Cloth ears!

[Clodagh]

Poor Scout has totally been thrown in the deep end this week, work wise. Today his head definitely exploded and he lost the plot. I had no recall whatsoever. It was like driving a car downhill with no brakes. No fun at all, in fact downright alarming.
I know it’s my fault and he’s very young but it still leaves me with a conundrum.
I’m out tomorrow, but a small day where one dog will be fine. Do I take him and just hope that as it will all be quiet and low key he will remember what the whistle is all about and we’ll be grand.
Or do I leave him at home and take either Tawny (retired), Penny (exhausted), Ffee (stitches in) or Red ( spayed 14 days ago). ?

 

[fiwen30]

Crikey! Would a second dog along be a calming or steadying influence, even if it only needs 1 dog?

 

[Clodagh]

Crikey! Would a second dog along be a calming or steadying influence, even if it only needs 1 dog?

He was with Pen today, so I can safely say it made no difference!

 

[Spotherisk]

Take him, keep him steady, you can do this. He should be tired tomorrow anyway.

This is normal for spaniel owners. ???

 

[Clodagh]

Take him, keep him steady, you can do this. He should be tired tomorrow anyway.

This is normal for spaniel owners. ???

That’s funny! The guy next to me said he wasn’t that bad. I pointed out he was working 4 spaniels so his bar was low ?

 

[TheresaW]

Knowing absolutely nothing about how it all works, I would take him on his own. As Spotherisk says, he’ll probably be a bit tired, and being on his own, would he look to you for confidence/instruction? Maybe he didn’t feel the need to having Pen there today.

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

That’s funny! The guy next to me said he wasn’t that bad. I pointed out he was working 4 spaniels so his bar was low ?

Scout was just being a Labrador! I know ours don't work but we talk about 'the flaps are down'. Actually the current pair aren't bad but we have had some who were quite happy to ignore you. Brown pointy dog never ignores, in case she misses the treat.

I would take him again tomorrow.

 

[Clodagh]

Well I’m not convinced that being tired will help, children horses and myself are all far more intractable when exhausted!
But I’m going to take him, I’ve packed the primula and he’s promised to be good.

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

I will say that we have found that the higher energy dogs' behaviour deteriorates if they get tired, the laidback ones just become more laid back. But today is another day, have a good one.

 

[Moobli]

Good luck ?

 

[Christmascinnamoncookie]

I'm interested to see how he got on today. I remember someone on here saying a fellow beater wanted to borrow their dog after seeing how great he was on a day's shoot, but the owner predicted he'd be useless because he'd be tired. The owner was correct, the dog was too tired to work.

He's young, isn't he? I recall having to re-start Jake and Brig at about 18 months, all their training seemed to desert them. Started from scratch and they were the best dogs. I can only pray that the current two don't do this. They have 20 minutes of madness either end of the day then they're good as gold, even to the point of being able to have them upstairs for cuddles til my OH comes in at 2am. Never thought we'd get there, but they're just young.

 

[Clodagh]

He was ok. Definitely tired, he actually went to sleep on my feet waiting for one drive to start.
Recall whistle appears to not work but has regained the stop whistle, and will then recall from a stop. I’ve probably deafened him with too much blowing and he’s blanking me.
Still he stopped and changed direction as asked. Will try a new approach for recall, we’ll get there.

 

[Christmascinnamoncookie]

I’m glad he didn’t disgrace himself!

 

[Clodagh]

Anyone who is interested, Scout has been on recall boot camp with twice daily intense sessions as well as constant recall and treats on walks.
Went on a big day today picking up and was pretty well foot perfect. Persistent, hunting well and bringing the bird straight back to me and ignoring distractions.

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

Anyone who is interested, Scout has been on recall boot camp with twice daily intense sessions as well as constant recall and treats on walks.
Went on a big day today picking up and was pretty well foot perfect. Persistent, hunting well and bringing the bird straight back to me and ignoring distractions.

Well done, both of you!

 

[druid]

Good recovery. He's young to be out but sounds like your dog situation doesn't leave you an option

 

[Clodagh]

Good recovery. He's young to be out but sounds like your dog situation doesn't leave you an option

Down here he’s old to start, it seems! Mine have all worked at a year but have been sitting and watching days rather than this full on big shoot stuff. Hey Ho, sink or swim.

 

[druid]

They've got to work sometime! Mine don't go out until they are at least 12-18 months. I'm precious as I like complete control though

 

[Christmascinnamoncookie]

Anyone who is interested, Scout has been on recall boot camp with twice daily intense sessions as well as constant recall and treats on walks.
Went on a big day today picking up and was pretty well foot perfect. Persistent, hunting well and bringing the bird straight back to me and ignoring distractions.

Tell me about this recall boot camp (asking for a friend).