Sorry I am laughing at the fact that this is such a REGULAR occurrence at gundog training! It is hugely exciting for young dogs exposed to game, so much so, that exposure to game is built up slowly over time, and literally bit by bit, for example, using scent, a wing attached to a dummy, then if all is well the pheasant covered by a sock. Even then we are often trudging round the training ground sighing and picking up bits of bird. We never blame the dog, only look at a slightly different approach to introducing game. Blimey! You are not having much luck...
We hadn't had any exposure to feathers or anything but Ripple had eaten a dead duck on the beach and the trainer said he could sort that out. I thought it was a bit risky the way he did it straight away with the pheasant. Ripple is now obsessed with eating birds (well he's a bit obsessed with eating anything really ) and has since had a seagull. He's a bit of a challenge is Ripple .
I can't believe how rude that is, to just remove you without asking. I love your story about Ripple eating the pheasant, I'm sure it was mortifying at the time but it's cheered me up. You'd think trainers would listen to what their clients say, not think they know better and then blame the dog. As you know Inky is partial to eating all manner of things, no birds yet but I think my phobia and horror if he looks like he might, puts him off. I can't fake that otherwise I'd try it for dog poo, wonder if it would work
Ripple 2 - Trainers 0 Ripple, you are a legend in Homer’s eyes. Well if the trainer is going to feed him the best thing since seagull... a dog’s got to do what a dog’s got to do. That’s to show up the trainers.
I know, it's extraordinary isn't it? I've come across this a fair bit. There's so much luck in finding a good trainer. I've been talking tonight to the good one I've been lucky enough to find, among other things about the headburst arm grabbing session Cass resorted to last Saturday in class. Have I done something wrong, I thought we were over it etc, . No she says, she's a Labrador, I've seen it many times "inappropriate mouthing". It's just such a relief and so reassuring to hear that. The exercise we were doing was new, and as it turned out the trainer new it would challenge Cass particularly, that's why she wanted to do it. I had a complete meltdown and said I couldn't do it, but the trainer was having none of it, so Cass had to do it, and we did . Apparently "she's one hell of a dog" ---- I've heard this a fair bit ... by the time she's 18months...by the time she's 2yrs... now we're onto by the time she's 2 and half. I do have to smile! Ripple and Inky are not alone in wanting to eat everything -- bit of dog poo, fallen apples , most veg peelings, pig food ....Cassie's list goes on!!
I do find the way he breaks his trainers amusing,. They definately know they've when Rippled. I think I've been really lucky with the trainers I've used, they have all been good. I think you've both been very unlucky.
This, please don't forget this. There's NO WAY that Ripple is the only dog the trainer'd ever encountered who'd eaten the real game. He did no desensitisation, no gradual buildup like Kate talks about, and just expected Ripple to be able to remain as cool as a cucumber in the presence of feathers? Muppets, you've been dealing with muppets.
Moo was a very difficult dog not the same as Ripple but she was hard work. I tried a few trainers and did use some of their ideas. A gun dog trainer got her so quickly I was amazed. She was really helpful and ever so nice. I find the way you and Ripple have been treated so disappointing hope you can find a trainer that understands labs and ways to work with them. he's just a joyful energetic young dog.
Overwhelmed by all the support on the forum. Thank you for helping me be able to put everything in perspective. Me and Ripple are looking for a new victim / trainer .
Yep absolutely this -- I'm all for plenty of spirit Keep going @SteffiS , I wonder if @Joy could help, if there's a list of trainers in your area with modern training methods?
Idon’t know if this is any help at all, but there is an IMDT trainer in Fife - https://pawsitivetouch.uk/ Or for the whole of Scotland - https://www.imdt.uk.com/find-a-qualified-imdt-trainer.html
WOW really there are lots of dogs at do that in training stages sounds to me like you have really poor trainers where you are at. We have a judge whos dog started doing that and he didn't give up on the dog. Just kept working with him and he got a Master Hunter title on the dog. It is not easy but it is do able and you can do with e-collars or being harsh with a dog. I train my dogs in hunt and none have had an e-collar on them. My sisters girl is going for her Masters this year. My golden is going for an upland title and my pup will be going for his started/junior title.
