International Gundog Workshops with Keith Mathews

Puppies and Young Dogs –(Puppy/Novice Dogs)

(From baby pups to dogs who have just completed their basic obedience training and are ready to progress further).

An assessment of each puppy’s capabilities within the group and where they are at with their training (To do this I will conduct a mini obedience test)

Topics to be addressed

• Setting Boundaries

• Heelwork

• Sit

• Steadiness

• Basic retrieving

• Perfecting delivery

• Puppy hunting

• Basic memories

• Whistle work

Part trained – Fully Trained Dogs (Open/Advanced/Elite Dogs)

(For dogs which stop on the whistle and handle on blinds)

An assessment of each dog and handlers capabilities within the group will be conducted.

(To do this I will conduct a mini test – which will include:

• Assessment of obedience

• 1 marked retrieve or double mark

• Blind retrieve

• Free search

Constructive suggestions will then be offered to handlers on how to improve their dogs ability through their handling ability.

Marking

• Tips for handling on marks

• Training for single marks

• Training for double marks and distractions

• Tips for improving dogs current abilities on walk up marks and stationary marks.

Hunting

• How to teach a dog to hunt and hold a tight area

• How to teach a dog to range out but still be under control on a free search

• Commands to use for hunting.

Whistle Work

• The stop whistle improving response through positive training.

• Recall - how to call in the dog empty mouthed.

Directional Control

• Back command

• Left command

• Right command

• Tricks of the Trade – creating confidence in the dog

• Putting it together 3 card trick

• Incorporating whistle into exercise

• Incorporating obstacles into exercise

• Testing your dogs knowledge with Keith’s “Diamond Cross Technique”

Memory Retrieves

• The importance of memories and developing straight casting

• Tricks of the Trade

• How to develop good blind work and setting up retrieves.

• Incorporating obstacles into blinds

• Handling on blinds and using the wind.

Casting

• Developing the 3 card cast.

• 12 o’clock

• 10 o’clock

• 2 o’clock

• Advanced directional back commands

Water Work

• Good delivery from water

• Water control

• Teaching a dog to cross a lake or river

Handler Training

·         Building situations to simulate hunt days

·         How to read your dog and it affects your training and approach

·         Developing handler communication skills, voice,body language ,whistle and timing

·         Maintaining your dogs concentration and encouraging and controlling drive

·         Polishing your dog

·         How to handle your dog under competitive conditions