Gundog training – 11th May 2008

I took Grace out too late in the day today.  It was about 11.00am and I wanted to get in an exercise session with some basic training before going to gun dog training classes.  It was too hot though and Grace got very uncomfortable.  We finished early.  Not before, however, a good run in a different part of the forest.  This is, in my opinion, an under rated area for grouse.  Much counting is done on the moors but the areas of heather that exist between the young conifers is a perfect habitat.  Good healthy heather, often grazed by sheep wanting more shelter than they would get on the moor, and a high protein food source in the buds of the conifers.  Its no wonder that Grace finds these areas worthwhile covering. 

We then went to training classes.  Not strictly pointer training but a good exercise none the less.  I would sit Grace then walk away.  The trainer would then throw a dummy into an area away from me and only visible to the dog, not me.  I would then recall Grace, who would return to me, then get her to sit and wait, then send her using hand signals only to get the dummy and return it to me.  She did it ok.  The recall nearly went pear shaped as she decided whether to come to me or go after the dummy, but she made the right decision after a bit of excited pratting about.  I will have to do this again as it is a good test of control…and one that we can improve upon in a big way.