We had our first individual session yesterday - more of an assessment really to see if Molly would be able to fit into the beginner's class, and I'm pleased to say we are going to join the class next Wednesday. It was a wonderful location with woods, a lake, a pheasant pen and a retrieving lane. Peter (the trainer) changed my whistle for a 211.5 and it does sound more piercing. Molly returned to the whistle every time (though I've warned Peter she might not when other dogs are around). He was very positive about giving treats and told me to praise her more when she returns, which pleased me as I have a brother-in-law who shoots and keeps gundogs and he's very gruff with his. She also did a good stay and I'm going to start to work at sit in response to the whistle - eventually leading to sit at a distance. I think I need lessons to keep my momentum going as much as anything else. When I was in my twenties I learnt to play the piano, with weekly lessons and I was religious about practising every day, achieving grade 5 in two years. Then I stopped lessons and the practising gradually fell away and I've lost a lot of the skill I had. So I think I'm someone who needs the prospect of a lesson to keep me on task in between! On Monday we also start KC bronze classes, so I'm going to be busy.
Re: First gundog training session Well done to you and Molly for getting through the individual session and being able to join the beginners class I look forward to hearing how you both get on. Good luck also for your KC bronze classes
Re: First gundog training session Glad to hear you had a good time! I have a feeling I know where you went for training! ;D
Re: First gundog training session How exciting for you so glad you enjoyed it, good luck with all of your training and well done Molly x
Re: First gundog training session Great start!it sounds like it will be a really good environment for you both to learn loads x
Re: First gundog training session Great to hear that you enjoyed it! An interesting article on dog whistle frequency (from an external site http://www.spanieljournal.com/atrudel.html. Looks like switching to the lower frequency whistle (the 211.5) was a good idea as the sound carries further.
Re: First gundog training session Sounds wonderful , well done to both of you , I`m sure you will both love it
