I'd really like to do some gundog training with Nesta, even though she's nearly 4 and has too many vices (unneccessary singing, less-than-enthusiastic retrieving) ever to be a useful member of society. I think it would be good for both of us. Owing to lack of moral fibre/ confidence, I'd like to go and be taught rather than trying to do stuff on my own. The Gundog Club is advertising a course which might be just about logistically feasible, but it's a lot of money and a lot of driving for something which might or might not turn out to meet our needs. It's a grade 1 course but the blurb says that more competent dogs/handlers can do grade 2 instead if appropriate. Looking at the syllabuses for grades 1 and 2 we can do the grade 1 stuff already except that Nesta won't retrieve if there's a scent to go after instead. I don't want to spend hours in the car to go and practice heelwork and stays, but we do need help with retrieving and hunting. Does anyone have experience of these courses and know whether or not they are a good bet? I did try a gundog training course with her a couple of years ago, but all the other dogs in the group were labradors with a dummy obsession and it left me feeling rather useless.

I apologise for the following useless answer, but reading your post I thought could you not try and find a gundog trainer nearer you who would give you one to one and do the stuff you need to do?
She sounds like Fippas...poor retrieve (easily bored of it), unnecessary noises (yapping and whining when excited), following a scent rather than complete a started task like retrieving

If you start a course or more serious training I'd love to hear how you're getting on

Agree with christine

I would find a gun dog trainer first and do a couple of one to one lessons

I've done this (one to one lessons) and am working on the areas we need to improve on

I agree with both the replies as you want to work on certain things then 1 -1 would be better so you have the trainers time (that your paying for) working on what you want. As you say you will have a long journey and if the course is full you may only have say 1/2 if that with the trainer, so not getting possibly good value.

I think the cost of the course equates to 7 1-1 lessons with a trainer, money better spent I think. I have looked at the course but have decided on 1-1 with a trainer to work on keeping her close and recall, she is a real whizz for retreiving and walking to heel on the lead.

Amanda

I got part 1 of The Gundog Clubs course manual for Andy when he bought Splodge (Jidge's litter sister) so he could take back with him and get the basics in, I had a read through it before he took it and I was very happy with the contents in it. I haven't seen Part 2 but if it runs alongside part 1 in the same way I would think it was well worth the money to be honest, it seemed ideal for people just starting up as it was very easy to understand and pretty fail safe really

A few 1-1 sessions with a gun dog trainer would do wonders.

If you need help finding one, let me know.

Jo

Why not speak to Pippa (She is a member on here) she will be able to advise who is running the course in your area, you could then have a lesson or 3 with the same trainer prior to doing the course.

I think the course would be an ideal introduction to the world of gundog work for you. You must remember than 90% of your work will be done away from the group sessions in your own time and it is this work that will help you get through. Group sessions are great but you must remember you will obviously get reduced time in a 1:1 with the trainer. Hence your training between sessions.

I have no ties or involvement with the Gundog club personally, so gain nothing out of this post other than advising you :-)

Good luck with your dog.

Mike

You can get a list from the Kennel Club which gives you info on all gundog clubs

If you lived near Milton Keynes you could come and join in with us Sterenniks we have lots of fun training

BEST advice I can give you is try a few 1 on 1's and then visit the gundog club trainer for his advice ....can you reach the required level in that time scale??? can work out expensive

Regards

Kev

Sorry Mike

Its been said before, but I have to agree that spending the money on some 1-2-1 lessons would I suspect be more productive; they will be tailored to and specific to you and your dog. Then maybe look at doing some group/class work.

There is a guy (on the south coast I think) that does resedential weekend (and longer) courses especially for female gun dog handlers. Not sure of the name, but I can find out if its of interest.

Also give Sheila Gussey a ring; she's the gun dog co-ordinator for BASC and should be able to put you in touch with a local trainer.

C

i know at my local library there are some good books on gundog training which were really useful