Beginner/Novice Course – Sweden 2010

The aim of this course will be to help beginner and novice handlers to understand ‘how dogs learn’ and to teach them the techniques and skills they will require to teach their dogs the basics needed to have  well behaved companions and reliable and effective working gundogs. These are the essential foundations on which everything else stands – or falls!  This is the most critically important stage of training.  The emphasis will be on examining handler attitude and the necessity for every handler to develop leadership skills without resorting to harsh handling.

  The outline of ‘basics’ to be covered for the beginner will be :

·         Heelwork

·         Sit

·         Steadiness

·         Recall

·         Hold

·         Experience in and around water (if suitable water available)

For the Novice group the above will be assessed and re visited if necessary; followed by

·         Heelwork and Steadiness.

·         Use of stop whistle

·         Recall with hold.

·         A marked retrieve

·         Developing memory

·         Hunting

·         Retrieve from water (if suitable water available)

All of the above will depend on standards already obtained and time needed to address individual problems – if any!

It will be possible for any handler and dog to move to the other course if they meet the required standards.

Time will be given for each handler to discuss individual needs.  Discussion will be encouraged and explanations given.