Gun Dog Training

krlyr

I have heard of some gundog trainers being harsh to the point of hitting, chokechains, etc. which personally I wouldn't want to be a part of, but I believe there are some that don't do this, so worth checking out anyway.

Lirin

When I was growing up, the norm for most dogs I knew was chokechains. I don't agree with them- they don't train the dog, all that happens is a wrestling match and a dog with a sore neck and no active training. I don't use them on my own dogs and never would.... Mine are normally off the lead for walks anyway!
Hitting- again, the norm over here (lot of farm dogs as well), and NI has apparantly one of the highest rates of dog abuse and neglect in the UK according to a local charity. Sadly, dogs are animals, and are just another working tool to many. I'm regarded as 'too soft' by some as I won't hit mine. They have had a smack on their hindquarters though.. never hard though.
Most gundog training over here would involve a degree of instilled fear (from the older crowd).
That's why I was warning about training methods, as even without chokes and hits, some gundog training can still be harsher in that there's an indifference to the dog- as long as it does it's job,it's useful. Just make sure you check out how they plan to train the dog!
The other things I can't stand- harnesses, clickers, electric collars. That's not training at all, it's merely controlling a problem.

krlyr

I'm not sure how clickers are "controlling a problem" - a correctly used clicker is just the same as using the words "good boy/girl" - just with a more uniform sound that isn't affected by your mood, tiredness, illness or anything. Many people misinterpret clicker training as if it's a whole kind of training regiment or perhaps some remote to point at the dog and click to command a behaviour but the real intention of clicker training is to just use it to mark the correct behaviour with more accuracy.

Lirin

True viewpoint, I typed that quickly.... I'm largely brought up with the understanding that nothing should be used to control an animal barring your voice largely- if I used a clicker around my Dad, the comment I'd get would be 'How are you planning to control them if it breaks?' It would be viewed as a new-fangled piece of nonsense....
In all honestly, prehaps the problem I have with them is people using them incorrectly? I've neighbours use clickers, and it's laughable watching them- she shouts in a high, panicky voice at the dog at the same time, and doggy runs around playing not the slightest bit of attention to her....

krlyr

I train my dog with and without a clicker - I tend to use a "bridge word" in lieu of the clicker, again to keep the uniform of the same sound or word. So you pick a word you don't use too frequently - most owners frequently chat away to dogs and end up giving words a neutral meaning so a word like "Bingo!" or "Great!" keeps it more unique to the purpose of training.
The problem with your voice is that dogs pick up on the tone. You're trying to teach your dog not to pull, after 5 minutes you get frustrated, and your voice changes. You try doing training after a long day at work, you're tired and your voice lacks any conviction. The clicker has the benefit of remaining constant.
The other alternative that I've seen used is a 'click' with the tongue. No need to worry about carrying a clicker around with you then!

Caroline_a

Picture of the boys on their constitutional a month or so ago

What about that recall then????:T

Caroline_a

I've never been able to get on with a clicker - found I didn't have enough hands in the beginning - dog/treats/clicker.... so I use a word - 'good' which I guess does the same inasmuch as it gives them the cue that they've got it right.

Lirin

Clickers I've never used, you've given some things to think about! I would click my fingers occasionally with them when we're out- I guess there's a similarity there. It's a method of training I don't know much about- will maybe pay more interest to it.

Caroline- your dogs are lovely! The biggest prob I have with mine is he's a Rough Collie who enjoys rolling in dirt- and his coat can go from looking gorgeous and shiny to swamp creature replica in seconds....

krlyr

Check out "Kikopup" on Youtube - some fab tricks taught with the aid of a clicker!

Caroline_a

Lirin wrote: »

Clickers I've never used, you've given some things to think about! I would click my fingers occasionally with them when we're out- I guess there's a similarity there. It's a method of training I don't know much about- will maybe pay more interest to it.

Caroline- your dogs are lovely! The biggest prob I have with mine is he's a Rough Collie who enjoys rolling in dirt- and his coat can go from looking gorgeous and shiny to swamp creature replica in seconds....

Behold the King of Mud...



and he got like that in a garden that is mostly patio and gravel....:rotfl:

Which idiot thought that a cream coloured dog was a good idea???