hi i was just after some advice from experience gundog workers out though. both of my spaniels are from really good line (rytex) and i was wondering if i wanted to get them into doing field trials, would this be like a full time job for my partner or could he just do it as a hobby, also how do i get started and were will i find out info on it.
thanks

Will pm you some details as I don't know if admin would allow the link. :)

You will need to put in training everyday with your ess's but it can definately be done as a hobby as long as you keep their training going. Most F Trial and Gundog Clubs run summer training classes, usually they finish though just before the season starts. To get your nearest one contact Hilary Gould or Anne Greeves at the Kennel Club. Also Ian Openshaw (Rytex) does 1 2 1 lessons. If you want his number pm me.

ok thanks, im not sure where ian openshaw is from. i will ring the kennel club and see if they have any clubs near me, i have seen one club which i am going to look into, i was just wondering how hard it is to actually get anywere in the field trials as dont really no much about it.

Ian is based near Telford way Have a look at www.rytexgundogs.com

Added to say you are best to start with working tests first, they are held on the same lines as a FT but use either dummies or cold game and are usually held out of season. This will give you a taster for the real thing.

ok thankyou, i think i have a website (www.thegundogclub.co.uk) that does the working tests which we are thinking of doing them first. he is a year and a half now so really want to start asap, he had allready done basic training he has his gold good citizens and is whistle trained and not to bad at the arm signals so dont think it would take him long to pick it up.

|I think that once you have the basics instilled into them as they are working lines it will be quite easy for them to pick it up. Just need to keep on top of springers though as they if you let them become 'self employed'. Great fun though and certainly keep you on your toes. I work both Goldens and ess's, must admit that the goldens are easier to train but the spaniels are so much more fun. Good luck with them, I am sure you will have loads of fun x

ok thankyou, del seems to have been really easy to train he is not hyper like most springers so i will let you know how his training gets on.

www.sportingcountryside.co.uk and www.nobs.org.uk are two websites that I'm on.  I'm only doing it for fun with my youngest Spanish as she needs to use her brain for me to be able to cope with her at home.  I used to train with NOB's but unfortunately due to different matters there has been a split but both sites are really good and can offer you good information.  I still go on both websites because I enjoy going on there.

Hi
The Gundog Club run their own system of graded exams for all types of gundog.  These would be a good starting point for  you as you can either attend their courses or just enter yourself for the tests as and when you think your dogs are ready.  The examiners I've met are very knowledgeable and experienced and would be able to advise as to when you had reached a standard suitable for Working Tests proper or indeed Field Trials.

Good luck.

I'm not an experienced gundog worker ;) but I thought I'd mention you can get videos of gundog training - I think it was Lintran I got mine from, they do basic & advanced spaniel training ones as well as the HPR and flat coat ones. http://www.lintran-products.co.uk/equip.htm - yep, just checkd, this is it.

ok thanks for all your help, did not realise you could just put him in fot the test with out taking the course.

Where do you live?  The training that I go to is absolutely brilliant and it's on the North Wales border.  People from all over the country, Yorkshire and even Dorset attend!  It's a great atmosphere, breakfast at the local pub before the training session.  A good obedience class before the gundog training and then back to the pub for a drink and a meal.  It's a brilliant day out :d

think that might be a bit far, i live in consett in co durham, so if anyone does know if ant in the area that are good give me an email. thanks

http://www.learningaboutdogs.com/acatalog/gundogbk.html