So the reason I wanted a dog was to enjoy him, and take part in things together. (Our dog is more of a couch potato and has never had any excitement about life.. as he's 12 now I understand but he's never been that way.. anyway I digress). I ended up with one sooner than I expected and whilst we've been enjoying ourselves I stopped thinking about what we were going to 'do' and where our training is going. We got asked, 'what is your dogs job' and remembered I had no direction! Now as some of you may know, Spud is a Lab x Collie with no tail.. so I guess that put a stop to fun little shows..can't enter 'waggiest tail' now can we I keep threatening to though. I'm sure we can still do some, just worried he wouldn't be liked or whatever because of it. Well I've spent all afternoon and last night reading about gundog training, and whilst I don't want to go out on any shoots I like the idea of the training itself and the groundwork it gives the dog and me as a complete novice - at anything! As I understand, you can't enter grade 1 until 6 months which gives us plenty of time to get control and make everything fun when training. I'm having trouble with him however as if I turn direction when he pulls, he has a little paddy and starts rolling around on the floor?? Out on walks he's great on his own - with the other dog, overexcited, and always on the way home pulling like mad? Initially I understood it was because he needed the toilet and hadn't yet figured out that walks were ok to do it on, and as soon as we got home he'd rush out the cat flap and go. Now he's gone 3 seperate times on a walk so I know it isn't that. Maybe he wants his lunch? Older dog stops every 3 strides on the way home and this one can't wait to get back! Kids! So I'm going to take him out this evening when all the shouting children have disappeared and retry! Any tips for a paddying puppy? Would love to know what you guys do too with your youngsters! Here's his 'tail' showing when playing with a ball. He's great he'll entertain himself! IMG_2319 by Hoof&Hound, on Flickr And an unflattering one where he looks like a bear :/ Spud by Hoof&Hound, on Flickr
Have you done any group training with him? Prior to starting Gundog training, I'd be inclined to join an obedience class, to help get the basics down and to get him used to being in a group environment.
Thank you for the lovely comments! You won't believe how many times I get asked, is he docked, and how lucky I am I managed to get him done! Still it doesn't take away from his lovely personality and I don't think I've had a 'normal' animal in my life haha. He does roll over accidentally sometimes though!
Very cute boy. I echo @Karen suggestion of obedience class as this will help with building that bond and getting him listening to you. Have you tried using treats when he walks nicely? I had to stream feed the treats when I realised I needed to get my girl to stop pulling as she was getting big and strong. Go back to basics with lead walking, even if it’s just up and down your street.
Thank you for the advice Karen! We're at socialisation classes at the moment but there's currently an obedience class straight after. Once we've finished socialisation we will probably go onto it if she's still doing them as he'll be old enough by then! Bit of a pain where I live as there's no buses after a certain time and all classes seem to be in an evening! Pretty walks? Check. Practicality..not so much Good to know where I should be starting though!
Thank you! Yeah treats are being used, as well as good boys and praise when he does. Sometimes he just gets over that excitement threshold and it goes to pot! Will definitely be working on it! He's just turned 4 months so want to get it as good as I can asap!
Unfortunately I left it too long and had to go back to basics when she was 1.5 years old. Wish I would of persevered when she was younger. I made walks boring by going up and down the street and she soon got what I wanted her to do. It took us 4 months of doing this daily to be able to walk from the house to the local shops (10 mins each way) without pulling. Good luck
Thank you! I hear you on that one, our other dog wasn't trained not to pull either and he's a staffy.. Ended up putting him in a halti when he was 8 as it doubled as his dog aggression didn't help, now he's back to a normal collar but I don't want the same with little lad! Walking up and down the street will definitely be in the plan! I think having something to work towards, like the grade one will make me stick with it!
