strays?
It is certainly wrong to confine or lock a dog away during this period and dogs do not get pregnant just by looking at each other!
As most gundog breeders will tell you, most mating's take a lot longer than just a few minutes?
Beware of vets who promote spaying as a solution to this problem?
The answer is quite simply YES, but do not start introducing new tasks during this period! always be carful where you train, be respectful to others gundog trainers and stay away from other dogs, wherever possible.
As always there can be exceptions to these rules, you may want to train a gundog near a bitch that has been or is in season, It is true that bitches in season can accelerate another bitch cycle and bring on a premature season, which may be desirable?
Gundogs need exercise, which does not mean unfetted freedom! it is not always easy for responsible owners to exercise their gundogs who live in urban areas and normally use public parks.
It can also be difficult in places where there are a number of strays?
It is certainly wrong to confine or lock a dog away during this period and dogs do not get pregnant just by looking at each other!
As most gundog breeders will tell you, most mating's take a lot longer than just a few minutes?
Beware of vets who promote spaying as a solution to this problem?
Monday 14 February 2011
English Springer Spaniel Culley Gundog Training Assessment
Sally Harman & English Springer Spaniel visited working gundogs at the weekend to complete a gundog training assessment with the view of joining our group course next week.
Sally made an excellent start with Culley and completed our G1 Assessment with Distinction, Retrieving was excellent.
We started on the G2 program with longer sit and stays, which were quite good, stop whistle on recall work had not been started.
Sally was advised to start with 1:1 training with Peter Wright. They could share the costs and visit alternate weeks.
Excellent pup at 7 months.
Sally made an excellent start with Culley and completed our G1 Assessment with Distinction, Retrieving was excellent.
We started on the G2 program with longer sit and stays, which were quite good, stop whistle on recall work had not been started.
Sally was advised to start with 1:1 training with Peter Wright. They could share the costs and visit alternate weeks.
Excellent pup at 7 months.
English Springer Spaniel Purdey Gundog Training Assessment
Peter Wright & English Springer Spaniel came to complete a gundog training assessment with the view of joining our group course next week.
Peter has previous experience with training spaniels and demonstrated he had not lost his touch Purdey completed our G1 Assessment with Distinction, just losing the point on repeated commands. Retrieving was excellent.
We started on the G2 program and it was clear Peter has been putting too much of a priority on obedience, this dog needs a bit more freedom to hunt.
Peter was advised to start with 1:1 training. G2 would concentrate on obedience which is not required on this dog.
Excellent pup at 7 months.
Peter has previous experience with training spaniels and demonstrated he had not lost his touch Purdey completed our G1 Assessment with Distinction, just losing the point on repeated commands. Retrieving was excellent.
We started on the G2 program and it was clear Peter has been putting too much of a priority on obedience, this dog needs a bit more freedom to hunt.
Peter was advised to start with 1:1 training. G2 would concentrate on obedience which is not required on this dog.
Excellent pup at 7 months.
English Springer Spaniel Chloe Gundog Training Assessment
Shaun Donoher & English Springer Spaniel Chloe 7mths came for a Gundog Training Assessment at the weekend. Clever little pup completed all the obedience tasks, but needed the lead line?
Smart Springer new all the commands just choose when to obey them?
Decided to shut down when she could not play her game?
She was more interested in hunting the new training ground than retrieving, would not pick up dummy on the leadline?
Suggest joining G1 Group Training or 1:1 Training.
Shaun prefers Saturday or late Sunday training sessions.
Smart Springer new all the commands just choose when to obey them?
Decided to shut down when she could not play her game?
She was more interested in hunting the new training ground than retrieving, would not pick up dummy on the leadline?
Suggest joining G1 Group Training or 1:1 Training.
Shaun prefers Saturday or late Sunday training sessions.
Labrador Cross Jackson Gundog Training Assessment
Ruth Sheehan & Labrador Cross completed G1 Gundog Training Assessment and just fell short of the required standard, mainly due to a barking problem?
Ruth has been involved with obedience and agility training, which would certainly encourage traits not desirable in a proper gundog work. Barking or any noise from a gundog is regarded as an eliminating fault under kennel club field trial rules.
Fortunately for Jackson our gundog training courses do not excluded non pedigree dogs, therefore Ruth is able encourage Jackson to participate in some working gundog activities. Our trainer is confident that this dog, supported with the correct training could do a better job than some full pedigree gundogs seen on today's shooting grounds!
The standard of G1 obedience was very good apart from the hunting at heel and weakness with the sit command. The only weakness with the retrieve was the delivery and sloppy pick up.
Excluding the barking this dog would have passed a G1 Graded Assessment and is certainly eligible to enter a G2 Group Training Course, it may require the odd 1:1 lesson covering heelwork and delivery, but would certainly not need 8 weeks training to cover these weaknesses.
Ruth has already booked a G2 Group Training Course.
Ruth is solely interested in pursuing a training course which will challenge and stimulate Jackson and our G2 course will certainly do that.
We hope she does well.
Ruth has been involved with obedience and agility training, which would certainly encourage traits not desirable in a proper gundog work. Barking or any noise from a gundog is regarded as an eliminating fault under kennel club field trial rules.
Fortunately for Jackson our gundog training courses do not excluded non pedigree dogs, therefore Ruth is able encourage Jackson to participate in some working gundog activities. Our trainer is confident that this dog, supported with the correct training could do a better job than some full pedigree gundogs seen on today's shooting grounds!
The standard of G1 obedience was very good apart from the hunting at heel and weakness with the sit command. The only weakness with the retrieve was the delivery and sloppy pick up.
Excluding the barking this dog would have passed a G1 Graded Assessment and is certainly eligible to enter a G2 Group Training Course, it may require the odd 1:1 lesson covering heelwork and delivery, but would certainly not need 8 weeks training to cover these weaknesses.
Ruth has already booked a G2 Group Training Course.
Ruth is solely interested in pursuing a training course which will challenge and stimulate Jackson and our G2 course will certainly do that.
We hope she does well.
Labrador Retriever Maggie Gundog Training Assessment
Sara & David Rooney and Labrador Retriever Maggie came all the way from Stowmarket, Suffolk for a gundog training assessment with our trainer Stewart North.
Maggie's obedience was reasonable, although showed weakness on the stay command and further polish required on the heelwork.
Maggie was a keen retriever with both a dummy and tennis ball, but did not want recall with the retrieve or delivery to hand - very possessive!
Maggie will respond well to gundog training and is certainly ready for G1 Group Training or 1:1 Training, but owners will need to consider the travelling costs?
Our trainer will try to sort out a local trainer, if 1:1 training is desired by the owners
Maggie's obedience was reasonable, although showed weakness on the stay command and further polish required on the heelwork.
Maggie was a keen retriever with both a dummy and tennis ball, but did not want recall with the retrieve or delivery to hand - very possessive!
Maggie will respond well to gundog training and is certainly ready for G1 Group Training or 1:1 Training, but owners will need to consider the travelling costs?
Our trainer will try to sort out a local trainer, if 1:1 training is desired by the owners
Hungarian Vizsla Harry Gundog Training Assessment
Working Gundog Trainer Stewart North had the pleasure of meeting James De Wit and Briony Adams with their Hungarian Vizsla Harry for a gundog training assessment on Saturday.
James & Briony had already put some good obedience work into Harry, with knowledge gained from training books.
Our G1 requirements for Sit, stay and Recall were reasonable but needed some further polish. Heelwork in particular was poor.
James was a very noisy handler!, always continously reminding the dog of the commands, even when the Harry was being obedient.
Heelwork the position of the dog was wrong, no loose lead and Harry was continously hunting at heel. When it came to the retrieving section Harry had a good outrun, but did not retrieve?
James was continously using the dogs name for every command, which is not necessary!
I suggest G1 Group Training or 1:1 Training sessions in particular we need to create a keener interest in retrieving?
James & Briony had already put some good obedience work into Harry, with knowledge gained from training books.
Our G1 requirements for Sit, stay and Recall were reasonable but needed some further polish. Heelwork in particular was poor.
James was a very noisy handler!, always continously reminding the dog of the commands, even when the Harry was being obedient.
Heelwork the position of the dog was wrong, no loose lead and Harry was continously hunting at heel. When it came to the retrieving section Harry had a good outrun, but did not retrieve?
James was continously using the dogs name for every command, which is not necessary!
I suggest G1 Group Training or 1:1 Training sessions in particular we need to create a keener interest in retrieving?
Hungarian Vizsla Marvin Gundog Training Assessment
Working Gundogs was very pleased to welcome a number of new clients this weekend, who came for training assessments, to decide the most suitable training program for their gundogs needs.
Mr. & Mrs. Bennet with Hungarian Vizsla Marvin having already attended pet obedience classes was still having problems with Marvins behaviour and on the odd occasion has even bitten the owners!
When Marvin arrived he exhibited all the classic behaviour of a confident semi dominant dog warning strangers from the vehicle, wanting to play with other dogs and had very little tolerance for basic obedience. The owners were frustrated having already sought guidance from others, which had not work, and lacked confidence in how to deal with such behaviour.
Our trainer Stewart North spent a great deal of time talking about structure, routines, body language, vocal tone, commands, use of slip lead, it was very clear these owners treat this dog more like a human being than a "dog". Mrs Bennet was too emotionally attached with this dog and is much more a rewarder than an assertive handler?
Although this breed of dog requires a lot of exercise, this has been given without any form of control?
Like most caring owners exercise is very important, but unfetted exercise without control leads to a confident dog who is much more self reliant, and when you come to install some rules afterwards? it will be met by resistance!.
If you are not confident about handling this behaviour then the dominance of the dog will prevail, sometimes having disastrous consequences.
Within 10 minutes our trainer Stewart North had this dog under control, walking too heel, with good sit and stay, but as expected recall still poor as dog was resistant to the new regime change, but after a further 10 minutes of encouragement and considerably perseverance on the trainers part the dog started recalling to command.
When the next client arrived with another Vizsla! (2 in one day) Marvin had stopped barking, still remained inquisitive, but was calm and jump back into his own vehicle without fuss.
Our trainer Stewart North had no problems training Marvin, in fact, it responded very well in the short time available, changing the owners attitude, confidence and skills will take much longer, but then human beings are much harder to train than dogs?
Mrs. Bennet had recently given birth to a new baby, no dog training should ever be undertaken until the handler is fit and well!
Mr. & Mrs. Bennett had previous been put off gundog training, having tried it when Marvin was 3 months of age, "the trainer was too aggressive" so they decide pet obedience training was a better route for their needs.
It turns out that pet obedience training did not suit their needs either!
Although we do not provide socialisation classes, we always encourage dog owners to participate in this activity before they take part in our training programs.
3 months of age is much too young for the majority of gundogs to start a structured training program with a set number of tasks to be completed in a set time span.
This is why at Working Gundogs we only accept dogs over 6 months on our group training programs.
Marvin would be suitable to start G1 Group Training or Personal 1:1 Training.
Mr. & Mrs. Bennet with Hungarian Vizsla Marvin having already attended pet obedience classes was still having problems with Marvins behaviour and on the odd occasion has even bitten the owners!
When Marvin arrived he exhibited all the classic behaviour of a confident semi dominant dog warning strangers from the vehicle, wanting to play with other dogs and had very little tolerance for basic obedience. The owners were frustrated having already sought guidance from others, which had not work, and lacked confidence in how to deal with such behaviour.
Our trainer Stewart North spent a great deal of time talking about structure, routines, body language, vocal tone, commands, use of slip lead, it was very clear these owners treat this dog more like a human being than a "dog". Mrs Bennet was too emotionally attached with this dog and is much more a rewarder than an assertive handler?
Although this breed of dog requires a lot of exercise, this has been given without any form of control?
Like most caring owners exercise is very important, but unfetted exercise without control leads to a confident dog who is much more self reliant, and when you come to install some rules afterwards? it will be met by resistance!.
If you are not confident about handling this behaviour then the dominance of the dog will prevail, sometimes having disastrous consequences.
Within 10 minutes our trainer Stewart North had this dog under control, walking too heel, with good sit and stay, but as expected recall still poor as dog was resistant to the new regime change, but after a further 10 minutes of encouragement and considerably perseverance on the trainers part the dog started recalling to command.
When the next client arrived with another Vizsla! (2 in one day) Marvin had stopped barking, still remained inquisitive, but was calm and jump back into his own vehicle without fuss.
Our trainer Stewart North had no problems training Marvin, in fact, it responded very well in the short time available, changing the owners attitude, confidence and skills will take much longer, but then human beings are much harder to train than dogs?
Mrs. Bennet had recently given birth to a new baby, no dog training should ever be undertaken until the handler is fit and well!
Mr. & Mrs. Bennett had previous been put off gundog training, having tried it when Marvin was 3 months of age, "the trainer was too aggressive" so they decide pet obedience training was a better route for their needs.
It turns out that pet obedience training did not suit their needs either!
Although we do not provide socialisation classes, we always encourage dog owners to participate in this activity before they take part in our training programs.
3 months of age is much too young for the majority of gundogs to start a structured training program with a set number of tasks to be completed in a set time span.
This is why at Working Gundogs we only accept dogs over 6 months on our group training programs.
Marvin would be suitable to start G1 Group Training or Personal 1:1 Training.
Friday 11 February 2011
The Terminator of Gundogs
Here's an interesting (and a little creepy) story and accompanying video discovered on the internet. The US military, it seems, is developing a transport robot called BigDog, and although it's built as a robotic pack mule, the creature's shape and physiology are seemingly based on Man's Best Friend
From this story on Wired.com
The military’s creepily life-like robotic pack mule can now trot along at five miles per hour — and trudge through mud as it goes uphill. Earlier footage of BigDog, the mechanical quadruped built by Boston Dynamics and funded by Darpa, showed the mecha-creature climbing over hills, stomping through snow, surviving swift kicks to the chops, and hiking alongside troops at Ft. Benning . Boston Dynamics’ latest BigDog video is mostly a compilation of those earlier accomplishments, plus some new footage from a quick run and from a muddy march at Quantico.
Any thoughts?, could you build a gundog from this platform? I mean, if they could increase the speed a little, figure out a way to install scent receptors, add a head and jaws for retrieving and a faux-fur you'd have...well, you'd have a creepy fake gundog that might receive a command from Skynet instructing it to eliminate you and your family as part of the machines' worldwide war against humanity.
Second thoughts Maybe we should stick to real gundogs for some things...
From this story on Wired.com
The military’s creepily life-like robotic pack mule can now trot along at five miles per hour — and trudge through mud as it goes uphill. Earlier footage of BigDog, the mechanical quadruped built by Boston Dynamics and funded by Darpa, showed the mecha-creature climbing over hills, stomping through snow, surviving swift kicks to the chops, and hiking alongside troops at Ft. Benning . Boston Dynamics’ latest BigDog video is mostly a compilation of those earlier accomplishments, plus some new footage from a quick run and from a muddy march at Quantico.
Any thoughts?, could you build a gundog from this platform? I mean, if they could increase the speed a little, figure out a way to install scent receptors, add a head and jaws for retrieving and a faux-fur you'd have...well, you'd have a creepy fake gundog that might receive a command from Skynet instructing it to eliminate you and your family as part of the machines' worldwide war against humanity.
Second thoughts Maybe we should stick to real gundogs for some things...
Thursday 10 February 2011
Gundog Water Training 24th February
We are holding a Gundog Water Training Session on 24th February 2001, Grade 1 & 2 from 12 midday for 2 hours and Grades 3 & 4 from 3pm for 2 hours.
workinggundogs.co.uk/gundogwatertraining.aspx
workinggundogs.co.uk/gundogwatertraining.aspx
Wednesday 9 February 2011
Ex Leicester Tigers Player & Gundog Toby
9th February 2011 - Rearsby, Leicestershire
Our trainer Stewart North at Workinggundogs.co.uk had the pleasure of meeting Ex Tigers player Neil Fletcher and wife Debbie today together with their 15 week Black Labrador Retriever Puppy Toby on one of our gundog home visits.
Neil was introduced to Stewart and workinggundogs.co.uk through England Rugby International Leon Lloyd and friend Joe Lomas, both have a keen interest in shooting and working gundogs.
Neil & Debbie for many years had a Chocolate Labrador and when they lost him, thought he could never be replaced and decided to go without a dog for a short while. Debbie realised the family was incomplete without a dog and decided to surprise Neil at Christmas with Toby!
Neil has always had a keen interest in shooting and takes up about 6 invitations a year, loves picking up and jumps at the chance of some pigeon shooting when he is not working.
Like most good owners of a new puppy Neil and Debbie want the best start for the dog, don't want to make any mistakes! And lack confidence in starting with a new pup all over again.
Neil starting reading a book Gundog Training Made Easy by Tony Price from Tawnyhill Gundogs, which gives some valuable guidance, but when it comes to putting into practice it's always a lot more difficult. Neil has also seen a number of gundogs, whilst shooting and picking up and knows it's quite easy to go wrong and produce a gundog which is too much of robot or becomes a self employed hunting machine.
As with all our gundog home visits we discuss the dogs breeding, training, management and aspirations of the client. Neil & Debbie are typical gundog owners who are not looking for some field trial machine, but just a family companion, which primarily will be a pet, which will be taken out occasionally shooting or picking up during the season.
What's very important to the Fletchers is that the dog is stimulated and challenged.
After discussing the attributes of the pedigree and any possible health issues covering hips, elbows and eyes, Neil & Debbie are much better informed, although wished they had sought such advice before they bought Toby.
That said Toby looked in great condition and possessed those typical Labrador retriever characteristics being inquisitive, biddable, good looking and trainable.
We discussed all the basic foundations of training a young gundog involving heelwork, sit, stay and recall commands and simple retrieves.
Heelwork position, lead control and reward, was something Neil was particularly interested in. Neil holds Toby's slip lead in a typical obedience style using both hands, we discussed using one hand for lead control, rewarding with the same hand and reinforcement techniques with the slip lead.
Sit and Stay with distance and time can be started in home and garden and be incorporated around feeding time. Recall can also be practiced with hide and seek and the use of treats.
Careful consideration should be given to amount of exercise and lead control, too much freedom will lead to a self assured dog who does not respond well to leadership commands, too much obedience will produce a gundog which cannot think for its self and could lead to less pace and style!
Labradors should always be keen to retrieve, but far too often gundogs come in for training who do not retrieve, there are many reasons for this, they may have been scolded for picking those Jimmy Choo Shoes!, they got bored with the same old dummy grandfather had! Some training aids are left as toys, which should always be avoided.
We use a variety of training aids, shapes, weights, textures etc...
Keep the retrieves interesting with some memory work in a controlled spaced!
Neil is a typical 2nd row lock 6'6" his body language is very important and needs to be used wisely, together with correct vocal tone. Stewart discussed positive reinforcement (punishment) and reward techniques and the importance of having a measured response to behavior good or bad.
Stewart never did get to drink that cup of tea! obviously talks too much! but looks forward to meeting Neil and Debbie on the training ground, when the Toby is 6 months of age.
Working Gundog Home Visits provide the vital introduction and point of contact for those occasions when clients get concerned about the wellbeing and training of their new companion.
“Remember Let them be puppies. Give him just as much as you expect in return. Be in command. But don’t be out of control. And remember, this is your dog, which is merely a reflection of what you’ve taught him. Most of all, have fun—gun dog training is not a race”.
Contact details on the web.
Our trainer Stewart North at Workinggundogs.co.uk had the pleasure of meeting Ex Tigers player Neil Fletcher and wife Debbie today together with their 15 week Black Labrador Retriever Puppy Toby on one of our gundog home visits.
Neil was introduced to Stewart and workinggundogs.co.uk through England Rugby International Leon Lloyd and friend Joe Lomas, both have a keen interest in shooting and working gundogs.
Neil & Debbie for many years had a Chocolate Labrador and when they lost him, thought he could never be replaced and decided to go without a dog for a short while. Debbie realised the family was incomplete without a dog and decided to surprise Neil at Christmas with Toby!
Neil has always had a keen interest in shooting and takes up about 6 invitations a year, loves picking up and jumps at the chance of some pigeon shooting when he is not working.
Like most good owners of a new puppy Neil and Debbie want the best start for the dog, don't want to make any mistakes! And lack confidence in starting with a new pup all over again.
Neil starting reading a book Gundog Training Made Easy by Tony Price from Tawnyhill Gundogs, which gives some valuable guidance, but when it comes to putting into practice it's always a lot more difficult. Neil has also seen a number of gundogs, whilst shooting and picking up and knows it's quite easy to go wrong and produce a gundog which is too much of robot or becomes a self employed hunting machine.
As with all our gundog home visits we discuss the dogs breeding, training, management and aspirations of the client. Neil & Debbie are typical gundog owners who are not looking for some field trial machine, but just a family companion, which primarily will be a pet, which will be taken out occasionally shooting or picking up during the season.
What's very important to the Fletchers is that the dog is stimulated and challenged.
After discussing the attributes of the pedigree and any possible health issues covering hips, elbows and eyes, Neil & Debbie are much better informed, although wished they had sought such advice before they bought Toby.
That said Toby looked in great condition and possessed those typical Labrador retriever characteristics being inquisitive, biddable, good looking and trainable.
We discussed all the basic foundations of training a young gundog involving heelwork, sit, stay and recall commands and simple retrieves.
Heelwork position, lead control and reward, was something Neil was particularly interested in. Neil holds Toby's slip lead in a typical obedience style using both hands, we discussed using one hand for lead control, rewarding with the same hand and reinforcement techniques with the slip lead.
Sit and Stay with distance and time can be started in home and garden and be incorporated around feeding time. Recall can also be practiced with hide and seek and the use of treats.
Careful consideration should be given to amount of exercise and lead control, too much freedom will lead to a self assured dog who does not respond well to leadership commands, too much obedience will produce a gundog which cannot think for its self and could lead to less pace and style!
Labradors should always be keen to retrieve, but far too often gundogs come in for training who do not retrieve, there are many reasons for this, they may have been scolded for picking those Jimmy Choo Shoes!, they got bored with the same old dummy grandfather had! Some training aids are left as toys, which should always be avoided.
We use a variety of training aids, shapes, weights, textures etc...
Keep the retrieves interesting with some memory work in a controlled spaced!
Neil is a typical 2nd row lock 6'6" his body language is very important and needs to be used wisely, together with correct vocal tone. Stewart discussed positive reinforcement (punishment) and reward techniques and the importance of having a measured response to behavior good or bad.
Stewart never did get to drink that cup of tea! obviously talks too much! but looks forward to meeting Neil and Debbie on the training ground, when the Toby is 6 months of age.
Working Gundog Home Visits provide the vital introduction and point of contact for those occasions when clients get concerned about the wellbeing and training of their new companion.
“Remember Let them be puppies. Give him just as much as you expect in return. Be in command. But don’t be out of control. And remember, this is your dog, which is merely a reflection of what you’ve taught him. Most of all, have fun—gun dog training is not a race”.
Contact details on the web.
Tuesday 8 February 2011
Countryside Alliance view on Firearms Debate
Thursday, 03 February 2011 Countryside Alliance
As the Government digests the Home Affairs Committee’s report into firearms licensing, nearly 800,000 certificate holders wait patiently for the official reaction. A history of knee jerk reactions to high profile incidents has victimised legitimate firearms holders, whilst doing nothing to combat the increasing amount of crime committed with illegal weapons. Following the tragic events in Cumbria, the Home Affairs Committee announced that it was revisiting firearms controls in this country. Watch this new Countryside Alliance film in which we investigate the implications of some of the Committee’s major proposals.
During this Inquiry, the Countryside Alliance encouraged supporters to lobby members of the Committee and their local MPs, offering personal accounts about why shooting is important to them. Hundreds of letters were received by the Committee. Representatives from the Alliance provided oral evidence to the Committee at Westminster and gave a presentation on game shooting to members of the Committee who visited the National Shooting Centre at Bisley. Prior to the hastily arranged debate in Parliament just before Christmas, the Alliance promptly briefed MPs on shooting. The resulting Commons debate was peppered with sensible contributions from all sides of the house. Despite this, the Committee has put forward some recommendations which would have serious ramifications for all who shoot.
As the Government digests the Home Affairs Committee’s report into firearms licensing, nearly 800,000 certificate holders wait patiently for the official reaction. A history of knee jerk reactions to high profile incidents has victimised legitimate firearms holders, whilst doing nothing to combat the increasing amount of crime committed with illegal weapons. Following the tragic events in Cumbria, the Home Affairs Committee announced that it was revisiting firearms controls in this country. Watch this new Countryside Alliance film in which we investigate the implications of some of the Committee’s major proposals.
During this Inquiry, the Countryside Alliance encouraged supporters to lobby members of the Committee and their local MPs, offering personal accounts about why shooting is important to them. Hundreds of letters were received by the Committee. Representatives from the Alliance provided oral evidence to the Committee at Westminster and gave a presentation on game shooting to members of the Committee who visited the National Shooting Centre at Bisley. Prior to the hastily arranged debate in Parliament just before Christmas, the Alliance promptly briefed MPs on shooting. The resulting Commons debate was peppered with sensible contributions from all sides of the house. Despite this, the Committee has put forward some recommendations which would have serious ramifications for all who shoot.
Monday 7 February 2011
Gundog Training Record Website Stats for January 2011
Website had a record January with 4000 visitors, we only achieved this level in April 2010, thank you for your support
Gundog Training Graded Assessments February 2011
Working Gundog Graded Training Assessments
6th February 2001 ~ Covering Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Rutland
Well Done to the 60% who passed! more work required for the other 40%
TOP GUNDOG SAFFY COCKER SPANIEL ~ DISTINCTION
After 7 weeks training a number of students entered their gundogs for an independent assessment covering basic gundog foundation training for Spaniels, Retrievers and HPR's.
We had a variety of gundog breeds from English Springer Spaniels, Show Cocker, Working Cocker Spaniels, Sprockers, Irish Water Spaniel, German Shorthaired Pointers and Retrievers.
Out of the 18 Assessments, 15 of the gundogs had undergone 7 weeks training prior to the assessments, which started back in November 2010. Over the previous 2 1/2 months 17 students who started the course at various grades, 1 decided the travelling from Sheffield was too much! and 1 other Show Spaniel did not complete the course.
All our Training Groups from Rutland, Leicestershire & Northamptonshire met at our new training ground at Houghton on the Hill, Leicestershire and although the day remained dry the wind conditions were very strong.
Students were very nervous not having trained on this ground and having battled with the course requirements in winter conditions and limited light over several weeks some training sessions having been reschedule due to the snow and icy conditions.
The excuses were being formulated before the assessments had began !
That said we had a number of successes and disappointments, which hopefully proves the course structure and requirements are not too easy or too difficult!
It is accepted that the results in winter months are never the same as in the summer months, despite the training methods and course requirements being the same, most students find it difficult to practice in the winter!
Assessments are carried out independently by another professional gundog trainer who has not seen or trained any of the applicants, other than in previous grades, we like to think this gives more reward and credibility to the achievement made.
Assessments on this occasion were conducted by Mr. David Field, who not only is a kennel club B Panel Judge, he has many years experience in training a number of gundogs breeds and like our own trainer wants to see more people enjoy working their gundogs for the purpose, which they were bred for.
Grade 1 Results
Andrea Warren & Show Cocker Mable PASS
Christopher Scarlett & ESS Millie MERIT
Christopher French & Sprocker Ollie MERIT
Mark Howes & Labrador Retriever Ozzie NOT READY
John Fowkes & ESS Wilf NOT READY
Conrad Taggart & Show Cocker X Scoobz NOT READY
Dawn Williamson Cocker Spaniel Saffy DISTINCTION
Grade 2 Results
Polly Underwood & GSP Murphy MERIT
Carole Jackson & Irish Water Spaniel PASS
Karen Marks & ESS Purdy NOT READY
Sandra Jones & Sprocker NOT READY
Dawn Williamson & Cocker Spaniel Saffy NOT READY
James Roote & GSP Arthur MERIT
Wendy Sycamore & Labrador Retriever Ruby PASS
Judith Jex & Labrador retriever Hollie NOT READY
Grade 3 Results
Ian Marshall & Cocker Spaniel Skye PASS
Alan Boon & ESS Murphy MERIT
Ian Marshall & ESS MEG NOT READY
Futher reports and pictures of this event can be found on our facebook and web site.
6th February 2001 ~ Covering Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Rutland
Well Done to the 60% who passed! more work required for the other 40%
TOP GUNDOG SAFFY COCKER SPANIEL ~ DISTINCTION
After 7 weeks training a number of students entered their gundogs for an independent assessment covering basic gundog foundation training for Spaniels, Retrievers and HPR's.
We had a variety of gundog breeds from English Springer Spaniels, Show Cocker, Working Cocker Spaniels, Sprockers, Irish Water Spaniel, German Shorthaired Pointers and Retrievers.
Out of the 18 Assessments, 15 of the gundogs had undergone 7 weeks training prior to the assessments, which started back in November 2010. Over the previous 2 1/2 months 17 students who started the course at various grades, 1 decided the travelling from Sheffield was too much! and 1 other Show Spaniel did not complete the course.
All our Training Groups from Rutland, Leicestershire & Northamptonshire met at our new training ground at Houghton on the Hill, Leicestershire and although the day remained dry the wind conditions were very strong.
Students were very nervous not having trained on this ground and having battled with the course requirements in winter conditions and limited light over several weeks some training sessions having been reschedule due to the snow and icy conditions.
The excuses were being formulated before the assessments had began !
That said we had a number of successes and disappointments, which hopefully proves the course structure and requirements are not too easy or too difficult!
It is accepted that the results in winter months are never the same as in the summer months, despite the training methods and course requirements being the same, most students find it difficult to practice in the winter!
Assessments are carried out independently by another professional gundog trainer who has not seen or trained any of the applicants, other than in previous grades, we like to think this gives more reward and credibility to the achievement made.
Assessments on this occasion were conducted by Mr. David Field, who not only is a kennel club B Panel Judge, he has many years experience in training a number of gundogs breeds and like our own trainer wants to see more people enjoy working their gundogs for the purpose, which they were bred for.
Grade 1 Results
Andrea Warren & Show Cocker Mable PASS
Christopher Scarlett & ESS Millie MERIT
Christopher French & Sprocker Ollie MERIT
Mark Howes & Labrador Retriever Ozzie NOT READY
John Fowkes & ESS Wilf NOT READY
Conrad Taggart & Show Cocker X Scoobz NOT READY
Dawn Williamson Cocker Spaniel Saffy DISTINCTION
Grade 2 Results
Polly Underwood & GSP Murphy MERIT
Carole Jackson & Irish Water Spaniel PASS
Karen Marks & ESS Purdy NOT READY
Sandra Jones & Sprocker NOT READY
Dawn Williamson & Cocker Spaniel Saffy NOT READY
James Roote & GSP Arthur MERIT
Wendy Sycamore & Labrador Retriever Ruby PASS
Judith Jex & Labrador retriever Hollie NOT READY
Grade 3 Results
Ian Marshall & Cocker Spaniel Skye PASS
Alan Boon & ESS Murphy MERIT
Ian Marshall & ESS MEG NOT READY
Futher reports and pictures of this event can be found on our facebook and web site.
Saturday 5 February 2011
Thursday 3 February 2011
BASC Welocme NI Tail Docking Exemption - Gundogs
BASC welcomes NI gundog tail docking exemption
The UK’s largest shooting organisation, the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC), has welcomed an exemption for working gundogs from a tail docking ban in Northern Ireland.
The Northern Ireland Assembly passed an amendment to the Welfare of Animals Bill at Stormont today.
The amendment covers the exemption of spaniels, terriers and any other breeds used for hunting, pointing or retrieving. It also covers any combination of these breeds.
Tommy Mayne, BASC Northern Ireland director, said: "BASC would like to thank both the Agriculture and Rural Development Committee and all the other organisations involved in the fight to have an exemption within the Welfare of Animals Bill, which would permit the docking of working dogs tails.
The prophylactic docking of specific breeds of working dog, such as spaniels, terriers and hunt, point retrievers is clearly beneficial to the long term welfare of the animal as it prevents often painful and reoccurring tail injuries which can be distressing for both the dog and the owner.
The Agriculture and Rural Development Committee is to be commended for recognising very early on in the process that there is a clear and genuine need to allow the docking of working dogs tails in order to reduce the risk of tail injury during the dogs working life."
The UK’s largest shooting organisation, the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC), has welcomed an exemption for working gundogs from a tail docking ban in Northern Ireland.
The Northern Ireland Assembly passed an amendment to the Welfare of Animals Bill at Stormont today.
The amendment covers the exemption of spaniels, terriers and any other breeds used for hunting, pointing or retrieving. It also covers any combination of these breeds.
Tommy Mayne, BASC Northern Ireland director, said: "BASC would like to thank both the Agriculture and Rural Development Committee and all the other organisations involved in the fight to have an exemption within the Welfare of Animals Bill, which would permit the docking of working dogs tails.
The prophylactic docking of specific breeds of working dog, such as spaniels, terriers and hunt, point retrievers is clearly beneficial to the long term welfare of the animal as it prevents often painful and reoccurring tail injuries which can be distressing for both the dog and the owner.
The Agriculture and Rural Development Committee is to be commended for recognising very early on in the process that there is a clear and genuine need to allow the docking of working dogs tails in order to reduce the risk of tail injury during the dogs working life."
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