Handlers should be selective when sending any part-trained gundog for retrieves and give them plenty of praise to boost their confidence.
By Mark Whitehouse
Thursday, 12 January 2012
Part-trained gundog: My part-trained gundog is lacking in confidence.
Part-trained gundog: I bought a part-trained gundog in early summer with the intention to train on and develop him as part of my picking-up team, which consists of three experienced labradors. My part-trained gundog, a spaniel, is now 17 months old and lacks confidence around other dogs. Should I give him as many retrieves as possible or should I be more selective when I send him for a bird?
Mark Whitehouse says: A team of three strong labradors on a busy shoot day is more than enough for one handler to concentrate on, especially when picking-up behind the line of guns. Trying to concentrate on a part-trained gundog lacking in confidence at the same time is a tonic for disaster. I predict your spaniel will go backwards in his development in such a tense and active environment.
Handlers should be selective when sending any part-trained gundog for retrieves and give them plenty of praise to boost their confidence.
At this early stage you must be more selective and make sure every time you send him he is not under any pressure or in competition with other dogs, and that he never fails as this will only dent his confidence and he will question his ability to undertake any tasks that are asked of him.
I would recommend that on selective drives, when the pressure and intensity is not as demanding, that you leave two of your labradors in the truck and let your young spaniel work alongside your most experienced dog. This will allow your part-trained gundog to grow in confidence and allow you to concentrate more on him.
Finally, always give him lots of praise when he returns with a retrieve. If he is struggling on a retrieve, walk him closer and give him some help if required, but always make sure he comes back with a retrieve, as this will give him the boost he needs.
For more gundog training advice click here
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