Dog training classes (gundog)

[BallyRoanBaubles]

My pup will be 1 in April, before lock down we went to the local gundog group for their puppy gundog classes. We were due to go to their junior classes as lock down hit.

Things are starting to go back to normal again, so I've booked us in for a group 1 1/2 hour session in April.

The next class up is run a bit differently, 1 1/2 training, 1 hour break, 1 1/2 hour training, at a cost of £50.

Classes are generally run every 3 weeks, but I'm wondering if wed get more out of a 121 session every 3 weeks rather than a long group session. For me £50 is a bit steep every 3 weeks along with horses lessons etc. 121's are £30 for an hour.

What does everyone else find most beneficial and how often?

I should add dog is a labrador, first and foremost a pet and companion but I like the training and hopefully work him one day or do gundog grades etc.

 

[Clodagh]

.

 

[CorvusCorax]

Warning, this is more of a general rant.

Personally speaking I find it more beneficial for dogs to do quick bursts of 15/20 minutes several times during the day/evening.
If they do something really well quickly, even less than that, why drag it out, or if they decide they don't want to engage, then put them away and bring them out later.

Again, JMO, but I see no value in bunging loads of dogs and handlers of varying competency together for a long drawn out period.
Nor do I like to see a trainer go through lots of talking/theory while the dog sits there getting ever more bored.

However training is a hobby for me and not an income source. Humans want to feel they are getting 'something' from their training/investment and that is why a lot of training classes are modelled the way they are.
Sometimes the best thing to do is put the dog away, even if you've driven five hours to be told that ?

 

[BallyRoanBaubles]

Based Lancaster, North West

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

I would opt for the 1-1, which can be tailored specifically to your dog and your needs.

 

[BallyRoanBaubles]

Warning, this is more of a general rant.

Personally speaking I find it more beneficial for dogs to do quick bursts of 15/20 minutes several times during the day/evening.
If they do something really well quickly, even less than that, why drag it out, or if they decide they don't want to engage, then put them away and bring them out later.

Again, JMO, but I see no value in bunging loads of dogs and handlers of varying competency together for a long drawn out period.
Nor do I like to see a trainer go through lots of talking/theory while the dog sits there getting ever more bored.

However training is a hobby for me and not an income source. Humans want to feel they are getting 'something' from their training/investment and that is why a lot of training classes are modelled the way they are.
Sometimes the best thing to do is put the dog away, even if you've driven five hours to be told that ?

I'm not sure I could concentrate for 3 hours even with a dinner break

I think thats why theyve changed it about a bit, some people are traveling for a while to get there.

Thank you!

 

[BallyRoanBaubles]

I would opt for the 1-1, which can be tailored specifically to your dog and your needs.

I think thats what I'll do

 

[SAujla]

I'd go for 121 as well then you can work on what you want rather than some basic things in a group lesson which might be of no benefit to your pup

 

[HeyMich]

The only benefit I can see in the longer group sessions is that the dog will have plenty of socialisation and interaction time - is this something that needs work? If not, I'd definitely go for the private 1-2-1 sessions.

 

[BallyRoanBaubles]

Thanks everyone, I'll see how our first 1 1/2 hour group class goes, and then probably go for the 121's

 

[Goldenstar]

I did one too one with Dram we would walk a bit then work him a few minutes then walk some more do a little more always like that .
it was lovely .

 

[gunnergundog]

At the moment there should be no more than five handlers/dogs plus the trainer in the group.
Therefore in 1.5 hours the dog will be actively 'doing' for 18 minutes. As the pup is a lab, it is probable/possible that it will become a peg dog. It therefore needs to learn to sit, wait and relax whilst other stuff is going on around it; this is what you will be training in your down time.

On a shoot there will be multiple dogs milling around; pup needs to become used to working in this sort of situation. Most gundog training sessions are not for socialisation; you want to aim for a dog neutral pup; not one that wants to be a friend of everyone.

By all means do a one on one, but I would also suggest attending group training as well. Maybe try and negotiate with the trainer that you just attend the morning session at first and then build on that?

Every pup is different. Many at 12 months would cope with the scenario that you describe; equally, many won't. You need to know your dog and put him in the situation to build his confidence and skills.

Good luck!

 

[Kat_Bath]

I took Harvey to 45 minute obedience classes, max 6 dogs, about a year and a half ago and that was plenty for him, as a then 5 year old Lab. He was shattered afterwards but it massively helped. We also did 1-2-1 as an hour's walk with the trainer, doing max 2 new skills during a walk and that massively helped too. Nowadays, we train on most walks and I teach him something new (ring a bell, fetch a certain toy, waiting etc etc) every now and then. There's merit in both methods so try and see what works for you?

 

[BallyRoanBaubles]

We are booked in for the group 1 1/2 hour session in April. 5 dogs and the trainer due to covid rules, will see how that goes then decide I think.

The group classes are very much aiming for a dog neutral dog, which we do need work on ?

 

[druid]

For gundogs I find longer sessions useful as long as there is rotation in who is working/the exercises. Hurry up and wait is a huge part of being a gundog - even at a trial my dogs are off lead for at the very very most 60mins and probably on lead hanging about for up to 5 hours!!