Update on Nell the Springer Spaniel who arrived for Gundog Training neglected and battered.

On 30th May 2013 I met Nell, a Springer Spaniel who arrived at my kennels extremely nervous, smelling of urine and had clearly been mistreated.  My client had recently purchased from a shooting man who was very heavy handed with his dogs.

Nell was approximately 1 year old and was so nervous that she would soil herself if anyone came near her.  I immediately notified the owner that it would not be possible to train her as a gundog until her confidence levels had been built up.  Building Nell’s confidence was going to take a long time as it is vital when working a dog that there is a good trusting relationship and bond.  Unfortunately the client was too busy and had made arrangements whilst Nell was in for training which meant that he could not collect her or provide her with the time or love that she required at the time.  In the best interest of Nell, I agreed to keep her for a week whilst I further assessed the situation and tried to resolve some of the issues.

The first 5 days in residence were spent trying to toilet train Nell whilst building some level of trust so that she wouldn’t soil herself when I approached.  I had seen many neglected dogs whilst working in the industry but Nell was certainly a severe case.  I agreed with the client for Nell to remain in residence, however I then spent the next 4 weeks building a bond with her as I tried to improve on her confidence and trust towards me.  Any training that took place was extremely limited and was made to be as fun as possible.

After 5 weeks in residence, Nell was starting to trust me and was more confident around other people.  It was at this point that the client ceased communication with me and was not forthcoming with any money due.  At 12 weeks I decided to take action against the client and Nell is now officially my dog.  I have not got the pedigree for Nell but despite this she is very special.  Yesterday was only the third time that I had taken her out onto the shooting grounds to be worked and trained but she has never failed to do what is required or asked of her.  It is difficult to explain how the feelings of excitement, fulfilment and satisfaction can all become one and yet I knew immediately that she is 100% committed to me and I will be taking her to my shoot on the 1st day.

There are some cruel and horrible people out there but if we love our dogs and treat them right then they will reward us in so many ways.

Posted: October 12, 2013