Working to correct retrieve problems with Tilly the Cocker Spaniel.

Pictured is Tilly the 8 month old Cocker Spaniel.

Tilly attended the Tessleymoor Gundog Club group training on Sunday were she displayed some problems with her retrieves.  Tilly paraded around with the dummy which was frustrating for Bob.

So today I asked Bob and Tilly to call at my training grounds for 15 mins to let me show Bob how Tilly can retrieve to hand.

Working with Tilly on calmness, fun and structure I had some great retrieves to hand, not all were perfect but steps were made to positive results.  Sometimes we forget what is required to work with our dogs.  I believe we have 3 stages – bond, basics and advanced. Also we sometimes stereotype a breed so working on too much hunting as caused Tilly to forget were the fun and reward comes from.

It’s rewarding to work with so many great dogs and handlers. Seeing Bob’s smile is a reward in itself for the work I do.

Posted: March 25, 2015