Hello

[WoodlandWomble]

Hi, I'm new to gundog training and hoping to learn lits from fellow members. I've had labs all my life, but got a good red last summer. He is full on and has boundless energy! We started gundog training in May as Jasper is quire clever and was flushing out and watching birds from a very young age. We are about to start our next set of formal training next month.

I'm hoping to pick up some tips on how to encourage Jasper to be more steady and follow instructions when I ask not when he feels like it!

[PRH]

Welcome

[Judy]

Hi, Welcome to the world of gundog training. Ask away, lots of experienced people who are happy to help on here.

No doubt someone will be along soon to quote the mantra; "steadiness is a state of mind". It all boils down to getting basic obedience embedded, heel, recall, and 'stay until I ask you to do something else', concentrate on those and the rest will follow, skimp the boring stuff and trouble will follow.

[Nickheref]

skimp the boring stuff and trouble will follow.

It is a funny thing but I and the people I know who have good dogs never find that bit boring, simply because they know how important it is and are assessing the pup all the way through. I have just been asked to help someone with a young spaniel, I asked what the problem was and the answer was "I would like a better recall". Haven't seen the dog yet but I am willing to bet there is no recall and the dog pleases itself and some of the time the desires of the owner and dog are the same so they think they have a bit of recall.

[PRH]

I get it though, heelwork, sit and recall aren't super exciting, but you're stuffed if you haven't got them. With a bit of thought it can be more interesting, I've been trying to get Ginger to pivot at heel, so move his back legs around as I rotate, and also go backwards at heel when I walk backwards. Clearly not essential, but it challenges the dog and trainer a bit more

[Judy]

skimp the boring stuff and trouble will follow.

It is a funny thing but I and the people I know who have good dogs never find that bit boring, simply because they know how important it is and are assessing the pup all the way through.

You have to admit it isn't as interesting as the later stuff!

[WoodlandWomble]

Thanks, that's great advice. I've had labs all my life but never trained for gun dogs. We attended a general puppy training classes that were as useful as a chocolate fireguard so didn't get the best start for the basics, so did what we know from previously. He has generally good recall for hubby, but for me it's more in his time! . I know I need to work on that for the basics. I'm starting formal gun dog training on my own (without hubby there) at the end of September so hopefully Jasper will have to listen to me

[PRH]

If you are using a whistle for recall an easy way to get it going is pipping for recall at feeding time. Pip for recall and put the bowl on the deck when the dog comes to you, no other interaction. Even if the dog is at your feet still pip and then put the bowl down. The dog then associates something good happening with being recalled. It won’t solve poor recall alone but it should help.

[newf]

I agree, it’s a good start. When the recall becomes pretty consistent then it’s time to make it reliable.

[munstyman]

Welcome to the board.
The main problem with training recall is people don't practice it enough when they CAN, but only when they NEED too
Always reward a good recall .... but set the standard high and don't continue to reward mediocre. Like all games, there are rules,. Either you make them and stick to them or the dog will change them to their own liking.