I have a 3yr old Springer Spaniel dog which I've now owned for approx 18mths. A familiar story, but around the house he is attentive, will come when called and is generally easy to control, (I can even get him to retrieve and come back to within a few feet of me). Outside is a different story...not to say it's all bad, but on occasion he just puts his head down and will not listen to any of my commands.
He appears easily distracted and once he is in the 'hunt zone' not even his favourite treats will reign him in. As you can appreciate this can put his saftey at risk and can also make him a nuisance to others.
I have considered taking him for gundog lessons however my reservation is that because his basic obedience is not consistent and due to his age, that I wouldn't be able to find a gundog trainer willing to spend the time with us that we would need.
I would appreciate any help, advice, recommendations of a good trainer or if you are a trainer yourself who would welcome the challenge to contact me as soon as possible.

Hi, 

Not sure where you are in Yorkshire, but I train with the Tailwagger club, who do classes around Leeds, Harrogate, Otley, etc.  The trainers are very good, and can arrange one-to-one sessions.  I also know they offer beginner obedience classes especially for older dogs that have problems like you're describing.  I'll post the link below, but it may be removed (not sure if these kind of links are allowed), it it's not here PM me and I'll send you a link/phone number.

Good luck!

Clare

http://www.tailwaggerclub.co.uk/

I can highly recommend Topbarks http://www.topbarksfordogs.co.uk/. And Mark has lots of spaniels himself so knows the breed well.

If you want to go into gundog work, contact the Gundog Club who run classes in your area. Do make sure however that you go and watch a class first before you sign up as not all gundog trainers train very nicely.

Thanks for the info Clare.
I've had a quick look on their website and it looks good. Not too far from where I live either.

Re,
Paul

Thanks for the info.
Perhaps some basic obedience before I subject him (and potential trainers) to the rigours of gundog training, but looks a useful site for further down the track.

Kind Regards