Training a gundog

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hannahealasaid

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Ok slightly random question but do any shoots accept people with gundogs that don't want to go and do the actual shooting?

I'm planning on getting a lab in the near future and although he would get lots of exercise being around the horses and walking a couple of miles to and from the livery yard both ends of the day, I am a believer that dogs should have a job to keep them occupied. Its always been something i'd like to do but never been involved with shooting.

Any advice welcome :) x
 
Do you mean beating or picking up??
Try the nobs website (national organisation of beaters and pickers up)
They are more knowledgeable people than me on here LJR is useful :)
 
Morning Lurcherlu :)

OP I have gundogs but I don't actually shoot :o

I would imagine you would want to pick up if you get a lab, make sure you choose a puppy from good working stock or trialing dogs, it will make it so much easier with your training.

My advice would be to get in touch with a gundog trainer for a few one to ones, and they will steer you onto the right path. The thing is you can read all the books about training gundogs but ultimately each puppy needs training in a way that suits his/her personality and alot of it is about your body language. Alternatively join a gundog club which will regularly hold group training sessions.

The lovely thing is a fully trained working dog is a pleasure to own - be warned, you will find it addictive - I am out five days a week with my dogs throughout the season :D
 
A TRAINED dog will usually be welcomed. That means it will Sit or Drop instantly when told at, say, 50 yards at the very least, come instantly to call, not chase, not chew game, etc.

An untrained dog will bring you much grief and embarrassment on a shoot so best not to go down that road!

Go to a few field trials first to see what dogs are expected to do if you are not sure. Dogs at a shoot are often not very good role models, but there is no need to have a hooligan just because others do (the one who does probably owns the land and so has to be tolerated!).

If you have good dogs, you will always be welcomed and you will find you have many new friends. Also, be aware of the "pack" mentality where other badly behaved dogs are on the loose!
 
Absolutely - I do shoot but I also work on two local driven shoots beating and picking up where I never shoot. We have other beaters and picker uppers who don't shoot at all.
 
LJR said:
Morning Lurcherlu :)

OP I have gundogs but I don't actually shoot :o

I would imagine you would want to pick up if you get a lab, make sure you choose a puppy from good working stock or trialing dogs, it will make it so much easier with your training.

My advice would be to get in touch with a gundog trainer for a few one to ones, and they will steer you onto the right path. The thing is you can read all the books about training gundogs but ultimately each puppy needs training in a way that suits his/her personality and alot of it is about your body language. Alternatively join a gundog club which will regularly hold group training session

The lovely thing is a fully trained working dog is a pleasure to own - be warned, you will find it addictive - I am out five days a week with my dogs throughout the season :D
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Morning LJR
This is what we intend to do with pup :) I'm addicted to lapsing with my lurcher, I know how addictive watching a dog work becomes :) nothing quite like watching a dog doing what it's bred to do.im totally in awe of dads spaniels too , watching their little bums wiggle a they work and the look on the face when they get it right .....priceless . You'll find labs more addictive once you do what they're bred for :)
 
I don't shoot (though hubby does) and I have just done my first one to one session with a pro trainer with our young Vizsla pup. I seriously fear I may become addicted too! Good luck ;)
 
hannahealasaid said:
Thanks for all your comments :)

Can anyone recommend any training books that will give me a bit more understanding of what is expected? :D
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Gundog Training Made Easy by Eric Begbie is a nice simple starter book. I also like Gundog Training, Your Problems Solved by Jeremy Hobson.

I find books better than DVD's, they tend to just show what they should be doing, more than how you achieve it.

But like I said a trainer or an experienced picker-upper (:confused:) will be the way to go once you have your puppy.

Also go on Youtube, there are loads of useful videos.
 
Do they still run gundog tests? I think these were meant to be an introduction to trials, were fairly laid back, and seemed a good place to learn and get advice. The KC site should local clubs and societies.
 
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