Working Gundogs Graded Assessments Get off of to good start in 2014

Working Gundogs Graded Gundog Assessments Sunday 27th March 2014

The weather held for a great morning of Grade 1 & 2 Working Gundog Assessments, we had 6 gundogs attend the session with a very experienced gundog assessor Malcom Thwaites.

All handlers and gundogs were required to demonstrate proficient heel work, sit, stay and recall with two simple retrieves at grade 1 level and those taking grade 2 needed to demonstrate the same at a higher level in addition to directional control, memory mark, hunting and stop whistle work.

The Top performer on the day was Golden Retriever Yasmin

handled by Susan March.

Yasmin only lost 1 point in her quest to complete all the Grade 1 tasks to perfection!

Susan March & Golden Retriver Grade 1 Distinction

Julie Wibley & Labrador Retriever River Grade 1 Distinction

Sam Theobald & Labrador Retriever Stanley Grade 1 Merit

Julie Wibley & Labrador Retriever Grade 1 Pass

Grade 2 Merit Working Cocker Nell

handled by Heather Huyton

Graded Group Gun Dog Training near Peterborough May 2014

We are pleased to announce our Grade 1 and Grade 2 Group Training programs will be starting on the Friday 16th May 2014 near Peterbrough, Cambs.

Grade 1 Booking Form

Grade 2 Booking Form

Graded Group Gun Dog Training Northampton shire May 2014

We are pleased to announce Grade 1 & 2 group Gun Dog Training will be starting at Hartwell, on Sunday 18th May 2014

Grade 1 Booking Form

Grade 2 Booking Form

Graded Group Gun Dog Training Leicestershire May 2014

We are pleased to announce our Grade 1 & 2 Group Gun Dog Training courses will commence on the Saturday 17th May 2014 in Leicestershire, we have limited places on the Grade 2 Course, so early booking is essential. Booking for Grade 2 via this link . Grade 1 use this link

New Training Ground at Twycross, Warwickshire

Working Gundogs are please to announce we have a new training ground at Twycross in Warwickshire and will be starting are Grade 1 & 2 Training Programs on the Wednesday 14th May 2014.

All those interested in attending can book a Grade 2 via this link 

or Grade 1 via this link

Gundog Water Training Weekend 22nd & 23rd February Stapleford Park

Group Gundog Water Training Weekend

February 22nd/23rd 2014

Stapleford Park, Melton Mowbray,

Leicestershire, LE14 2EF

 

Beginners Course ~ Dogs that have not entered water before, or that will enter water but are not steady to other dogs with a training aid thrown into water. Dogs that will not take direction direction or recall when in water, will be suitable for this course.

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Novice Course ~ Dogs that are steady to other dogs in water, dogs that will go over water for a retrieve and return, dogs with poor delivery, dogs that have poor directional control and need improving with water distraction work will be suitable for this course.

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Intermediate Course ~ Dogs that will enter water confidently handle a distraction and retrieve a simple blind over water will be suitable for this course. These dogs will be asked to swim greater distances and learn to work whilst other dogs are working.

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Advance Course ~ Dogs that will swim greater distances for marks & blinds and handle heavy distractions at difficult angles with obstacles and fast flowing water
 

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We are very fortunate to have access to this wonderful estate, to simulate a number of gundog tasks, which would occur during the shooting season. Tea, Coffee & Soup will be provided for those who book multiple sessions and want to train different dogs. Please note young dogs soon get tired after being trained on water so it would be advisable to book a training session on alternate days or with a 2 hour break during the day. Accommodation can be organised. See Booking Form for details. Each Course will last approx 2 hrs, which enables you to swap dogs or give your dog a rest in between different courses. 

Times, Grades and Costs are covered on the booking form.

Grade 2 Group Gundog Training Rutland March 2014

Grade 2 Group gundog training is suitable for any gundog breed over 6 months of age (no age limit), the typical dog that joins this course are Retrievers, Spaniels and HPR group, we have occasionally allowed dogs outside of the breed group to attend, if they demonstrate an ability to learn the tasks of a working gundog. the Course will last 8 weeks for 1 hour per week. On the 8th week students have the option to be assessed and gain a certificate of achievement, which is independently carried out by an external assessor.

 The majority of students attending these courses are ordinary pet gundog owners, looking to improve their dogs behavior and stimulate their companion above the normal activity level. The structure of the training is designed to complete various training tasks from the very basic to a more advanced working gundog, which some students may wish to get involved on a local shoot or gundog competition.

Whatever your needs our instructor has 15 years experience to help you.

Details of Venues, Costs, Dates and Times can be found on the Grade 2 Booking Form.

Anyone unsure about attending such a course, would be advised to book a Pre Training Assessment. This gives prospective students the chance to meet the instructor and attend some of our training grounds, where we can assess your dogs potential for the course.

What can you expect from attending a Grade 2 Course:

Basic Heel work off the lead without pulling
Basic Steadiness at short distance incorporating a sit and stay command off the lead.
Basic Recall from a short distance with and without a training aid.
Basic Delivery of training aid.
Basic Stop Whistle Command.
Simple Mark Retrieve without running in.
Simple Memory Mark Retrieve.
Basic Directional Control.

The courses are designed to be progressive and we currently have an 80% pass rate with 25% obtaining distinction level, unfortunately not everyone passes first time such are the demands of the course. What we can guarantee is that every dog will improve in some task if you attend every week.

Everyone who pass the course finish with a level of achievement, which is very satisfying without subjecting themselves to the normal competition arena of working or show gundogs.

Grade 2 Group Gundog Training Leicestershire March 2014

Grade 2 Group gundog training is suitable for any gundog breed over 6 months of age (no age limit), the typical dog that joins this course are Retrievers, Spaniels and HPR group, we have occasionally allowed dogs outside of the breed group to attend, if they demonstrate an ability to learn the tasks of a working gundog. the Course will last 8 weeks for 1 hour per week. On the 8th week students have the option to be assessed and gain a certificate of achievement, which is independently carried out by an external assessor.

 The majority of students attending these courses are ordinary pet gundog owners, looking to improve their dogs behavior and stimulate their companion above the normal activity level. The structure of the training is designed to complete various training tasks from the very basic to a more advanced working gundog, which some students may wish to get involved on a local shoot or gundog competition.

Whatever your needs our instructor has 15 years experience to help you.

Details of Venues, Costs, Dates and Times can be found on the Grade 2 Booking Form.

Anyone unsure about attending such a course, would be advised to book a Pre Training Assessment. This gives prospective students the chance to meet the instructor and attend some of our training grounds, where we can assess your dogs potential for the course.

What can you expect from attending a Grade 2 Course:

Basic Heel work off the lead without pulling
Basic Steadiness at short distance incorporating a sit and stay command off the lead.
Basic Recall from a short distance with and without a training aid.
Basic Delivery of training aid.
Basic Stop Whistle Command.
Simple Mark Retrieve without running in.
Simple Memory Mark Retrieve.
Basic Directional Control.


The courses are designed to be progressive and we currently have an 80% pass rate with 25% obtaining distinction level, unfortunately not everyone passes first time such are the demands of the course. What we can guarantee is that every dog will improve in some task if you attend every week.

Everyone who pass the course finish with a level of achievement, which is very satisfying without subjecting themselves to the normal competition arena of working or show gundogs.

3 Years of Working Gundogs most popular Facebook memories in 60 seconds

Thought I would share my Facebook video "LOOKING BACK" covering the last 3 years, with some of the most popular moments and memories

PRESS THE HD BUTTON FOR BEST QUALITY!

Post by Working Gundogs.

Working Cocker Pip ~ The story so far & a training tip for picking large game

Hope you enjoy this short video of my Working Cocker Pip, who has made excellent progress in 18 months, she is now a field trial award winner and fully health tested to the Kennel Club Assured Breeder Scheme. Still work in progress and concentrating on those weaknesses, in particular retrieving large game.

If you wish to keep up with Pip's progress you can find us on Twitter, Facebook and Blogger, just type in Stewart North or Working Gundogs or Training Gundogs on Google Search. See credits for contact information at the end of the video clip. If you would like a Pre Training Course Assessment please book online

 

Gundog Training Distinction for Oakham Vet Catriona Laird & ESS Monty

Congratulations to Catriona Laird & English Springer Spaniel Monty who has been gundog training with Professional Gundog Trainer Stewart North at Launde near Oakham in Rutland for the past 12 months.

Catriona & Monty pictured with her partner Mr. John Peacock received distinction honors for grade 3 level at http://workinggundogs.co.uk. This award was presented by Mr. David Field, who is a kennel club registered judge on the B panel.

Also in the picture is Mr. Huw Smith with Tally who's ESS was not deem ready on the day of assessment.

Welcome Amanda Smith & Chocolate Labrador Archie

Amanda & Archie recently joined one of group training sessions and has made such progress completing grade 2 work, that Archie has become much more easy to control.

Amanda is one of our typical clients that loves their dog so much, she found it very difficult to demonstrate any assertive leadership.

After a few tears, and a very strict regime change, it was not too long before Archie started to change his behaviour and Amanda developed some leadership skills, which created a mutual respect of each other.

Welcome New Client Yvonne Flavell & ESS Teasel

Yvonne and Teasel recently started private 1:1 sessions covering Grade 1, 2 & 3 foundation work, this little spaniel at 7 months completed G1 & G2 in 3 weeks and started developing a hunting pattern in our pens at a very early age. Training was interupted as Teasel came into season last week. This is definately one dog to watch during the shooting season.

Gundog Water Training ~ We did not break any Laws ?

On Saturday 24th April, we started our water training, which was disrupted by a protestor! With an accusation that we were breaking the law training our gundogs in close proximity of a wild bird nest.?

I informed the protester that I did not consider we were disturbing the goose, furthermore Canada Geese are considered vermin under a general license for 12 months of the year. This meant I was quite within my rights to shoot the geese, destroy the eggs to prevent crop damage within the terms of the general license, it's worth mentioning also that you do not need to carry a copy of the general license and do not need to prove crop damage.

The complainant tried to no avail to disrupt our training session, which was inconvenient but provided a useful distraction for the gundogs who all behaved very well.

After a short while the protester decided she was wasting her time and disappeared, only to reappear 1 hour later quoting the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 section 1 and she had reported the offence to the police taken our registration numbers.

We just ignored the women and carried on with our training.

On Wednesday 28th April, I received a phone call from Leicestershire Constabulary advising me that a complaint had been received that I and others had been seen disturbing a wild bird on its nest, whilst training our gundogs. I explained to the police officer that Canada Geese are covered by Natural England's General License, and they can be shot at any time of the year, furthermore they are not listed as a protected wild bird, and the eggs could be destroyed under the terms of the general license.

Much to my surprise this police officer who is responsible for wildlife offences was not aware of this fact, although he did appreciate that Canada Geese can be a nuisance and obviously had a duty to investigate the complaint.

Like all good police officers, he did seek to keep the peace and asked me if I would consider not training in the particular lake, whilst the goose was sitting on the nest. I informed him I was not in business of appeasement, especially from an ignorant member of the public. Who did not understand the law, and only wanted to prevent us from training our gundogs because she was anti hunting.

I had no intentions of disturbing the nest and my comments about shooting the pest, although perfectly legal under the terms of the general license, I had no such intention.

I asked the officer to seek advice on the matter from BASC or Natural England, as I did not believe any law had been broken. Within 30 minutes, I received a phone call from the police officer, confirming, what I had said to the protestor was correct.

It is interesting how the police use their resources! it has taken 4 days from receiving the complaint, to investigate the registration number, obtained a name, check the name against their firearm/shotgun records and make further enquiries. If an accurate written statement had been obtained from the complainant, surely a knowledgble officer should have been able to deal with this without investigation ! It this what Mr Cameron WASTE argument is all about?

For the record!

Disturbing any bird included in Schedule 1

Section 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 as amended by schedule 12 of the Countryside and Rights of way Act 2000 concerns the protection of wild birds, their nests and eggs. Subsection 1(5) creates the offences of disturbing any wild birds or their young while they are building their nests or while they are near the nest and it contains young or eggs.

1(5) if any person INTENTIONALLY or RECKLESSLY

a. Disturbs any wild bird included in schedule 1 while it is building a nest or is in, on or near a nest containing eggs or young; or

b. Disturbs dependent young of such a bird,

That person shall be guilty of an offence.

For the purpose of this offence 'Any wild bird' means any bird included in Schedule 1.

Canada Geese are not mentioned on Schedule 1 of the above act.

For those interested in reading more about Canada Geese and the requirements under the Natural England's General License a link can be found by following
http://workinggundogs.co.uk/default.aspx

Gundog Nutrition, keep them Hunting

You may be familiar with the saying you are what you eat, but did you realise its just as relevant with your gundog as it is with you. You must provide your gundog with gundog nutrition.

Normal dog food may be ok for a pet dog who gets taken out a couple of times a day, but for a hunting gundog its essential. The strain placed on their body during hunting and field trails is immense, so for good performance, hunting dogs require a superior level of nutrients.

If you provide your companion with the maximum amount of gundog nutrition, he will provide you with maximum performance when hunting. Below I cover the main things you need to be aware of in improving your gun dogs nutrition.

Water

A very important ingredient in gundog nutrition is the water especially in performance and hunting dogs. More water is lost during general running than you may think. Water loss can come from urinating, breathing and salivating. The dehydration, combined with extensive exercise, can cause stress to the body of the highly trained and active gundog.

Clean, fresh water must be available at all times.

If you have a problem with your dog not drinking enough you can add some flavoring such as Gatorade to make it taste better.

Food

You should have a good feeding program for your gun dog. If you know the characteristics it can make selecting or creating a balanced diet easier. Many reputable brands are dedicated to making well-balanced forms of dog nutrition suitable for the hunting dog.

A strong feeding program should provide:

• A high level of nutrients, providing high energy.

• contain at least one animal based protein sources

• be high in fat unless your dog is overweight

• contain a source of fibre

• It must contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid

• Depending on your time it may need to be easy to purchase or prepare

• Your dog needs to like the taste and texture.

I admit to using an off the shelf, I realise its not perfect but that’s what I have time for, I use Eukanuber for puppies and novice dogs. All dogs are different though, I suggest trying a few of the quality brands and see which suits your dog best. Always check the labels for dog nutritional supplements.

If you wish to make your own foods, some hunting dog owners use raw chicken carcasses.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are an important component in your dog nutrition. Rice can be an excellent source of carbohydrates due to the rapid rise in blood sugar and energy levels it will cause in the dog, enabling stronger performance. Corn is the other source of carbohydrate I recommend as it will provide a stable energy burn over a longer period of time than rice, giving your dog loads of energy. I should avoid wheat as it lowers blood sugar.

Fibre

Insufficient fibre levels can lead to your dog being constipated. It may also cause problems to the intestinal tract. But keep in mind the wrong fibre can provide too many nutrients to the gut, leading to bad gas. I find a good fibre source id beet pulp. The recommended amount of fibre is about 5% to keep the gut healthy, and provide enough bulk.

Protein

Like us our dogs need protein, the most important being amino acid. Amino acid will increase strength and stamina, help maintain and rebuild muscle tissue, Increase muscle and increase red blood cells.

All the above are vital in the performance of your gundogs. Also remember your dog is carnivores, and animal based protein is the most beneficial and easily digestible. Soybeans have been used traditionally as a protein source in dog food, but their amino acid balances are inferior to those of animal-source proteins. Always look at the ingredients of dog food on the shelf before you buy.
Calories and fat.

Calories are the primary nutrition that your gun dog requires for energy. Calories will promote stamina, and boost your gun dogs overall performance. Providing calories in a balanced way is the best way to feed your dog. Fat contains at least twice the calories of carbohydrates or protein and surprisingly high fat is the best way to provide your dog with his stamina for the hunt. High fat diets also make your dog burn oxygen which will result in better performance.

Fat can come from a lot of different sources and they are all different. Some are better for your dog than others. Fatty acids are best and will provide nourishment to the skin and boost and strengthen the immune system.

There are different types of fatty acids, the most common being the omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. Omega 6 works to gives your dog an essential part of healing to response to injury. Good sources: sunflower oil, soybean and corn oil. Omega 3 works to counteract excessive inflammatory response of the body. Good sources. flaxseed oil, and cold water fish oils.

Both of these fatty acids are required in your dog’s diet for maximum performance. Look for a guaranteed ratio of omega 6 omega to omega 3 fatty acids in the dog food packs in your local store.