Re: Can't do this any more ;( You're not repeating old stuff Jen, and it is really kind of you to offer suggestions. Unfortunately, pointer training is pretty specialised and poor Helen really isn't into gundog training of any description. She has bravely battled on with it, as a way to try and keep Charlie engaged with her.
Re: Can't do this any more ;( Thanks again everyone, just a couple of bad days but not just with Charlie - so sorry :'( Jen, I do appreciate your comments, but I am out of my depth with Charlie and just keep going but probably in the wrong direction. Pippa, I would be into gundog training if I hadn't experiened 2 trainers who just didn't want to offer positive training, so not too much faith in them I'm afraid to say. I think we do need help but where to go is the difficulty we face to receive positive not negative training. We just want to help Charlie Thank you. xx
Re: Can't do this any more ;( awh helen i hope you get the training you need, charlie as got an amazing mum, chin up
Re: Can't do this any more ;( I don't know why I keep posting I'm not being much help so far but I'm going to keep trying. Have you tried an ordinary dog trainer? The gundog trainer I had also did dog training (I wouldn't necessarily reccomened her if you were near but) I googled dog trainers in my area and rang a few. Maybe if you explained Charlie's training so far and the problems you have over the phone you might find one that feels they can help, and you can ask what training methods they use. I do think the gundog trainers you had were very negative and wrong to say there was nothing they could do. Personally I think that's rubbish. Again you've probably already thought of all this. : Really pleased to here from you though Helen. Jen
Re: Can't do this any more ;( Keep posting Jen I do appreciate all help and thoughts of how to help Charlie I have spoken to a couple of gun dog trainers and what they say on the phone is quite different to their reaction when they meet Charlie and then it's all negative training Once you mention 'absconder' their training methods completely change, which is why I don't trust them. I did take Charlie to dog training classes in the usual hall situation and he just couldn't handle it and the trainer said it just wasn't right for him. Charlie is definitely a one off : Stuck between and rock and a hard place, hence trying to do it myself
Re: Can't do this any more ;( I'm sure you've checked out the APDT website Helen but in case not here's the link to the Hampshire trainers http://www.apdt.co.uk/dog-owners/local-dog-trainers/hampshire Some of the trainers mention gundogs and rescue dogs in their contact details. From their mission statement on their website I've pulled this which would hopefully mean they would be positive in their approach Keep going you know we're all with you and Charlie willing you on and being inspired by your efforts
Re: Can't do this any more ;( Barbara, thank you very much for this link I will have a really good look tomorrow. I do appreciate it so much. xxx
Re: Can't do this any more ;( I mean find a 'normal ' dog trainer who will do one to one rather than a class. I think it would be much more beneficial for you aswell as Charlie just to give you ideas on managing him as well as training. There must be a trainer who can cope with an absconder. Quite frankly I think what those gundog trainers said was a cop out. Ok so Charlie might not be the next field trial champion but that doesn't mean he can't or won't improve with training. To be honest I'm rather annoyed by their reaction and think its wrong for someone who is teaching anything to have that kind of negative opinion ,that there's no point. Perhaps that's the teacher in me coming out. Thought I'd suppressed that. Barbara seems to have found some good info. Hope you find somebody. Jen
Re: Can't do this any more ;( Barbara, I have had a good look on the list you posted and wondered about Hamble Hounds, it's quite a way from me but they offer lots of different training and I wondered if you would mind having a look and maybe suggesting what training you feel would suit Charlie as I am not altogether sure? If you are too busy I totally understand. Thanks as always xx
Re: Can't do this any more ;( Hi Helen I know you've asked barbara for advice but I've just had a quick look at hamble hounds website and it looks really good. If I was you I'd give them a ring and discuss Charlie with them. Tell them what you've done with him so far and what he can do already and also the problems he has that you would like advice and help with. Tha calming course sounds good. (I could do with a course like that for my two as it says it brings them into a non reactive state. Mine react to everything.) I think that also might be good for you and Charlie as it says they work with the dogs individually. I do think when addressing specific issues like I think you want to (sorry if I've got that wrong) one to one is better than a class situation even a small class. Also I would ask about the chase control course and if that would be appropriate for Charlie's absconding especially as his absconding probably has something to do with his desire to hunt. It sounds like a really good place Helen I'd definitely give them a ring nothing to loose. ;D PS Just thought hope you don't mind me sticking my awe in sorry :-[ also just sticking my awe in a bit more it might be an idea to let them know about the negative experiences you've had with the gundog trainers before.
Re: Can't do this any more ;( Of course not too busy ;D However I think Jen's beaten me to it Chase control sounds closest to the issues you have but when they see you both they may want to start earlier in the cycle with Charlie's calmness and focus on you. Best thing is definitely to call them and talk to them. I would write down the main points I wanted to make and the questions I want to ask to make sure I don't miss anything.....all the usual stuff around logistics and cost but also around their methods, what other types of absconding, hard hunting dogs have they dealt with and what methods were successful. Make sure you tell them what methods you won't accept (although their website is very positive and clicker training focussed - yay!). I think, for you after your negative experience with trainers it's important you feel they understand and that you can trust them. They may not 'fix' Charlie but hopefully they'll give you the tools to 'fix' him yourself. Good luck, let us know what they say I have everything crossed this works for you and Charlie boy, I would love nothing better than to see a picture of you enjoying your walk with Charlie and Hattie whatever form that takes! xxx
Re: Can't do this any more ;( Hi Jen and Barbara, Jen thank you and you are definitely not sticking your awe in, I appreciate all your help and lets face it I NEED IT : Barbara, thank you for your advice, I will drop them an email as they are always 'training' and hopefully they will get back to me for a chat. Great tips on what to ask and I am going to make a list tonight. Many, many thanks and I will let you know what they say xxx
Re: Can't do this any more ;( I've a similar couple of days with Dyson. Defiant would sum him up. Won't do a thing you ask of him, to the extent we had to leave our local park this morning.I feel like giving up some days or just running away...ur not alone :'(
