Cold Game Retrieves – Gundog Training.

Training a working gundog is a structured process and moving from the retrieval of dummies to fur/feather, cold game and finally to shot game is something that needs to be done correctly otherwise it may cause problems.   Similarly,  and equally as important is the introduction of a dog to the noise of a gun.

Vinny, the 9 month old Labrador and Luke, the 12 month old Flatcoat Retriever, are both at a stage in training where the introduction of game could be beneficial to their training.  Both dogs are currently in for residential gundog training and I have taken the opportunity to work with them first with the introduction of fur dummies for a period of time. and then moving on to cold game.  To ensure a good deliverance, it is vital that your dog is trained in a place where it can only go straight.  It’s also important that you stay calm when working with your dog to ensure that the dog fully understands what is expected.  Both of these dogs needed plenty of encouragement but were soon showing great enthusiasm to the retrieves.

Whilst these dogs were not in for cold game training, I felt that the dogs had reached a level in their training programme which meant that they were able to progress further.  Even when a dog is booked into residential gundog training for a specific reason, I always strive to achieve more.  Both owners are happy with the progress that their dogs have made and I shall continue to work with these dogs as they prepare for the 2013 shooting season.

Posted: May 5, 2013