Types of training

[BenWyatt]

Can anyone share with me what types of training you can do with your dog, eg obedience, gun dog, scent, agility.

I have two dogs, one is a fairly new lurcher (almost 2) the other is an almost 4 yr old cockapoo (we’ve had since a puppy). We used to do random tricks with the older dog (eg, twirl, paw, fetch etc.) , but have gone back to basics with the arrival of dog 2.

I’d like to start training them both in a more structured way, as they are both bright dogs who would benefit from more brain training activities, but I’m unsure what would suit us.

I’m looking for
a) something I could do at home
b) getting help from resources online or books (ie doesn’t require me to go to a class which wouldn’t work for me now).

I guess ideally I’d like a programme I could follow that I could also tailor to our needs. I enjoy figuring out ways to teach my dogs new tricks, so something that incorporates that would be great!

[SutterCane]

Fitness, conditioning and body awareness exercises are a lot of fun to do plus really beneficial for the dogs.

There are tons of really good online resources, either free stuff or proper online courses you can take. If you're on FB then Canine Conditioning and Body Awareness Exercises is a really good group. Lots of great info in the 'Files' section and loads of really interesting posts (including recommendations for books/online courses/equipment/etc.) to search and read through.

[BiteyShark]

Scent training is good for doing at home especially when the weather is bad or they are on restricted exercise.

Agility is ok but I my dog (spaniel) prefers scentwork out of the two.

[GrumpyMiddleAgedWoman]

I was about to say scentwork - lots of fun and useful for to turn a canine brain over when the weather is or the dog walker is full of cold.

I also do gundog training with mine. Even a long sit stay works her mind (you can see her thinking, Must NOT move, must NOT move) as I stand fifty yards away playing on my phone or wander round the woods in and out of her field of vision.

[GrumpyMiddleAgedWoman]

*the weather is disgusting, that should read.

[Boristhecats]

It depends on the dog. I look after two. One.... her nose is down the entire time we are out so scent work for her is perfect. The other one just wants a quiet life. So possibly a slow walk to the pub would be something he would love.

[adaline]

Scentwork is popular with our beagle. We also teach tricks though I'm not sure what that would fall under?

[BenWyatt]

Thanks everyone!

I was leaning towards scentwork because our lurcher is always sniffing around for things. So I think I’ll give that a try!

Can anyone recommend a good book to start with the basics?

[GrumpyMiddleAgedWoman]

I took one of mine on a scentwork course - quite a few trainers do them.

[BiteyShark]

I would do a short scentwork class to get the basics and then you can tailor it at home.

[adaline]

Our puppy trainer did classes in things like scent work, ability, obedience, flyball etc. so it might be worth asking them.

If not, have a google for trainers in your area and I'm sure you'll find one that will offer scent work!

[Ylvamoon]

Want to try something different? Try trick dog training... i know there are a few clubs/ classes in the uk. Maybe near you. That would build on what you have already done and in time, you can work both dogs together.

[BenWyatt]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone, will do further research!