Gun Dog Profile Page

vely boy Baillie, whose love is unconditional and is my constant shadow, he makes my world complete.lovely boy Baillie, whose love is unconditional and is my constant shadow, he makes my world complete. 

Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole."
—Roger Caras (photographer and writer)

I love being a gun dog handler! I get to meet some fabulous like minded people who have a similar enthusiasm for the countryside and dogs. I would like to share this privilege with my readers so I've decided to create an occasional profile page of various friends, colleagues and trainers within the gun dog field which will enable you to catch a glimpse of their passion and meet their incredible dogs.

This week my first profile is a local gun dog handler, Jackie Davis, who owns Labrador Retriever Baillie.


Jackie and Baillie

This handsome dog is 22 months old and his full kennel name is Fordcopse Baillie. He was bred near Lymington and as the pups were born during the Olympics  the litter were all named after members of the GB team. Baillie is named after Olympic canoe slalom champion Tim Baillie!

Together with Jackie's enthusiasm and Baillie's willingness to learn they  have worked hard this year to progress within the gun dog training field. Their achievements for Working Tests 2014 include:

URC Hants & SW:1^st Special Puppy,  Arun & Downland: 4^th Special Puppy and Isle of Wight Gundog Club  Novice – Awarded ‘Keepers Choice’

 

 

How did you get into gun dog training Jackie?                      

It started when I went to Fun4Dogs (http://fun4dogstraining.com) obedience training class. Christine Walton suggested I had a go at the gun dog training class so I went along and I’ve been hooked ever since!

Who inspires you?

Chris was the person who got me started and as we've progressed I've started training with gun dog trainer, Sarah Miles. She's such an inspiration and has raised the level for me in many ways.  Sarah is strict within the training field and has high expectations. You have to keep practising until you get it right. Sarah pushes Baillie and I beyond our comfort levels which I enjoy and she always offers constructive feedback. The training is related to positive re enforcement.

What’s the most memorable moment in your gun dog journey so far?

Recently I competed in a novice URC working test and I had to send Baillie for a blind retrieve which was over a wall and up a long track and then at 45 degrees there was a shot fired at the top of the hill and I was instructed to send Baillie for the blind first and then the retrieve at the top of the hill. I was convinced Baillie wouldn’t do it but to my utter amazement he did it! I was so over the moon …the feeling was amazing, I was grinning from ear to ear for the rest of the day J

Do you have any pre-competition routines?

Yes, I give Baillie some tripe in the morning and always walk him before the test. When I get to the event I do a bit of heel walk and a few retrieves just to settle him as he’s still quite young and can get excited before the test.

What are your current challenges with training?

Heel work.. It's my biggest challenge with Baillie. It’s never to o early to start your heel work!

What advice would you give to people wanting to get into gun dog training?

Just have a go! It’s a great excuse to spend some time in the countryside with your dog and it can be very rewarding and fulfilling.

And a final few words from Jackie...

Baillie is the first gun dog I have trained and I am very fortunate to have such a lovely dog. He's my constant shadow and makes my world complete!  

Many thanks to Jackie and Baillie for their time and Sarah Smith (www.purbeckpaws.co.uk) who supplied the photos.

 

Alternative Gun Dog Training Attire!

It was a warm summer's evening and I wanted to try out my freshly cut grass strips for some directional training.

 

My girls asked if they could join in have 30 minutes of junior handling training before bedtime. 'Of course!' I replied...always pleased to see they are willing and keen. I pondered down to the end of the garden and told the girls to grab their training bags, dummies and whistles and I'd start doing some steadiness exercises with the dogs. Five minutes later the girls appeared...

 

 The onesie certainly is a fashion statement but for gun dog training...Hmmmm!

This week I read an interesting article relating to modern dog training methods written by Artikel von nina (http://www.planethund.com/eng/modern-dog-training-methods-softies-science-ethics-review-2005.html) She believes as a dog owner/handler your authenticity is important when developing a bond and mutual trust. Nina suggests that many training problems could be avoided or solved if you simply show yourself to your dog just the way you are. The youngsters adore their onesies, much like I loved my leg warmers in the 80s so they are only showing the dogs who they are and what they feel comfortable wearing. I'm just not sure if Jack my lab bought into the whole idea...

If the zebra hasn't got any dog treats then count me out!

 

Consistency is the key to success!

“Success is neither magical nor mysterious. Success is the natural consequence of consistently applying basic fundamentals.” By Jim Rohn

Training  Ivy can be a challenge but at the same time it is fun and rewarding. Last weekend at a group training session we had a guest trainer, Andy Brown from Oldcroft Gundogs. He delivered an interesting training session and showed us several extra handling tips for various situations. The gun dog trainer from Wiltshire is a firm believer in positive reinforcement and believes we should give the dog every chance of succeeding.

He revealed an exercise which focused on strengthening the stop command using the whistle. As a novice handler I have found the stop whistle challenging  so this was hugely beneficial for both dog and handler. By using the retrieve as the reward and

Andy Brown and Fergus, Wendy Bardsley and Ivy

breaking the training into small chunks I have introduced Ivy to this command. I have been patient and consistent with her and she now enjoys responding to the stop whistle. Andy explained that consistency is a key contributor to all training exercises. Since owning a gun dog I have tried to ensure that my family have the same rules and boundaries for our dogs so that they do not receive mixed messages. As a dog owner and handler it is my responsibility to prevent mixed messages from occurring. I firmly believe a dog that knows the rules, and has consistency from the family  will learn a lot quicker and will be less inclined to indulge in undesirable habits and behaviour. If the consistency fades the dog will get confused and gradually lose respect for your commands. This will result in selective hearing and the dog will choose when he wants to respond to your commands. I believe inconsistency can affect the dog's ability to please the handler. I'm learning through my gun dog training journey that by consistently applying and practising the basic fundamentals results in a happy and biddable Ivy.

Andy Brown offers residential and non-residential gun dog courses. For further info visit: http://www.oldcroftgundogs.com

Picture taken by Purebeck Paws: Sarah Smith