Has anyone done any of these? I see them mentioned quite often on the Positive Gundogs Facebook page. I was thinking if they're any good, I might schedule one or two in in the future when I have time. Heh. Time. Yeah.
Interesting Fiona,I don't think they have come up on here as discussion as It doesn't ring a bell for me.....I know what you mean....one day I might just get the time to 'Google' it never mind attend!
I've just started one. I'm only in the first week so it's hard to tell how good it is yet. I've joined the first gundog course as a bronze member which means I get the lectures and can read the forum. Silver members can post on the forum and gold members submit video homework. Gold and silver membership is limited numbers, bronze is unlimited. The course lasts 6 weeks. If this is good I'm planning on doing a heelwork course later in the year.
Really looking forward to hearing about it! I've also been tempted, but it's not cheap, so been mulling it over - I quite like the time limit, I suppose that encourages you to get on with it, and work through the programme.
Yes you work on your own although there's nothing stopping you doing it with others. They recommend you video yourself whether or not you can submit videos or not. Week one has been concepts and taking a baseline of where you're at for future weeks.
Oh, interesting! I was looking at the $260 and wondering if it was worth it. $65 sounds great. And, dare I say, submitting any videos to here would probably get enough (free) feedback, too I'll see if I have time over the summer to fit one in, if you think they're worthwhile once you've finished.
You don't have to. They just suggest it so you can watch yourself back and it's pointless paying for Gold level if you can't submit videos. The course is in the form of written lectures and video demos so far.
There's some scent stuff starting on 1st June which could be interesting for me if I can find the time. Realistically, though, it probably won't be this year
I've done a few of them (all at bronze - silver/gold too expensive) - you get lectures and videos each week and then you can watch the gold people's videos and the instructors suggestions for them on the forum's and also there is a "lurker group" set up for each course on facebook where you can ask questions of the other participants and share problems/solutions etc At the end of the 6 weeks, the lectures+videos are saved to your Fenzi library and you have access to them for the rest of the year (and if you take another course later on in the year, then you continue to have access) You have to save any interesting Gold threads to your own computer, because the forums are taken down a few weeks after the course ends. The lurker groups continue and when the course is taken again new people join. I did the first gundog one - and am still working thru it!! It is American gundog based, so emphasis on long straight lines etc but that's good. Strong use of food bowls to encourage speed out and recall fast back (especially with puppies/dogs who may not be fluent with retrieve) I loved the Rally free courses for tricks and dancing. I like learning by watching the videos and then trying it out and then coming back A bronze course works out at £47