Gundog Training with Sam my Labrador, Preston, Lancashire.

4 years ago today this black Labrador came to me for residential gundog training.  His owners had experience of working with dogs as they had previously trialled and worked with Labradors.  Unfortunately, due to a back injury Sam had been allowed to get away with doing anything he wished however he was a strong willed character that required consistency, structure and boundaries.  During his time in residential gundog training it was agreed with his owners that it would be best if Sam remained with myself on a permanent basis.

At that time many friends and fellow trainers advised me to get rid of Sam as he chased anything that moved including sheep, game and birds.  His recall was non existent and he was very hard mouthed.  The outlook towards him being a successful working dog was slim however despite his faults I saw potential that could be achieved with lots of hard work, patience and consistency.  Sam has now been with me for 4 years and he is not only a great friend but also a fantastic working dog.  This week he worked with me during the advanced group gundog session as well as at some 1-2-1 training lesson and consistently demonstrates his focus and ability to achieve in every way.

I look forward to many more years of training and working with Sam and it is important for many handlers to remember that anything can be achieved if we have patience, structure and a good bond with our dogs.

Posted: December 31, 2013