Adhara Dog Training

21/06/2024

I love these photos from last week’s Intermediate Pet Gundog session, where handlers are casting their dogs with a right “get out”.

Throughout the course, we’ve advanced our left and right directional control, increasing both the distance and complexity. It’s not just about the direction of the cast; the handlers have also been learning the importance of clear communication through body language and incorporating “the gaze”.

Whether you’re looking to work your dog in the field or just seeking a more disciplined and responsive pet, gundog training brings a wealth of benefits to both you and your dog. We offer Accredited Pet Gundog Training on a one to one basis or in small group classes. We embrace effective, educational, and motivational training.

If you’d like to know more about how we can help you, contact Lucy Nolan, the only Accredited Pet Gundog Instructor in Dorset 💫

📞 07799 732194
✉️ [email protected]
🌐 AdharaDogTraining.co.uk



*zgraham

19/06/2024

✨ The Importance of Memory Retrieves in Gundog Training ✨

In gundog training, memory retrieves play a crucial role in bridging the gap between marked and blind retrieves. They develop a dog's ability honing skills essential for more advanced training.

💫 What Are Memory Retrieves? 💫

A memory retrieve is where the dog sees an object, such as a dummy or game fall but is then sent to retrieve it after a delay. This task requires the dog to rely on its memory to locate the fallen object, enhancing its cognitive abilities and patience.

💫 The Benefits of Memory Retrieves 💫

1️⃣ Enhanced Patience and Focus
Memory retrieves teach dogs to remain calm and focused over time, waiting for the command to retrieve.

2️⃣ Improved Cognitive Skills
These retrieves strengthen a dog’s memory and ability to process and recall information, essential for more complex tasks.

3️⃣ Foundation for Advanced Training
Successfully performing memory retrieves prepares dogs for blind retrieves, where the dog locates the object without knowing its location.

⭐️ Training Tips for Memory Retrieves ⭐️

1️⃣ Start with short delays and distances, gradually increasing as the dog becomes more confident and proficient.

2️⃣ Vary the environment to ensure the dog can recall the fall of the item in various settings, improving its adaptability.

3️⃣ Combine with basic commands like sit and stay to train and reinforce steadiness.

Memory retrieves serve as an essential transition between marked and blind retrieves. In marked retrieves, the dog relies on visual memory to locate the fall immediately. In contrast, blind retrieves require the dog to depend entirely on the handler's directions without having seen the fall.

In my opinion, memory retrieves are a pivotal component of gundog training, helping to bridge the gap between marked and blind retrieves. By mastering memory retrieves, dogs improve their patience, focus, and cognitive skills, laying a strong foundation for advanced training tasks. With consistent practice where the dog is set up to succeed, memory retrieves can significantly enhance a dog's performance and reliability.

📸 RPN Photography Captured Penny retrieving our personalised dummies from Pawsbrooklyn

Whether you’re looking to work your dog in the field or just seeking a more disciplined and responsive pet, gundog training brings a wealth of benefits to both you and your dog. We offer Accredited Pet Gundog Training on a one to one basis or in small group classes. We embrace effective, educational, and motivational training.

If you’d like to know more about how we can help you, contact Lucy Nolan, the only Accredited Pet Gundog Instructor in Dorset 💫

📞 07799 732194
✉️ [email protected]
🌐 AdharaDogTraining.co.uk

17/06/2024

We’ve sadly had some cases of Alabama Rot in Dorset. Please be extra vigilant when walking your dogs and learn the signs/symptoms.

Cutaneous and Renal Glomerular Vasculopathy (CRGV), also known as Alabama Rot, is a rare but potentially fatal disease that has been identified in some dogs in the UK in the last decade. Joshua Walker, Internal Medicine Specialist at Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists, gives an update on CRGV an...

17/06/2024

When I’m training a new exercise or expanding a trained one I tend to work in repetitions of three; the first time is a ‘fact finding’ exercise, the second time gives our dog a sense of familiarity and the third time is the confidence builder – at this point I will either stop and move to a new area and repeat the three repetitions or do another one or two repetitions and call it a day.

An excerpt from The Pet Gundog
by L*z Graham MA





buy the book - https://thepetgundog.co.uk/Home/Books
join the club - https://thepetgundogclub.com
a common sense approach - https://l*zgraham.com/
l*z graham retrieving roll - https://www.retrievingroll.com/

16/06/2024

✨ The Novice Pet Gundog Certificate ✨

Congratulations to Emma and Poppy and Luke and Max for passing The Novice Pet Gundog certificate today! 🐾

Overcoming the challenges of training a dog is no small feat, and you’ve shown remarkable perseverance and teamwork. Here’s to many more successes ahead! 👏

Whether you’re looking to work your dog in the field or just seeking a more disciplined and responsive pet, gundog training brings a wealth of benefits to both you and your dog. We offer Accredited Pet Gundog Training on a one to one basis or in small group classes. We embrace effective, educational, and motivational training.

If you’d like to know more about how we can help you, contact Lucy Nolan, the only Accredited Pet Gundog Instructor in Dorset 💫

📞 07799 732194
✉️ [email protected]
🌐 AdharaDogTraining.co.uk



The Pet Gundog L*z Graham

15/06/2024

✨ The Beginner Pet Gundog Certificate ✨

Congratulations to Craig and Billy .theirishwaterspaniel and Derek and Ned who passed The Beginner Pet Gundog Certificate today!

Your hard work, dedication, and teamwork with your dogs has truly paid off. I’m very proud of you! 🐾🏆

Whether you’re looking to work your dog in the field or just seeking a more disciplined and responsive pet, gundog training brings a wealth of benefits to both you and your dog. We offer Accredited Pet Gundog Training on a one to one basis or in small group classes. We embrace effective, educational, and motivational training.

If you’d like to know more about how we can help you, contact Lucy Nolan, the only Accredited Pet Gundog Instructor in Dorset 💫

📞 07799 732194
✉️ [email protected]
🌐 AdharaDogTraining.co.uk



The Pet Gundog L*z Graham

14/06/2024

When walking your dog, especially on an extending lead, you must always assess the environment to assure the safety of not only your dog but others

𝗧𝗢𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝗜 𝗔𝗟𝗠𝗢𝗦𝗧 𝗥𝗔𝗡 𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥 𝗔 𝗗𝗢𝗚 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗠𝗬 𝗖𝗔𝗥

The dog was being walked on a pavement next to a road....

On a retractable lead

The dog suddenly leapt into the road

Luckily due to my lightning reflexes ⚡ I swerved my car just in time

Thankfully there was no other vehicles coming towards me in the opposite direction. Thankfully as I was able to swerve rather than suddenly brake I avoided the possibility of the car behind colliding with mine

There could have been 1 dead dog, a devastated owner, a traumatized me (and other driver) and two damaged cars. All because someone chose to use a retractable lead next to a road

I'm shaken

The owner got angry with his dog and gave it a big tug with the lead and shouted. I understand the frustration, especially when a dog that usually keeps to the pavement suddenly does the unexpected, but the dog didn't deserve a telling off because the dog was just being a dog

This could have been avoided by clipping the dog onto a short lead

Now I'm not against retractable leads unlike most dog professionals. I do actually think they a few specific and appropriate uses. But we must put safety first and consider others around us

A retractable lead is not the right lead choice while walking along the pavement. If you use the extension of the lead in an open area then you need to carry the retractable lead with you, and attach your dog onto a short lead while you walk to that destination.

PLEASE if you use a retractable lead, you need to do a quick risk assessment. Is the environment an appropriate place to use this lead? What could go wrong? If you are near a road then the answer is no and you could be risking your dog's life

There are people that will be reading this that will think it won't happen to them and that I am being dramatic. Surely nobody thinks it'll happen to their dog? Nobody attaches their dog to a retractable lead, walks near a road and expects their dog to jump into oncoming traffic

I actually know two dogs that lost their lives by being hit by cars due to inappropriate use of a retractable lead. Those people didn't think it would happen to them either.

The truth is this can happen to any dog. Dogs are unpredictable, even he most 'obedient' and well trained dog. The dog I nearly hit today was simply SNIFFING something interesting in the road

No dog is a robot

Dogs get startled

Dogs instincts take over

Don't risk it. Not only is it not fair on your dog to put them at risk like this, it is not fair for road users

07/06/2024

❤️ When You Love What You Do ❤️

Being an Accredited Pet Gundog Instructor is incredibly rewarding. Helping dogs and their owners develop strong bonds and master essential skills is both challenging and fulfilling.

Often my clients face challenges such as the dog having lack of focus, specific issues that need addressing such as pulling on the lead, poor recall, chasing due to prey drive and retrieving issues including possessiveness.

This is where I can help! I offer personalised training plans using practical and proven methods to help achieve results.

Watching dogs transform and the relationship strengthen is incredibly satisfying. Celebrating each milestone with my clients is a highlight of my role.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact on dogs and their owners 🐾

Whether you’re looking to work your dog in the field or just seeking a more disciplined and responsive pet, gundog training brings a wealth of benefits to both you and your dog. We offer Accredited Pet Gundog Training on a one to one basis or in small group classes. We embrace effective, educational, and motivational training.

If you’d like to know more about how we can help you, contact Lucy Nolan, the only Accredited Pet Gundog Instructor in Dorset 💫

📞 07799 732194
✉️ [email protected]
🌐 AdharaDogTraining.co.uk

06/06/2024

✨ The Beginner Pet Gundog ✨

Our most recent Beginner Pet Gundog course is coming to a close, and it has been wonderful to witness the progress of both the dogs and their handlers from the start to now. Throughout the course, we focus on the dogs remaining calm and neutral around other dogs, walking on a loose lead, steadiness, and working with distractions. We also introduce the whistle and the basics of retrieving.

Teaching beginners is incredibly rewarding for me as an Accredited Pet Gundog Instructor. I really enjoy seeing the bond between the handlers and their dogs grow stronger through training.

Next for these participants is to work towards achieving The Beginner Pet Gundog Certificate!

Whether you’re looking to work your dog in the field or just seeking a more disciplined and responsive pet, gundog training brings a wealth of benefits to both you and your dog. We offer Accredited Pet Gundog Training on a one to one basis or in small group classes. We embrace effective, educational, and motivational training.

If you’d like to know more about how we can help you, contact Lucy Nolan, the only Accredited Pet Gundog Instructor in Dorset 💫

📞 07799 732194
✉️ [email protected]
🌐 AdharaDogTraining.co.uk




*zgraham

01/06/2024

I back with tomorrow photographing one of her group training sessions. It’s so fun to do these, I just hang back & snap away. Here is a photo from one of her sessions that I photographed back in October 📸

01/06/2024

Amazing news! Well done L*z Graham and The Pet Gundog 👏🏼

This year I received one of the best birthday pressies ever. I logged on to an email announcing that The Advanced Pet Gundog had won the 2024 American Legacy Book Award.

It now means that all three books in The Pet Gundog series have received international acclaim and I'm absolutely tickled pink. To think I was turned down by two large publishers in 2009 when I approached them with the outline for The Pet Gundog (it was originally going to be one book but it 'grew legs'), being told that training pets as gundogs would never catch on.

Thank goodness I went ahead and self-published, as the number of dogs, and their owners, that have been helped by the books is in the tens of thousands... not to mention the thousands of people who are training, or have trained, with an Accredited Pet Gundog Instructor.

If you've worked your way through any of the books, thank you.
I hope you've enjoyed reading them, training your dogs, and have had a bit of fun doing so.

If you haven't looked at The Advanced Pet Gundog, it's a very good read (even if I do say so myself), and it goes into detail about what dogs smell, hear, and see (the first dog training book to do so) and includes a lot more canine psychology as well as the mechanics of movement and age-appropriate training.


A wee excerpt for you...
Shhh!
Your dog was born deaf and blind, his little ear flaps would have been closed until he was around ten to fifteen days when they start to lift and sounds, albeit quite muffled, are starting to be heard. His hearing won’t be as defined as an adult until he’s around four to six weeks and another couple of months for him to learn to be discerning.

Our dog’s hearing is so much more sensitive than ours and can hear a range of frequencies spanning 40 to 60,000 Hz, whereas our range is in the region of 20 to 20,000 Hz. We should take into account when training and working our dogs that they can hear the insects in the earth under our feet and the bird overhead flap it’s wings and so there really is no need to bellow or turn puce when using our whistle.

As well as being able to physically move their ears independently, directing them towards sounds that interest them, they also have the amazing ability to hear independently too, so they can have an ear on you and an ear on the rabbit in the undergrowth, honing in on and tracking its movements while still paying attention (hopefully) to you at the same time.
Because of this ability to hear independently with each ear, dogs can filter sounds out so much more efficiently than we can, and can be really selective as which sound they’re going to focus on or which sound they’re going to turn down the volume on. Yes… they really do have selective hearing.

The Advanced Pet Gundog book
L*z Graham MA





buy the book - https://thepetgundog.co.uk/Home/Books
join the club - https://thepetgundogclub.com
l*z graham retrieving roll - www.retrievingroll.com

31/05/2024

One to one sessions ✨ A morning of Spaniels followed by an afternoon of Labrador’s 🐾

Whether you’re looking to work your dog in the field or just seeking a more disciplined and responsive pet, gundog training brings a wealth of benefits to both you and your dog. We offer Accredited Pet Gundog Training on a one to one basis or in small group classes. We embrace effective, educational, and motivational training.

If you’d like to know more about how we can help you, contact Lucy Nolan, the only Accredited Pet Gundog Instructor in Dorset 💫

📞 07799 732194
✉️ [email protected]
🌐 AdharaDogTraining.co.uk

29/05/2024

✨ Recognising and Addressing Gait Issues ✨

As an Accredited Pet Gundog Instructor, my role is to train and educate dog owners and help them develop the skills and behaviors of their own dog.

Whilst this is my primary focus, I've also come to understand that a dogs physical health is just as crucial as their training.

One of the most telling signs of a potential problem is a change in a dog's gait or posture. Subtle issues like a sloppy sit or a reluctance to sit for extended periods, preferring instead to lie down, can often be overlooked. However, these signs could indicate underlying physical issues that need attention.

A dog's gait refers to its manner of walking or running, which should be smooth, balanced, and efficient. Any deviation from this can be a potential problem. For many dogs, whose daily tasks often involve running and jumping, maintaining a proper gait is vital. When a dog exhibits an unusual gait, such as limping, stiffness, or an asymmetrical stride, it could indicate pain or discomfort. This might be due to various reasons, including joint problems or muscle strains.

Whilst I am not a vet, in the past I have noticed some tell tale signs in the dogs that I train. Some of the signs can a "sloppy sit," where a dog sits with its legs splayed out awkwardly or shifts frequently to find a more comfortable position. Additionally, if a dog seems reluctant to sit for any length of time and prefers to lie down, this can also be a signal for discomfort. This behavior should not be dismissed as mere disobedience or laziness.

If you recognise any of these signs, then consulting with your vet so they can perform an examination.

With dog ownership, your dog's gait and sitting posture is a window into their physical health. Recognising and addressing any issues promptly with the help of a vet can prevent minor problems from becoming major health concerns.

Overall, ensuring that our dogs are physically fit is not only essential for their performance but also for their overall well-being and quality of life.

Whether you’re looking to work your dog in the field or just seeking a more disciplined and responsive pet, gundog training brings a wealth of benefits to both you and your dog. We offer Accredited Pet Gundog Training on a one to one basis or in small group classes. We embrace effective, educational, and motivational training.

If you’d like to know more about how we can help you, contact Lucy Nolan, the only Accredited Pet Gundog Instructor in Dorset 💫

📞 07799 732194
✉️ [email protected]
🌐 AdharaDogTraining.co.uk



📸 RPN Photography
🐶 The lovely Dino of Town & Country Dog Training

22/05/2024

🐿️ Understanding your dogs prey drive 🏃🏻‍♂️

Gundogs, like Retrievers, Spaniels, and Pointers, are wired with an inherent prey drive, a trait that's been carefully honed over generations for their hunting prowess. While this instinct is a fundamental part of their nature, it can present challenges for owners who may not engage it appropriately.

Without a proper outlet for their prey drive, gundogs may exhibit behavior issues that stem from frustration, boredom, or simply a need to express their innate instincts. From chasing squirrels to obsessively stalking shadows, these behaviors can escalate if left unchecked, leading to accidents, conflicts, and stress for both the dog and their family.

But here's the good news: providing outlets for their natural behavior is not only possible but essential for their well-being. Whether your gundog works alongside you in the field or a cherished family pet, engaging their prey drive in constructive ways is key to preventing behavior issues and fostering a harmonious relationship.

So, how can you channel your gundog's prey drive in a positive direction? It starts with understanding their needs and providing activities that satisfy their instincts while keeping them safe and fulfilled.

As a gundog owner, investing in professional training and guidance can also make a world of difference. Experienced trainers can help you understand your dog's unique needs and develop tailored strategies to manage their prey drive effectively. From impulse control exercises to recall training, these techniques empower you to harness your gundog's instincts in a way that enhances their quality of life and strengthens your bond.

Remember, whether they're flushing out game in the field or retrieving a toy in the garden, gundogs thrive when their natural behaviors are embraced and encouraged. By providing outlets for their prey drive, you're not only preventing behavior issues but also nurturing a happy, fulfilled companion who enriches your life every day.

If you’d like to know more, contact Lucy Nolan, the only Accredited Pet Gundog Instructor in Dorset

📞 07799 732194
✉️ [email protected]
🌐 AdharaDogTraining.co.uk

10/05/2024

Well done Vicki and Chip! It was a super session. I love what I do especially when I have awesome clients 🐾❤️

Super proud of Chip today! Squiffy face fully primed for a photo 🙄

We haven’t been to Gundog training since January 😱 and that’s just because I’ve been busy working, and my car 😮‍💨🤣🤣

But today we ventured into the woods - a place which can cause HUGE excitement for him, but he worked like a dream!! We got a good 1/2 hour out of him, which was massive (I wouldn’t have expected him to be pro for the whole hour).

If you’ve watched our stories you’ll see him doing a retrieve 🥹 and he totally nailed it!! And then we looked at some hunting for a little dummy!

He came away completely caked in mud 🤣 but he could go to the cleanest, whitest environments and he’d still come out dirty 😂😂

Can’t wait to go back, I’ve secured some more sessions, so I don’t leave it so long in between (because I am useless!!! If I don’t book it, I’ll miss my opportunity 😅)

Thank you Lucy Adhara Dog Training enjoy your holiday 😎

Happy fri-yay all! It’s one more week of work for us, and then we are away on our holiday - and my goodness my body is in need of it 😅

08/05/2024

Happy 8th Birthday Bella 💝 You are the inspiration behind Adhara ✨ We’ve certainly had our challenges at times but you have taught me so much and I wouldn’t be where I am today without you 💕

05/05/2024

Today’s session with The Intermediate Pet Gundog group was filled with progress!

We focused on perfecting directional casts, extending distances on blind retrieves, and reinforcing the importance of steadiness.

One of the aspects I enjoy most about my work is observing the growth in confidence, both in the dogs and their handlers, with each session. It’s wonderful to see the culmination of learning and training come together ✨

Whether you’re looking to work your dog in the field or just seeking a more disciplined and responsive pet, gundog training brings a wealth of benefits to both you and your dog. We offer Accredited Pet Gundog Training on a one to one basis or in small group classes. We embrace effective, educational, and motivational training.

If you’d like to know more about how we can help you, contact Lucy Nolan, the only Accredited Pet Gundog Instructor in Dorset 💫

📞 07799 732194
✉️ [email protected]
🌐 AdharaDogTraining.co.uk

04/05/2024

A lovely sunny afternoon for The Beginner Pet Gundog class ☀️ We increased the level of distractions, progressed steadiness and worked on marked retrieves. It’s so good to see the progress they have all made since they started 🐾

Whether you’re looking to work your dog in the field or just seeking a more disciplined and responsive pet, gundog training brings a wealth of benefits to both you and your dog. We offer Accredited Pet Gundog Training on a one to one basis or in small group classes. We embrace effective, educational, and motivational training.

If you’d like to know more about how we can help you, contact Lucy Nolan, the only Accredited Pet Gundog Instructor in Dorset 💫

📞 07799 732194
✉️ [email protected]
🌐 AdharaDogTraining.co.uk

03/05/2024

Thank you to RPN Photography for these amazing photos from our Gundog demonstration at Dorset Spring Show on Sunday.

I’ve never been part of a demonstration before so taking on the challenge to not only be part of it but to also commentate it was way outside my comfort zone. I’m incredibly proud of what we achieved and have been blown away with the positive feedback we have received.

We are incredibly passionate about we want to do and it was so lovely to be able to share our love of gundogs and training with everyone ✨

Town & Country Dog Training
Southdowns Dog Services
Country Handlers Dog Training

28/04/2024

What a brilliant day we’ve had at Dorset Spring Show ☀️ Our Gundog demonstrations went really well and I was grateful for the opportunity to be able to show people what our training is all about! It was lovely to see so many of my clients there and to receive such positive feedback!

A massive thank you to my fellow instructors Town & Country Dog Training , Southdowns Dog Services and Country Handlers Dog Training for coming to support me and for being part of the demo - I really couldn’t of done it without you 😅

Hopefully we can have more days like this, sharing our love for gundogs and training! 🐾💫

28/04/2024

Today is the day of our gundog demonstrations at Dorset Spring Show 🤩

I will be in the Spring Arena at 12.15pm and 3.30pm with my fellow instructors Town & Country Dog Training Southdowns Dog Services Country Handlers Dog Training.

Looking forward to it ✨

✨ Exciting announcement ✨

I am delighted to announce that on Sunday 28th April at the Dorset Spring Show being held at Kingston Maurward College I will be part in a gundog demonstration alongside my fellow Instructors Town & Country Dog Training Southdowns Dog Services and Country Handlers Dog Training

Come and see us at 12.15pm and 3.30pm in the Handlesbanken Spring arena

Look forward to seeing you there!

27/04/2024

Looking forward to tomorrow 😁

Still looking for a day out tomorrow Sunday 28th April - take a trip to the . We will be giving two demonstrations alongside

25/04/2024

Excited to share this wonderful review 🌟

Big thanks to Karen for her kind words and for choosing us to help train Archie 🐶 It's been a joy working with you both! 🐾

Whether you’re looking to work your dog in the field or just seeking a more disciplined and responsive pet, gundog training brings a wealth of benefits to both you and your dog. We offer Accredited Pet Gundog Training on a one to one basis or in small group classes. We embrace effective, educational, and motivational training.

If you’d like to know more about how we can help you, contact Lucy Nolan, the only Accredited Pet Gundog Instructor in Dorset 💫

📞 07799 732194
✉️ [email protected]
🌐 AdharaDogTraining.co.uk