My fearful dog - how I got into dog training
I always wanted a dog. I got my first dog, a Boxer, in 2008.
When she was 5 months old, Ginny was attacked by a large off lead dog that we met on an early morning walk. I didn’t realise dog on dog aggression was a thing, and as the dog got closer I asked her to sit next to me.
As she sat there, the dog jumped on her and she screamed out. Initially, I didn’t see the injury but then I saw she was bleeding from her ear.
She needed surgery to fix the damage.
That incident changed her life.
Once the wounds had healed, I was advised to get her to socialise with other dogs to prevent her from becoming fearful.
Some of these interactions went well, others were less good and little did I know at the time, I was setting her up for further problems.
She became worried about other dogs and this got worse over time. She would lie down at the sight of another dog and as they got closer, she would lunge to warn them to stay away.
We walked in quiet places in the dark in order to avoid other dogs. I kept her on the lead. It wasn’t the life I wanted for her, so I tried to get help.
I approached a number of trainers who either denied there was a problem or didn’t know how to help.
Ginny was a wonderful family dog and got on with dogs she knew but I couldn’t stop her from being worried about strange dogs we met on walks.
I was determined to educate myself about dog behaviour so that I could help other owners that might have similar struggles.
This is the reason why I do what I do.
I understand how it feels to be the owner of a reactive dog, I dreaded meeting other dogs because I felt embarrassed and I didn’t know what to do. I know now that my worry made the situation worse.
If you have a dog with aggression towards other dogs, get in touch. I can help.
Why I love Gundog Training
I love teaching gun dog skills to puppies and adult dogs because the skills taught in gundog training are all useful for a well behaved pet dog.
These skills include developing behaviours, such as sit, stay, walking nicely on a lead, coming back when called and retrieve objects.
This training facilitates the development of concepts such as self control and turn taking which are important for all dogs.
Pet Gundogs
Working dogs have become very popular pets and it’s quite possible for a working dog to live a happy and fulfilled life as a pet.
It’s important to remember that these dogs are likely to have a strong work ethic and as such they will need some sort of job to do.
Dogs from working lines have been selectively bred with attributes suited to working in their specific area.
They are a formidable combination of brains, energy, speed and independence.
In the case of gun dogs, these traits enable them to fulfil various roles on the shooting field, such as, beating (finding and flushing game), picking up (retrieving shot birds) or as a peg dog (waiting on the peg and being sent for short retrieves).
This work uses the dog’s natural abilities and fulfils their need for physical exercise and mental challenge.
Train your Gundog
It’s easy to see that, if left untapped these natural characteristics can cause problems in a pet home.
This is why I am an advocate of gun dog training even if you have no intention of ever working your dog.
The training itself can be really fulfilling for both handler and dog as they learn new skills together.
For example, teaching a dog to retrieve can include elements of self control (not going for the retrieve until sent), hunting (using scent to find a hidden object), using directional commands to guide the dog into the area to find the retrieve.
As well as being a physical workout, the dog is learning to listen to the handler, develop self control, and use its nose.
Working closely together creates a great bond between dog and handler based on trust and respect.
The benefits of brain work in combination with physical activity will lead to a happy and contented dog that will make a fantastic pet.
If you are interested in knowing more about gun dog training and how this could help your dog, please get in touch.
The adventures of an urban gundog
This morning I took Bruce, my english springer spaniel, to Lloyd Park in South Croydon, together with our friend, Sue, and her cocker spaniel, Rosie.
Lloyd Park is a popular spot with dog walkers, it’s easy to find and has its own tram stop on Route 3, New Addington to Wimbledon.
There is a free car park, you can stay for 3 hours but you must obtain a ticket from the machine and display it on your windscreen or you could get a penalty notice.
The park can also be accessed from Deepdene and Mapledale Avenue in the north.
The park is 114 acres, a mixture of grassland, trees and woodland and there is plenty of space for you to walk and play with your dog.
Prior to our visit, there had been a lot of rain and some areas were quite muddy.
Towards the northern edge of the park there is a line of natural springs which emerge during wet weather, this area is known as the Squashes because it can get really wet - a pair of waterproof boots is useful.
There is a café which sells a wide variety of sweet and savoury snacks and meals.
There is also an ice cream parlour which also sells ice cream including a dog friendly variety.
There are plenty of tables both inside and outside.
We visited during the school holidays on a lovely bright morning and sat outside, it was busy but not too crowded.
Fresh water is provided for dogs and there are toilet and baby change facilities available during café opening times.
We recommend Lloyd Park for a lovely walk with your dog.