Force-free dog trainers completely avoid all use of aversives. When we use the word aversives, we are not just talking about the types of physical punishment used by some traditional gundog … [Read more...]
3 ways to help your gundog want to retrieve – but should we use them?
Your dog’s ‘desire’ to chase and grab a moving object, is the engine that powers the retrieve. If he doesn’t want that ball or dummy, it can seem as though you are stuck. And if he wants it, but … [Read more...]
6 myths and the truth about food in gundog training
Most modern dog trainers use food in training. Yet the antipathy towards the use of food in gundog training circles persists. This article is about busting some of the myths that surround the … [Read more...]
Gundog training: the trouble with retrieving drills and exercises
This website contains quite a few drills or exercises that you can do with your dog. Each drill helps you practice a particular skill. Some people love drills, others hate them. I love them. … [Read more...]
Gundog methods: using retrieve markers
Missing out? Click here to get my new articles delivered to you A retrieve marker is simply a visual aid to help your dog locate a dummy. But what is the point? And isn’t it … [Read more...]
Gundog equipment: A portable retrieving alley
Spring is really here, and my world is beginning to dry out at last. I can now step on to the farm without sinking up to my armpits in mud And I am so pleased to be able to drive across the … [Read more...]
Gundog equipment and facilities
You can spend a lot of money on sending a gundog away to be trained. A much cheaper option may be to train the dog yourself. This has the advantage of training you at the same time, and giving … [Read more...]
Still confused about clickers?
This is a tweet sent to me on twitter recently @PippaMattinson But handling the dog over a long distance is not possible. I prefer to use the whistle. The tweet was in response to a tweet I made … [Read more...]
Does clicker training work with all dogs?
I read this on a forum recently: "Clicker training doesn't work with this dog." This from a person that was asking for help with a delivery problem. Clicker training is about marking events … [Read more...]
Clicker training for gundog puppies
Perhaps one of the most useful roles for the clicker in gundog training, is in working with puppies Most new puppy owners are in a huge hurry to start training Let's be honest, they are not … [Read more...]