What do you think of online training?

[Scientits13]

Back in June I took on an 8 week old foster puppy for an animal charity - it's not a breed I was familiar with, or probably would have chosen for myself, but when she eventually came up for adoption four months later (she was part of a criminal case) I decided to adopt.

She's a spaniel, possibly a Springer/Cocker mix. As such I'd like to do some gundog training with her, with the provisio that she won't be officially 'working' or going on shoots - I bought a course in force-free gundog training online which covered heel and recall but now she's 6 months I want to go a bit more indepth. I've found a great trainer I like the look of who runs pet gundog classes but it would be over zoom as she isn't local. So video calls, access to help etc. It sounds great but wondered if I would be missing the benefits in-person training could give? Sorry to sound clueless but I really want to do my best for this dog and as before, I'm just learning about the breed. Any advice welcomed!

In person is definitely better. You will see all the nuances and be able to ask questions.

Are you aware of the Ladies Working dog group ?

They provide great support and resources.

https://ladiesworkingdoggroup.com

@HappiestSleeping That's my thinking too - problem is all the classes around here (rural) are gundog classes for working dogs which I can't really commit her to. Pet gundog classes are what I'm looking for but in-person is really hard to find!

@redtrain123 ah, amazing! Do you have experience with them at all? Some of those sessions look really interesting! Can you pick and choose or is there a set of classes you can reccommend?

Many of the things you'd learn at a working gundog class are relevant to a pet dog. You just don't need to go shooting.

There’s either free stuff, paid courses (which you can pick and choose ), and also membership.

I’m not a full member, but do get their emails. A while ago they had a five day evening podcast sessions where they covered things every day which was really encouraging and helpful.

@Scientits13 You'll definitely get more from an in-person session, especially when you're trying to teach your dog new stuff as it's partly you that you need to teach – you need to learn how to handle her if you haven't done it before etc. But it depends on what you need a trainer for. I follow a fab trainer on Instagram who works with almost all of her clients remotely and has amazing results helping them with pre-existing issues so online can be brilliant too – just depends on the situation.

Re gundog work: I've got a young spaniel and she doesn't (currently) work but we do a lot of gundog training, and have a gundog trainer who does both pet courses and 'regular' gundog training. But the skills you'd learn in a pet lesson or a regular lesson are the same – you just don't take your dog out shooting/beating to put it into practice. I find the skills we've learned really helpful both at home as well as out on walks, and we train on our walks too so she can use her skills in the wild, so don't be put off by a regular gundog trainer if those are the skills you want to give her.

The LWDG is great, some very good courses on there, but in-person helps you to pick up the things that you're doing wrong.

Amazing, thanks all - I'm going to have a think about GDT in person then, I just assumed the teachings would differ and glad to hear it's all useful. I've only fostered old dogs before so having a puppy - especially a breed I don't know well - has been like learning a whole new language (while the language bites you and pisses everywhere!)

Look up your local gundog club. Mine is £8 a year. They run training classes (ours were Saturday mornings) for spaniels and retrievers (separately), for which there is a small charge. They should be very happy to do training for pet gundogs too as it's good for them!

Slight caveat about gundog classes - they are usually spring and summer to prepare for the shooting and trials season...which is underway now!

Curveball, but have you thought about Agility training?
And yes, always do in person training, especially for the more nitty gritty stuff. The trainer needs a clear view of dog and handler in order to give effective instructions and advice.

In person. They also learn to work and listen around distraction. So many people miss out this fact.

I agree with agility too. You don’t need to compete but do go to a trainer who is experienced. Loads if bad classes around.

Would second a gundog club. The one I belong to goes all year.
(And I was asked to steward at a trial this week, and we're off beating in a few weeks... If the dog knew what was coming she'd be crossing off the days on her calendar!)

I'd also add that going to a club lets you watch other handlers with dogs of similar breeds, which lets you better assess your own strengths and weaknesses, and get a better handle on your dog's character by comparison to others, and its potential and abilities.

I've got a cushion that says 'This marriage is suspended for the duration of the shooting season'. It gets like that.

I have friends who post that on FB the day the season starts...!

Exactly. Not having to buy meat from mid-October until the week before Christmas helps, too.

I'm not that far gone.
Also it's a small shoot so there's only a few brace per beater.
But the beaters' gratuity buys quite a lot of dog food.

Ooh, gratuity! We were just allowed as many birds as we could carry. Had a change from pheasant for Christmas then back to it till the end of the season.

Ah, that's a really good consensus, thanks everyone. I'll look into gundog classes nearby. Hadn't thought about the shooting seasons though - she'll be 8 months in January so was hoping to start then. I'll see what's available.

@Ylvamoon I think she'd love agility! There is one near us so I can definately get her involved in that when she's a bit older.

@EdithStourton Midread that as 'beating off' and genuinely thought I'd lowered the tone :(

@Scientits13 😂
The shooting season ends on 1st February. It's usually wound down quite a bit by then - beaters' days and so forth. In the meantime, it gives you the chance to work on your basics - heelwork, sit-stay, basic manners around food and chilling out in the house, and so on.

Could you give us a rough idea on your location as we may be able to suggest someone for classes.

For example there is someone near me who does pet gundog classes.

@Sunrisemouse Hi! Happy to tell you I'm near Lewes in East Sussex BUT I don't drive so am limited to public transport which is what makes it a bit harder. Not sure if that helps? We've got good connections to Brighton, Eastbourne and Seaford by train. I've found some local to East Sussex so might try those but if you know of any local connection that would be great. As above, it's shooting and trial season currently and I'd be looking to start her in January when she is about 8 months.