gun dog training for non gundog breed

[Henny]

I would like to do some gundog training with my dog, although I realise he will probably not be suitable for actual working. Will I still be able to go to trainig classes. He is very good at bringing things back, and I thought it would be a fun thing for him to learn.

or is there a book I can buy to start to teach him myself

 

[Spudlet]

You could have a look here http://www.thegundogclub.co.uk/index.html

Their courses are quite pricey, but they are open to all breeds. The website might give you some ideas too.

I have been told that this is a good book http://www.canineconcepts.co.uk/item--Positive-Gundogs--positive-gundogs---dogs

I have also heard about all sorts of breeds working in beating lines, so you might be able to work if you really want to, you never know!

 

[Henny]

thanks for that. I would love to take him beating but he is a super tiny JRTxpatterdale!!

 

[Ravenwood]

Plenty of JRT's and Patterdales seen out beating and when you are beating you won't be wanting him to retrieve! As long as you can get him to work close to you and he has a good recall I am sure he will be welcomed.

 

[Henny]

Really!? Thats really good. I am based in Surrey any tips for how to get started?

 

[Baggybreeches]

I remember doing a field trial at a local show with my old dog years ago and it was won by a border collie!!
As ravenwood said as long as he is obedient to recall then I am sure he will be a credit to your shooting party.

 

[Henny]

right I think I need to practise my recall then!! And then find myself a shoot. Any websites you can reccomend to find one? Are they connected to the hunts?

 

[posie_honey]

i know of a few terrierists who go beating
there's a boxer who comes to the shoot i beat at lol!

 

[Ravenwood]

right I think I need to practise my recall then!! And then find myself a shoot. Any websites you can reccomend to find one? Are they connected to the hunts?

The last thing you want is for your dog to run off in excitement and chase every single bird off the drive in one go!! The birds have to be driven slowly and flushed across at word from the keeper so that they go over evenly and every gun gets a good selection.

If you haven't been beating before, I reckon it would be good for you to go this season on your own and find out what its all about - it will certainly get/keep you fit!!

Its great fun, hope you have plenty of good wet weather gear! Give your local keeper a ring and ask him for the shoot dates. We start on 3rd Sept - can't wait!

Good luck

 

[Henny]

Thanks for the tips. I used to go as a teenager, but not for a very long time! I will get practising!