After a bit of advice if poss. I bought the Labrador Handbook a while ago and still refer to it now. I am going to get the Total Recall this week, but was after a book that covers all of the training for working dog if poss. I have most of the info i need but getting a bit fed up of referring to different places for different info. I see there are a few books knocking about, but can anyone recommend the best/better ones? Basic training going well using whistle, but want to step it up a bit now.
Clicker Gundog by Helen Phillips is really good for teaching you how to train towards advanced gundog behaviours. Also, if you're interested in taking the graded tests from the Gundog Club, Pippa has written guides for training each step: http://www.thegundogclub.co.uk/?page_id=315
Pippa's website Totally Gundogs is also a great resource, as is the Positive Gundogs Facebook group (link on this page http://totallygundogs.com/
Thanks for that. I have already visited that and had a 1-2-1 puppy session with the local trainer which was great. I'm trying to find a book that covers all training from puppy to gun dog, so i don't have to visit multiple links etc.
Have you got the book Clicker Gundog? Not just the FB page? https://www.amazon.co.uk/Clicker-Gu...qid=1519744881&sr=8-1&keywords=clicker+gundog
I had seen that one. But from reading the comments on Amazon it looks like it is for further down the line than where I am at the mo. I just got Total Recall through the post ten mins ago. I will read that first and see where I/we are.
At this stage, you really just want to be playing games and building relationship. Play retrieving games, but only a couple of minutes at a time. Leave the pup wanting more. If you get too full-on at a young age, you can risk making the puppy dull. So lots of games which involve both of you, proximity, bringing you stuff. Don't ever tell the pup off for picking stuff up, even stuff you don't want him to have. Encourage him to bring it to you and give it to you. Training at this age is definitely more about relationship than structure, steadiness and formality. That can all come later. I did work on a good delivery to hand with my latest as I got that wrong with my older two, but again not with any formality at this age. Just setting the pup up for success and throwing a party when he does something close to what you're after. When Squidge was small, I would sit on the floor in the hallway and play gentle tug with a toy, then throw it, call her back once she grabbed it and give her cuddles while she played with it. Definitely NO taking it away from her at this age, just gentle tug and letting her "win" an awful lot, to build her confidence and also get her used to having something in her mouth at the same time my hand was on it. Then using a treat to get her to drop it, giving her the treat and re-starting the game again, either by offering her the toy or throwing it again. She would hurtle back to my lap each time because I was where the fun was. I did similar stuff with heel work at this age - no formality, but making being with me an amazing thing. We played lots of "keep up" games where I would change my pace, spin in circles, change direction. We just had a giggle. We still do! Her heel walking became very strong from a young age because of this. I'd also start playing around a bit with marking with treats and toys and some basic Premack games so he learns that the way to get what he wants is through you. Like I said, keep it fun, and work on relationship more than skills.
The gundog guides are great. You start from a young puppy, and work your way through the exercises in a logical manner. I found them very useful. http://www.thegundogclub.co.uk/shop/books/TrainingGuides/passinggradeone.htm
