I have replaced the place board with a much smaller target. The process is the same, Lex is sent to the target from different places and then asked to sit. The next step will be to add more distance and then make the target smaller. Training a behaviour in this way is much quicker and easier than you might think. As long as the dog is confident at each level, before moving on, progress should be maintained #gundogtraining #workingspringer #workingspringerspaniel #sitatadostance #stopwhistle #placeboardtraining #digtrainingcroydon
Lex has struggled to sit at a distance from me. If he is hunting away from me and I blow the whistle, he creeps back and then sits. I’m teaching him a send away to a place board and teaching him to sit there so he starts to feel comfortable with sitting away from me. He gets rewarded with his tennis ball, which I throw behind. You can see how much he is enjoying the training. Next steps will be to add more distance so he is sitting further away from me. Then we will work on fading the place board by sending him to a smaller target. Breaking down an area exercise into small steps is a great way to get progress in training. This concept can apply to any area of training, to know more, send me a DM #gundogtrainingjourney #workingspringerspaniel #gundogtraining #stopwhistle #dogtrainingtips
#steadiness #multidogtraining #workingspringerspaniel #gundogtraining #retrieve
It’s really important that dogs are under control when they leave the car. Most dogs will be quite excited for whatever is about to happen next and will want to rush. As an owner, it’s important to take the time to make sure you keep them safe. If my dog tries to rush out, I will close the door to remind him that he can’t come out until I tell him. That will only happen when he’s on the lead and I am in control. My other dog is still in the crate, he knows his job and doesn’t try to come out and I reward him for staying there. Lex comes out, sits and nothing else happens. He gets straight back in the crate. This is teaching him that getting out of the car doesn’t necessarily mean something exciting is about to happen. If you need help with teaching your dog manners around doorways and keeping them safe, send me a DM #workingspringerspaniel #steadinesstraining #selfcontrol #mannersarounddoorways
I love taking my dogs training, today Lex went to his advanced gun dog class. In this clip I send him for a mark ( he saw it thrown) and a blind ( a dummy in the same area as the previous retrieve but he didn’t see it put out). I learn so much from attending training classes, I love to see my dogs learning and growing in confidence #workingspringerspaniel #gundogtraining
I have been helping this Labrador and his owner for a few months. They have had six sessions over that period and this is the result. You might be thinking, it’s nothing remarkable but for this dog and his owner, l it’s life changing and maybe even life saving. You see, he’s a clever lad and he discovered all kinds of treasures in the bins in the park. As soon as he was off lead, he would run away (across two fields) to investigate the bins. He discovered the recycling food caddy of a neighbouring house and would get into that too, eating whatever he found, and leaving a mess for his owner to pick up 🤢 He ate chicken bones, and wound up at the vets after eating human 💩 that was contaminated with drugs. We worked on a string leave and put the joy back into recall. Here he is choosing to stay close because he knows that being with his owner is a good deal (and she has some super high value treats) I’m so proud of them, the owner has put in the hard work and their walks are no longer a source of anxiety and worry but relaxed and enjoyable. This is why I do what I do, such a privilege to be able to help dogs and their owners to live their best lives #dogtraining #dogtrainingcroydon #reallifedogtraining #chocolatelabradorretriever
Today in class, we will be teaching a ‘leave’ command. We’re not just asking our dogs not to take the item, we’re also asking them to disengage by looking away or moving back. Lex finds this part of the exercise tricky so I was really pleased to see such a definite turn away. We build this skill in incremental steps, it’s really important that dogs learn what they can and can’t have. It’s one of those things that could save their life. #dogtrainingtips #dogtrainingwestwickham #dogtrainingcroydon #puppytrainjng #workingspringerspaniel
#workingspringerspaniel #besties
Hunting is a natural behaviour for spaniels, however, Lex moves so fast, he sometimes forgets to use his nose. There are a number of small items hidden in this area to encourage him to use his nose. He stays in the area because he is being successful in finding items. Great job 🐶 #workingspringerspaniel #huntwhistle #spanielquartering
Bruce isn’t the fastest or most stylish hunter but he gets his nose down nicely and gets the job done 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 @fieldandfireside #workingspringerspaniel
Learning to go through doorways without rushing. This young Labrador gave us a fantastic example of how it should be done. Well done! #dogtraininginwestwickham #westwickhamhalls
Great decision from this little chap to ignore all the distractions and focus on his owner. Great job. This is what we teach at our training classes. Real life dog training #recalltraining #dogtraininginwestwickham
