Gundog Training Forum

Whilst I was working on the basics, heel work, as I am currently doing at least 3 times a day, with varying degrees of success, I got to thinking, if I knew then (when Jasper first arrived in the house), what I know now, what would be different, if anything?

My answer would probably be along the lines of start training the minute he gets through the door, something I would do if I ever take on another puppy (jury still out on that decision - won't be for a MINIMUM of 3 or 4 years).

I was wondering what sort off thing other novices and experienced owners would do differently?

Elizabeth

Get the puppy retreving furr and feather from the outset!!

I'd never go on walks in the park for a start, as to not encourage over-friendliness with other dogs, something that has been a problem for Pippa but is now solved!

Think I'd put more emphasis on the stop...

Amongst a whole heap of other stuff too !

Best thing you can teach a pup is patience.

dandogman wrote:I'd never go on walks in the park for a start, as to not encourage over-friendliness with other dogs, something that has been a problem for Pippa but is now solved!

May I ask why not? I'm an absolute beginner, but I thought that socialisation was very important for pups, in order to avoid excessive fear and aggression towards other dogs later in life?

Springfield Pointers wrote:Best thing you can teach a pup is patience.

+1

... ditto for handlers, too!

Stihl 090 wrote:Get the puppy retreving furr and feather from the outset!!

+1. My poor guy was almost 5 months old before he got his first bird exposure. Birds birds birds!

tt123 - socialisation is a whole different ball game that I would have done very differently. If you search on this site under training, you'll find LOTS of theories about it. As a newbie myself, I think, as long as you believe what you're doing is right, it probably is AT THAT MOMENT IN TIME. But. Time will tell whether it really was