Group Gundog Training with Skye the Labrador and Luke the Flatcoat Retriever.

Luke, the Flatcoat Retriever was recently in for residential gundog training.  The focus for his training programme was to perfect his steadiness to thrown dummies, retrieving dummies to hand but more importantly encouraging Luke to work around other dogs.  I worked with another client to achieve this as Skye, the Labrador has a similar training programme.  Both dogs trained well together and Luke adjusted to working around other young dogs.

Many handlers do not have the opportunity or the facility to train their dogs in the company of other dogs and this often results in training issues as the dog progresses.  When working with clients dogs who are in for residential gundog training, I often make use of my own dogs for group work, socialisation and steadiness.  As and when possible, I do find it beneficial to make use of other clients dogs who require the same level of training and who experience similar problems.  This often provides a clear picture as to how steady the dog really is and whether they have mastered the skill when other dogs have faults, possibly run in or are not steady.

Posted: June 24, 2013