Just had a brilliant training weekend with Andy Cullen of Laochin Gundogs, on the Cromlix Estate in Central Scotland.
There were 4 of us on the course, 2 GWP, 1 GSP, 1 Italian Spinone.
First Andy wanted to see how the dogs worked, or didn't as the case maybe
We all had our own individual problems, and all the dogs were very different, from Novice to Field Trial competitors.
Covering various aspects of gundog training, we did retrieves, from simple Seen and Memory retrieves to more difficult Directional and Blind retrieves.
We covered approaching a dog on Point, and Flushing the game, retrieving from Water (Fred's Favourite ) Islands and other obstacles.
And we had a mornings Hunting on the grouse moors, ( Fred had a good run here, almost to the next county, but later his runs were much better and we even found some birds)
The Instructions and directions given by Andy were Brilliant, and made a massive difference to the way the dogs worked for the handlers,
As the sessions went on, Andy gave each of us an ongoing, honest assessment of good and bad handling with no bull.
Now i have some homework, to challenge Fred to keep him keen, and not to let him think i am a pushover However, I now have a few more tricks up my sleeve, to get him to work for me and not himself.
We all improved on our commands, voice, whistle and body language, we were connecting with the dogs and they understood what was required of them.
Many thanks to Frank for launching the dummies, He was a real star and made the day light hearted along the way, as well as taking photo's.
Tracy made the fabulous lunches, and the most amazing chocolate cake, I think this should be Laochin's signatory desert No training course without it.
I had a brilliant time and would advise anyone to visist Andy at Laochin Gundogs, Calm, relaxed instruction, great facilities and superb ground. It will improve your knowledge and handling, whether you are a complete novice or running in field trials
Jan
weima
Sounds excellent. I am contemplating going in July.
Where did you stay?
Bareve
Well done Jan - that sounds like a good weekend. Loved the comment about getting Fred to work for you and not him - such a typical wirehair trait
goffy
claire
I have arranged to go back in july,
I stayed with Annie, it was so easy to get to Andy's each day, and i am sure Annie would love it.
jan
goffy
Sharon one of your boys was with us for the weekend
Igor with Andy
lovely dog and doing so well,
jan
Bareve
goffy wrote:
Sharon one of your boys was with us for the weekend
Igor with Andy
lovely dog and doing so well,
jan
Thanks Jan for letting me know. I am so chuffed with Andy and Igor - they have achieved so much for a first time gundog owner let alone going for such a breed like the wirehair !! I hope your friend managed to get some photos as Andy keeps forgetting to send me some photos of Igor
Lisa
Sounds like a great weekend! It's good to come away from these with positive results!
shirley cooper
I'm soooooooooo jealous, we had a day with Andy last week on the moors and would love to go to his place for a weekend of training
BritAnnie
Well, I'd like to go as well - but not the advanced one, not at that standard. I have one other Brittany owner wanting to come too so anyone else want to join us? I can contact Andy to agree a date. I have a twin room available, and also the motor home (top bunk single and another in the main cabin) if anyone else wants to stay.
Also anyone doing the advanced course can stay here too. I enjoy the company, don't charge fellow HPR owners taking Andy's courses - and I DON'T get commission from Andy! Enjoyed the choccy biccies, and the wine, Jan, thanks, and the dogs love their bits & bobs too!
BritAnnie
ps I might ask a return favour for any FT's etc once I get at the competitive stage!
BritAnnie
Right - looking for more HPR's for a Saturday and half Sunday at Andy's - accommodation here or at my pal's B & B three minutes away (£20 pp pn) I have three HPRs and a wayward working bred/pet rescued/ turned working Springer. Any one else and some possible dates then I can call Andy - I think he charges £50 pp if there are four and less if there are more but doesn't like having more than 6. So one or two more would be good. A bit late now to arrange 4th April, The Springer people can't do 11th April, I can't do 18th or 25th or 2nd May, so maybe 9th, 16th May onwards?
BA
windem bang
You would be right into the gamebirds breeding season Annie.???
Bill T.
BritAnnie
oops, forgot about that. Ok What is next window for training?
) Islands and other obstacles.
almost to the next county, but later his runs were much better and we even found some birds) 
and bad 
handling with no bull.
No training course without it.
