Scent work/trial work

[only_me]

Looking some advice please!

Its starting to look like Indy is rather talented with her nose and following scent trails - managed to locate 2 baby (dead) birds and caught/found a fish in Shallow water at the beach. I was watching her naturally work on a scent in amusement on the sand however was a bit surprised when a large newly dead dogfish was appeared in her mouth in shallow waters Certainly shocked the other families on the beach!

I need to be able to call her off a scent ie. stop before she gets herself into trouble, she’s only 5 1/2 months so feel best way would be to at least train the basics of scent work (or is it field work?) so is properly trained to start/stop.

I’m a bit confused between field trials, scent work and track work, which one would be better for a family dog? She naturally retrieves as well. I’m wondering is It detection or is it a mixture of all of them?
I am quite a bit away from any trainers in scent work so was hoping to start basics myself and then try zoom training but this mightn’t be a great option.
have you any advice? Or tips in how to start?

I have ordered a book on scent work to try and understand training a bit more and have watched some good videos online.

 

[Thistle]

Lovely pup

You could try gundog training, the trainer will understand how her 'gundog' brain works. Lots of steadieness, learning 'leave it' as well as retrieving when asked. Lots of puppy gundog stuff online.

I highly recommend the Lez Graham books, The Pet Gundog, and The Pet Gundog puppy (At 5.5 months you probably want the former) There is also a support page on FB.

It's not so much about whether you want your dog to work, more about finding the right training for her type of brain.

Field trials are the pinnacle of competitive gundog work. Traing and Working tests come first.

 

[only_me]

Lovely pup

You could try gundog training, the trainer will understand how her 'gundog' brain works. Lots of steadieness, learning 'leave it' as well as retrieving when asked. Lots of puppy gundog stuff online.

I highly recommend the Lez Graham books, The Pet Gundog, and The Pet Gundog puppy (At 5.5 months you probably want the former) There is also a support page on FB.

It's not so much about whether you want your dog to work, more about finding the right training for her type of brain.

Field trials are the pinnacle of competitive gundog work. Traing and Working tests come first.

oh ok, sounds like gundog is more where we should be heading. I’ll have a look at the book & FB page, thank you!

 

[druid]

Find a gundog trainer near you, or perhaps look into the new Gundog App for some training ideas.

 

[Michen]

Lovely pup

You could try gundog training, the trainer will understand how her 'gundog' brain works. Lots of steadieness, learning 'leave it' as well as retrieving when asked. Lots of puppy gundog stuff online.

I highly recommend the Lez Graham books, The Pet Gundog, and The Pet Gundog puppy (At 5.5 months you probably want the former) There is also a support page on FB.

It's not so much about whether you want your dog to work, more about finding the right training for her type of brain.

Field trials are the pinnacle of competitive gundog work. Traing and Working tests come first.

Every trainer I’ve been to has said not to take field trial dogs to working tests!

The gundog app is good and Ben Randall is great, had a few lessons with him if your near OP. Pricey but worth it. Otherwise a local gundog club would be great.

 

[druid]

Every trainer I’ve been to has said not to take field trial dogs to working tests!

The gundog app is good and Ben Randall is great, had a few lessons with him if your near OP. Pricey but worth it. Otherwise a local gundog club would be great.

What was the basis for no working tests? My FT dogs run in tests also, good intro to judges/groups and a gallery before a trial. The Irish spaniel team rarely has less than one or two FTCh on it also for the CLA!

Ben's methods are quite palatable compare to some older school trainers for most pet owners. No bullying and all about trust and belief in the handler.

 

[Michen]

What was the basis for no working tests? My FT dogs run in tests also, good intro to judges/groups and a gallery before a trial. The Irish spaniel team rarely has less than one or two FTCh on it also for the CLA!

Ben's methods are quite palatable compare to some older school trainers for most pet owners. No bullying and all about trust and belief in the handler.

I can only remember what, I think it was Ben, told me specifically but that you are exposing the dog to making mistakes which you can’t then correct. So the dog should be completely ready for a trial and capable of winning, not using working tests as stepping stones. I think the idea was that if a dog makes a mistake that you can’t correct properly on the day it can be really damaging, particularly with a hot spaniel.

I’m a complete rookie so I have no opinions either way and if I ever do trial mine I will certainly be doing working tests beforehand ?

 

[druid]

I wouldn't take a dog to a test who I wouldn't take to a trial (except for puppy classes) so I guess that kind of gels. Dogs will get test wise and run around in a pattern waiting for the bang and retrieve if they do many tests but a handful are very useful to get used to the trial scenario. Mine are hot but in a good way, it's all channeled into working with me and drive to find.

Some dogs are not test dogs - I've got one who is a complete plodder until there is game and guns, he knows when it's all simulated and wants no part of it.

 

[druid]

Only_me where are you in Ireland? PM if you prefer. Might be able to help you out or suggest a suitable trainer.

 

[only_me]

Only_me where are you in Ireland? PM if you prefer. Might be able to help you out or suggest a suitable trainer.

I’m in Armagh area ?

 

[BallyRoanBaubles]

Every trainer I’ve been to has said not to take field trial dogs to working tests!

The gundog app is good and Ben Randall is great, had a few lessons with him if your near OP. Pricey but worth it. Otherwise a local gundog club would be great.

Do you use the app Michen? Ive downloaded it but not yet subscribed! Would you say its worth the monthly fee?

 

[Michen]

Do you use the app Michen? Ive downloaded it but not yet subscribed! Would you say its worth the monthly fee?

Yes I rate it. Possibly a little overpriced...

 

[druid]

I’m in Armagh area ?

I can get you in contact with my kennel partner who who is based up North and will definitely be able to help