We`ve progressed with Murphy`s training to the stage where I`m confidant on the recall (verbal and whistle) around dogs and people and the off lead walking to heel is progressing to the point where I`ve started walking him 30/40 metres off lead in a quiet lane (dead end with no through traffic) but a few distractions, rabbits birds etc. and Murphys` held his position well The next stage I`ve been thinking about is basic gundog training or field trial work however I`m not sure in which direction I want to go. I`ve identified a gun dog trainer near where we live but would like to sit in on a couple of sessions to see the "drill" and see if it suits what I want from Murphy. The last part of that sentance probably sounds a bit pretentious but I`m in a quandry. I shoot clays and would like to take Murphy along even if he just sits and watches, equally I would like to stretch him mentally (and teach myself) some trial work. So would it be rude to ask the trainer if I could just "pitch up" to watch a couple of sessions.? Thanks for any advice. Steve
Re: Gundog Training or Field Trials - sitting in on sessions Hi Steve, You don't need to decide between these two. If you get your basic gundog training right, introduce field work right, and you and your dog are talented enough, field trials will be an option. Trial work is not a 'separate' skill, if that makes sense. Trials are a competition to pick the best shooting dog on the day. The key is to get the basics right first, and to avoid some of the mistakes that people make, which cause bad habits that will prevent your dog reaching high standards of behaviour and fieldwork. Getting some input from a trainer is a good idea if you have aspirations to trial, as he/she will help you avoid some of those mistakes. Many gundog trainers will let you sit in on a session without your dog, some won't. They only way to find out is to ask. You need to think in advance about what kind of session you want to watch. If you are interested in trialling, you might enjoy watching an advanced retrieving session, to see the kinds of skills your dog will need. Watching a beginners class won't tell you a lot about the training involved in advanced work, but it will tell you quite a lot about the trainer and his methods.
Re: Gundog Training or Field Trials - sitting in on sessions My old lab was called Murphy . He was a complete retrieverholic. He would retrieve all day if he could and bring back anything he was sent for. He was particularly good at retrieving unshot clays ! as long as they landed whole obviously. I'd send him, he'd find the clay and bring it back to be reused ( if no cracks). I'm sure you don't get unshot clays though.
