I have tried to get training with Alex but havent recieved reply yet so i have booked with Gundogs.uk for their grade one course hopefully a week nest Saturday ( if there are places available, i am awaiting to hear)
My worry is i'll get there and all the other dogs will be sat lovely and Ollie will want to play or wont come back on recall (especially if he sees a bird flying over, or god forbid a rabbit). Not that the rabbit will be flying over!
I have statrted using the whistle again which i had stopped because he didnt go that far in front and would turn when i said wait, but that distance is lengthening and sometimes
he ignores me.
I have visions of everyone tutting at me as i try to get my dog back so the class can resume.
I would say his recall isnt too bad but it isnt always instant stop and turn.
He also wont drop anything you throw for him, well he does but a few feet away from you. I am working on this daily.
Please help i dont want us excluded on our first day!!!!lol

First advice from one who has been there with bells on!!!

Don't worry, most dogs will be at the same level and those that aren't will still be able to embarrass their owners.

Yesterday my delinquent Brittany and I were training with trials ready dogs and at times he remembered he is young and was a pratt. I was told off soundly for telling him off as we were working on water and I was told that training had to be fun and all bad behaviour should be worked on seperately .

Go, learn but most importantly enjoy. If you feel he is too hyped then keep him on the lead the first session and just assess what happens, any decent trainer should be able to listen to your fears and give you relevant advice. Most handlers have been there, done it and got the T-shirt so will be supportive not critical.

My delinquent had a training group in June (that included his breeder so no pressure there ) in stitches when the trainer (who owns and handles the breeds only Dual Champion) tried to get Chase to bring back a dummy by interupting his behaviour with a lead thrown near pup. Chase dropped dummy, picked up lead and giving the two fingers he ran around showing off his new trophy .

Despite all this a few people who know Brits are very impressed with his attitude and if I keep up we will be trialling when he is older.

Thanks Sir freddy that makes me feel better. lol

I took Ghillie to his first gun dog training day on sunday and he whined all way through it because he wanted everyone else's retrieves and dummies. When it was his turn he ran around with the dummy for ages and wouldnt come back
But he is only 8 mths and it was a whole new experience for him.
There were other dogs there who did embarrassing things too so don't worry

i know it doesnt make you feel better but that has cheered me up loads. You get this mental picture of all these dogs sat nicely waiting eagerly for every command. Mine is 8 months as well, what size dummie have you got and did you practice with it before you went?