Dog Training the Glenturret Way

24/02/2025

increasing distance

24/02/2025

23/02/2025

Dog Training the Glenturret Way
I have been asked several times this week why I choose to use the RRT training dummy from Fullpip. For me they have proven to be an essential part of my training regimen due to their durability, design, and versatility.
The RRT training dummies allow for more effective skill development, offering a realistic simulation that enhances both technique and accuracy. Its high-quality construction ensures it withstands repeated use, making for long-term training. Additionally, Fullpip’s attention to detail in creating a quality dummy provides a more practical training experience, bridging the gap between practice and real-world application.
Ultimately, the RRT training dummies from Fullpip has significantly improved the quality and effectiveness of my training sessions. It continues to be an invaluable resource, and I highly recommend it to anyone wanting something to last and enhance their training.
Andrew

06/02/2025

Dog Training the Glenturret Way

Helping Your Nervous and Fidgety Dog Shine on the Show Table
Introduction

Showing a dog on a table can be challenging when your canine friend feels nervous or fidgety. With the right techniques and a calm approach, you can help your dog feel more secure, making the show experience more enjoyable for both of you.
Understanding Your Dogs Behaviour
Nervousness and Fidgeting:
Your dog might display signs of anxiety such as pacing, shaking, or refusing to stay still. These behaviours are normal when faced with new or stressful environments.
Body Language:
Look for signals like tucked tails, avoiding eye contact, or excessive panting. Recognizing these early can help you intervene with calming techniques.
Creating a Calm Environment
Familiarization:
Introduce your dog to the table well before the show. Allow them to explore the surface at their own pace, rewarding calm behaviour with treats or gentle praise.
Comfort Items:
Consider placing a favourite toy or a blanket on the table. Familiar scents can reduce anxiety.
Quiet Space:
Minimize distractions and loud noises in the practice area to help your dog focus on you and feel secure.
Preparation Techniques
1. Gradual Introduction:
Begin by having your dog stand or sit on a low platform or rug, gradually transitioning to the show table.
Increase the duration slowly while rewarding calm behaviour.
2. Short, Frequent Sessions:
Keep practice sessions brief (10 minutes) to avoid overwhelming your dog.
End sessions on a positive note, even if progress is minimal.
3. Use Positive Reinforcement:
Offer treats, praise, or a gentle pet when your dog shows signs of relaxation.
Use a calm, reassuring voice to soothe your pet during practice.
4. Consistent Handling:
Use a calm and steady hand when guiding your dog onto the table.
Keep your posture relaxed dogs pick up on your energy.
On the Day of the Show
Pre-Show Routine:
Give your dog a chance to relieve energy with a short walk.
Spend a few minutes practicing basic commands to reinforce calm behaviour.
Managing Nerves on the Table:
Keep one hand gently supporting your dog chest to provide stability.
Stand close enough so your presence reassures your pet without crowding.
Maintain a slow, deliberate pace when adjusting your dog position.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Issue Tips
Excessive Fidgeting Use treats to redirect focus and encourage stillness. Try incorporating a command like stay with a reward.
Inability to Settle Practice gradual increases in table time at home.
Escalated Anxiety Take a brief break. Sometimes, a short pause in training helps lower stress levels before reattempting.
Final Tips for Success
Patience is Key:
Every dog adjusts at their own pace. Consistency and calm repetition will build your dog confidence over time.
Celebrate Small Wins:
Each moment your dog remains calm is progress. Acknowledge these successes and continue to build on them.
Remember:
The goal is to help your dog feel safe and confident on the show table. With time, practice, and lots of positive reinforcement, even the most nervous dogs can shine in the spotlight.
Andrew

25/01/2025

Reasons why you shouldn't walk your dog on pavements with a retractable long Walking a dog on a retractable long line, especially on pavements or busy areas, can pose several risks. Here are some reasons why it’s not ideal:

1. Lack of Control
• Retractable leashes provide less control over your dog, especially in high-traffic areas. If your dog suddenly darts, it can be hard to rein them in quickly.

2. Risk of Accidents
• Dogs can wander too far into the street, potentially putting themselves in danger of being hit by cars.
• Cyclists, pedestrians, or other dogs could trip or collide with the long line.

3. Tangled Lines
• The long, thin cord can tangle around your dog, your legs, or others, causing injuries or falls.

4. Injuries to Your Dog
• If your dog suddenly reaches the end of the leash, the sudden jerk can strain their neck, spine, or joints.

5. Difficulty in Handling Sudden Situations
• Encounters with other dogs, wildlife, or distractions (like food on the ground) become harder to manage, as retractable leashes allow your dog to move too far ahead before you can intervene.

6. Damage to the Leash
• The cord of a retractable leash is less durable than a standard leash and could snap if a dog pulls too hard, especially larger or stronger breeds.

7. Unsafe for Pavement Conditions
• Uneven surfaces, debris, or nearby traffic can become hazardous if your dog is too far away to guide effectively.

8. Encourages Pulling
• The tension-and-release mechanism of a retractable leash can teach dogs to pull, as they learn that pulling extends their range.

9. Inconsiderate to Others
• Long lines can invade the personal space of other pedestrians or dogs, making them uncomfortable or triggering defensive behavior.

For walks on pavements or in crowded areas, a standard leash provides better control and ensures safety for your dog, you, and others nearby. Save retractable leashes for open, low-risk areas like empty parks.

20/01/2025

Dog Training the Glenturret Way
Reasons why you shouldn't let your dog off lead, out of sight, when on a walk.
• Risk of Injury: Dogs off-lead can run into dangerous areas like roads, cliffs, or rocky terrain, increasing their risk of injury or fatal accidents.
• Wildlife Disturbance: Uncontrolled dogs can chase, harm, or disturb wildlife, including nesting birds, small mammals, or protected species, causing ecological harm.
• Unpredictable Behaviour: Even the most well-trained dogs can act unpredictably, chasing after distractions like squirrels or other dogs, leading to dangerous situations.
• Legal Consequences: In some areas, allowing dogs off-lead in certain parks or wildlife reserves is prohibited and may result in fines or other legal penalties.
• Aggression Concerns: Dogs off-lead might approach other dogs or people who are fearful or reactive, potentially leading to fights or injuries.
• Lost Dog Risk: Dogs off-lead can wander too far and get lost, especially in dense woods, open fields, or areas they are unfamiliar with.
• Poison or Hazards: Unsupervised dogs may encounter hazards like poisonous plants, litter, or baited traps, putting their health at risk.
• Conflict with Livestock: In rural areas, off-lead dogs may worry or attack livestock, leading to potential injury to the animals and legal action against the owner.
• Other People's Comfort: Some people are afraid of dogs or uncomfortable with them running loose, and an off-lead dog may cause distress or discomfort.
• Traffic Dangers: If a dog runs out of sight, it could inadvertently wander into nearby traffic, risking serious injury or causing accidents.
• Unseen Traps or Hazards: Areas may have hidden dangers like deep water, unstable ground, or even traps set for pests that could harm your dog.
• Training Regression: Allowing a dog off-lead without supervision can undermine training, as they may ignore recall commands or reinforce undesirable behaviours like chasing or scavenging.

20/01/2025

Dog Training the Glenturret Way

Why it's more important to do mental exercise than it is physical exercise when walking your dog.
When walking your dog, mental exercise is often more important than physical exercise because it engages your dog's brain, satisfying their natural instincts and promoting overall well-being. Here's why:
1. Mental Stimulation Tires Dogs More: Mental challenges, like sniffing, exploring new environments, or solving puzzles, can exhaust dogs more effectively than physical activity alone. This helps prevent boredom, which can lead to destructive behaviours.
2. Engages Natural Instincts: Dogs have a strong sense of smell and curiosity. Allowing them to sniff, investigate, and interact with their surroundings fulfils their innate needs, keeping them happier and more balanced.
3. Improves Behaviour: Mentally stimulating activities teach dogs focus and impulse control. Training commands or incorporating problem-solving tasks during walks can help your dog become more obedient and well-behaved.
4. Quality Over Quantity: While physical exercise is essential, a short walk that includes mental challenges can be more enriching than a long walk without engagement.
5. Strengthens Bond: Interactive activities, like training sessions or playing games during walks, strengthen your connection with your dog, fostering trust and communication.
Incorporating both physical and mental exercise ensures a more balanced and fulfilling experience for your dog, but the mental aspect often provides deeper, longer-lasting benefits.

18/01/2025

Dog Training the Glenturret Way
Why You Shouldn’t Let Your Dog Off the Lead Without 100% Recall
Owning a dog is a rewarding and joyful experience, but it also comes with responsibilities. One critical aspect of dog ownership is ensuring the safety of your pet and those around you. This leaflet explains why you should avoid letting your dog off the lead unless it has 100% reliable recall.
1. Protect Your Dog’s Safety
When a dog lacks dependable recall, allowing it to roam off-lead can put its safety at serious risk.
• Traffic Dangers: A dog may run onto roads, causing accidents or injuring itself.
• Hazardous Environments: Your dog could encounter harmful objects, toxic plants, or dangerous wildlife.
• Getting Lost: If your dog becomes distracted, it may wander too far and struggle to find its way back.
2. Prevent Conflicts with Other Dogs and People
Even if your dog is friendly, not all people or pets will feel the same way.
• Unwanted Interactions: Your dog might approach another dog that is reactive, elderly, or unwell.
• Fear in Others: Some people are afraid of dogs and may feel intimidated if an off-lead dog approaches them.
• Accidents: Unexpected behaviour, such as jumping or knocking someone over, can lead to injuries or complaints.
3. Respect the Environment
Not all areas are suitable for dogs to run freely, and an off-lead dog with poor recall can cause unintended harm.
• Wildlife Protection: Dogs may chase or harm wildlife, disrupting local ecosystems.
• Property Damage: An uncontrolled dog could damage private property, leading to potential legal issues.
• Public Spaces: In parks or other shared spaces, a poorly trained dog might disrupt others’ enjoyment.
4. Reinforce Positive Training Habits
By keeping your dog on a lead until its recall is reliable, you’re encouraging good behavior and consistency.
• Training Opportunity: Every walk is a chance to reinforce recall commands.
• Building Trust: A strong recall strengthens the bond between you and your dog.
• Gradual Progress: Begin with a long training lead in safe areas before transitioning to off-lead walks.
Tips for Improving Recall
If your dog’s recall isn’t 100% reliable, focus on training before allowing off-lead freedom.
• Use high-value treats or favorite toys as rewards.
• Practice in secure, enclosed spaces before moving to more challenging environments.
• Ensure your dog knows its name and responds consistently to a clear recall command.
• Gradually increase distractions during training sessions to simulate real-world scenarios.
• Consider professional training classes if needed.
Key Takeaway
While the idea of letting your dog run free is appealing, it is your responsibility as a dog owner to ensure your pet’s safety and the safety of others. If your dog does not have 100% reliable recall, keeping it on a lead is the most responsible choice. Together, we can make public spaces safer and more enjoyable for everyone.
For more tips on training visit dogtrainingtheglenturretway.com

13/01/2025

To enjoy the exciting stuff at a distance, you must first master the fundamentals up close. If your dog doesn’t respond to you when they’re right beside you, there’s little chance they’ll listen when they’re 100 yards away, distracted by chasing squirrels and ignoring you entirely. The basics lay the foundation for all the fun. Skipping over them will quickly reveal gaps in your dog’s training the moment their skills are tested under real-world pressure.

14/09/2024

how your dog see colour on the left what we see, on the right what your dog see

12/07/2024

Piper

22/03/2024

13/02/2024

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03/02/2024

Starting Your Gundog on Dummy Retrieves: Setting Them Up for Success
Welcome to the exciting journey of training your gundog for dummy retrieves! This leaflet is designed to provide you with essential tips on how to set your gundog up for success, fostering a positive learning environment while understanding that setbacks are a natural part of the training process.
1. Start Slowly: Begin by introducing your gundog to the concept of retrieving dummies in a calm and controlled environment. Start with short distances and gradually increase the difficulty as your dog becomes more confident.
2. Positive Reinforcement: Use plenty of praise and rewards to encourage your gundog during training sessions. Positive reinforcement helps reinforce desired behaviours and builds a strong bond between you and your dog.
3. Patience is Key: Remember that every dog learns at their own pace. Be patient and understanding and avoid becoming frustrated if progress seems slow. Consistency and perseverance are essential for success.
4. Set Realistic Expectations: Understand that your gundog may not get everything right from the start. Set realistic goals and celebrate small achievements along the way. Focus on progress rather than perfection.
5. Create a Safe Learning Environment: Ensure that the training area is safe and free from distractions that could hinder your gundog's focus. Minimize potential sources of stress to help your dog stay relaxed and engaged during training sessions.
6. Keep Training Sessions Short and Fun: Dogs have short attention spans, so keep training sessions brief and enjoyable. End on a positive note to leave your gundog eager for the next session.
7. Adapt and Adjust: Be flexible in your training approach and willing to adapt based on your gundog's individual needs and progress. What works for one dog may not work for another, so be prepared to adjust your methods accordingly.
8. Don't Be Afraid of Setbacks: Mistakes and setbacks are a natural part of the learning process. Instead of dwelling on failures, use them as opportunities to learn and grow together with your gundog. Remember, it's all part of the journey.
9. Seek Professional Guidance if Needed: If you encounter challenges that you're unable to overcome on your own, don't hesitate to seek guidance from a professional gundog trainer. They can provide expert advice and support tailored to your specific situation.
10. Enjoy the Journey: Training your gundog for dummy retrieves is a rewarding experience that strengthens the bond between you and your furry companion. Embrace the ups and downs of the training process, and most importantly, have fun along the way!

Remember, starting your gundog out on dummy retrieves is about setting them up succeed, not to fail. Stay patient, stay positive, and enjoy the journey ahead!
Dog Training the Glenturret Way

16/01/2024