ramona wrote:I knew this day would come, when your teenage springer has suddenly become very independent.
This is the basis of your problem Ramona ... you anticipated it and it has happened.
You say she stops to whistle but have you started to use a turn whistle yet? that is what seems to be missing from your descriptions; you seem to be stopping her and giving her a direction by hand signal?
Keep persevering as Naj suggests BUT change your mindset before you set out ... you have a keen Springer, learning her job in partnership with you (do not think about her as a stroppy independent teenager).
Cathy
There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it. Edith Wharton
Naj , Greatly appreciate the time you took to post this long reply! I cannot say other than that it inspired me to try and try until we'll make it, and not give up.
I understand from everyone that its never a easy way to success, but as a first timer it is difficult when you dont know what to do and are getting frustrated! Thanks so much everyone
Thanks, and I'd agree with Cathy about being in the right frame of mind. These are things all gundog pups will try if they've got anything about them - yours is no different to any other. As you get more experienced you'll learn to navigate around these problem areas. Training is all about communication, and it's all geared at working on the mind-set of the dog. Once it understands what you require of it in any given situation then things get a lot easier. Once you find an approach that works it just requires you to be consistent & persistent, then repetition will do the rest. And it's supposed to be fun.
