Hi, I live in Guildford and have just got a lovely 16mnth ESS.  She was bred by Tony Price but is not retrieving so he decided to sell her - he thinks she'll make a lovely beating dog or maybe will retreive in time given enough encouragement.  Unfortunately I have only had her a week and she has come into season (poor little mite - hope she doesn't think it's my fault) so is getting tired if I take her out too much.  She's quite timid and spooks easily, so i'm wondering if anyone can give me any advice on training that i can do in the garden to get her used to my voice (she was preivously trained by a man) and pay attention to me (she does a great job of ignoring me at the moment),  or am I expecting too much as she's new here and in season?  I've never trained a dog before other than very basic sit and stay when I was a kid.  I'm worried she will lose the few gundog skills she has if I don't keep up with her training, but as I can't take her out am not sure what to do.  Also I have heard that there is a Guildford Working dog group, does anyone have any info or can you tell me where i can find info.  Does anyone know if they take total novices (that's me - not necessarily the dog!)  I don't necessarily want to take her out working as such but do want to train her along those lines - or rather try to.   Thanks

Hi Guest

There is a book that has been written by a very valued member on this board , John ! :)

It is called 'A Simple Approach to Gundog Training' the title gives a good idea on what the books aim is ! ;) It is also very useful as a book to train any dog to become a well behaved member of any family !! :D

It is available for order now from the Lab rescue site which John has kindly donated the whole of the book to the rescue. :D www.helpalabrador.co.uk

The book is due for it first print run now the 16th of Feb due to technical difficulties :rolleyes: but you can still go and pre order the book to ensure you reserve a copy.

HTH

Lucy

Hello Guest

There are a some very active clubs in the Guildford area - Husband is membership secretary of Guildford Working Gundog Club, but unforunately we don't have any spaniels at present.    However, Utility Gundog have a very active spaniel group, and I can give you a contact name if you e-mail me privately

Jo and the Casblaidd Flatcoats

Small point Jo but the guest cannot see you profile. Only members can see that.

Best wishes, John

Oh Whoops, John - didn't realise.  

Jo