Gundog training in Devon

I know he is a bit young to start just yet, but I would like to do some gundog training with Vinnie. This would probably be starting in the new year. Does anyone have any recommendations for trainers/clubs in Devon (Cornwall/Somerset possibly)? Also, what is best - group sessions or 1-1 or a bit of both? I have a friend who has a working cocker exactly the same age as Vinnie, and she has said that she would be interested in getting together, hopefully to keep costs down a bit.

And finally, any tips as to what I should or shouldn't be doing with him now would be appreciated. I know that I should be doing very little, just let him get on with being a puppy until he is at least six months. However, there may be some things that are worth trying to nip in the bud before they get ingrained - anything that I should look out for? He already recalls well to the whistle (saves shouting!), and will sit on command. He will sit to the whistle at home, and I am occasionally asking him to whilst we're out and about to get the behaviour generalised. I always make sure that he has a high chance of success by getting his attention first and luring him if needed. This has all been clicker trained, so is just a big game to him! He has a natural retrieve, and has been playing with toys and bringing them back to us ever since he moved in.

Thanks in advance.

You could google and find the GunDog training clubs on the net, or give this guy a ring he is super. Some friends of mine came down for a Residential week-end and found him amazing. i have also had great reports from other people as well. He is only a stones throw from my stable yard.

http://www.kimberleygundogs.com/

Thanks for that. I have actually spoken to Steve, and he was incredibly helpful and full of advice. However, it's always nice to hear of people having good experiences. I did Google, but it's not quite the same as personal recommendations!

Just something else that I have thought of:

Vinnie has a full tail - is that likely to be a problem if I intend to work him? Basically, if I had decided to have him docked I would have limited my choice of puppies and also there were a couple of hoops to jump through. I like his tail, though. I think it balances him.

Cheers

I went on a Steve Kimberly day - I'd echo what's already been said - wouldn't hesitate in recommending him

If anyone wanted to come down for a session with Steve to help keep costs down you could stay with us or I could rent you a nice caravan (cheap).

Edited to add we have electric hookups for anyone wanted to camp.

OOh how exciting I am new to the forum and would like to do FT with my Springer. I live in Devon also and have googled gun dog clubs but couldn't find any. Where abouts in devon is Steve based??

We are in Winkleigh. Are you from Tarka country by any chance.

Tarka, as your pup is about the same age as mine let me know if you would be interested in getting together for a session (helps keeps costs down!) I have another friend with a wocker that wants to do this, and we have discussed the new year.

I notice you do agility as well, so it may be that we know each other either directly or through other agility folk (I help run the South Devon shows)

Yay great would love to in the new year sounds fab!! Yeah I do agility with Lauren Langman at Devon dogs who you must know if you do the shows!!! I live in Sidmouth so not too far away. Yippee so glad I joined teh site!!

I would also like to recommend Steve Kimberly. We are lucky to have him here in Devon, he is a true professional and dedicated to gundog training.I did a basic training course with him when Henry was a year old ( now five ) and then went on to do a weeks residential course which was fantastic.Thanks to Steve i have been able to go beating with Henry and now Rosie on a number of different shoots. I have seen places and met people that i would never have done had it not been for Kimberly Gundogs.So my advice is go for it, definately money well worth spent.

Tarka, I have PM'd you.

I have sent an enquiry message to Steve Kimberley today, so will let you know what/when I hear back!

I am doing a weekend course with Helen Phillips, gundog training at Blackborough Oct 17/18 with Edgar my wocker. Not sure if there are any working places left but am sure there will be observer places at least. PM me if you want details - It is being hosted by Dogs R Dogs, Sally Jones and Leanne Smiths agility school. We live in Mid Devon and I also go to Devon Dogs with Lauren with my Stanley, Sprocker - new workshops starting in Oct/Nov for him. So we are close - I would be interested if you are thinking of a joint gundog session in the new year aand there is room for another. I also have a gundog trainer in Somerset (off J25) private lessons £15 per hour.

I have had a reply from Kimberley Gundogs. Looks like a session in February time is in order! Group session is fine. They are also starting a new set of group sessions in March, which I am aiming to join.

In the meantime, I have been given a couple of bits of advice:

When on the lead do not allow pups to walk with thier heads on the ground, keep them up.
If you ask your pup to do something make sure you get it todo it.
Don't allow them to get obsessed with rabbits (If you have alot of rabbits in your area).