Hi
I have had my dog scored and it has come back with a score of 6/4 can I ask if this is a  good or bad score?  Also can he now start doing agility he is 13 months also has any one any ideas of DIY Agility equipment?
Thanks#
Jane
P.s  Could I train him as a gundog?

would think that would be pretty good for a GSD,im sure a gsd expert will be along later though!

I'm not trying to be condescending, but why would you want to train a working dog to be a gundog. I do know of one German Shepherd that was used as a gundog, but the 'guns' weren't happy about it.

A hip-score of 6/4 in most breeds is good.

Hi
He is a German Shepherd dog the reason I want to train him poossibly as a Gundog is that the Gundog people I have met at little village fetes and different places, seem to be much friendlier and use kinder methods than any of the working people near me of which there are none within about 100 miles.  Please no offense is meant to any working people on Champdogs it is just what I have found near me.

Jane

Not sure why you cannot find any kind trainers in the "working" side.  Have you tried the APDT site http://www.apdt.co.uk/, or got in touch with a registered Working Trials, Obedience or Schutzhund club near you. There are many who do use kind methods. Where do you live perhaps I can help you?

regards

Tohme
Thankyou for replying I live in Poole Dorset.  I have looked into Schutzhund but the nearest to me is in Surrey I think,  I have not I must admit looked into Working Trials any help would be appreciated.  A few people who bred gsds years ago put me in touch with a few people but it seems quite a few dog clubs in my area have died out over the last 15 years, which is sad really as I am sure there would be people interested if there was anything nearby.
Jane

Poole & District DTS, 

Melvin Drewitt, 35 Glenwood Road, Verwood, Dorset BH31 6HU. 01202 827247 (melvind@supanet.com)

Poole meet in the New Forest regularly for training sessions.  Melvin is a helpful chap and would be able to put you into contact with several other people I am sure.

HTH

Gwen Barrington(Brittas)used to train her GSD's to the gun as well as sheep work German style, she never had any complaints from the people who she invited to shoot on her land either. I got an invite(I had Brittas bred GSD for many years before other's imported from Germany)but have never wanted to shoot animals(some people yes but that's a whole other story)for sport or food so turned down the shoot offer.

I also know of a keeper in scotland who uses Cavaliers as well, some guns who ahve not been to the shoot before laugh, but they soon change their minds after seeing the dogs in action

6:4 is not bad score as long as it is even(ie not 6 or 4 on one part but 1 or 2 on a few parts)

Hi Janestan, do you mean you have a GSD (German Shepherd Dog) or a GSP (German Shorthaired Pointer)?

Any dog can be trained to be a gundog; although of course it helps to have the tool for the job, it generally makes life easier.  I believe there is a Rotti somewhere who goes picking up?  And several collies do I know.

http://www.jessejump.co.uk/index.html  this is a good link to cheap agility equipment that is weatherproof, portable and very hardwearing; got some myself! :D

regards

There is an Elkhound that is employed by a shoot too but I suppose that the breed is half hound and half gundog. Still as has been said if training the dog to the gun is what you want to do, then go ahead and give it a go.

Well, you're not that far from me - I am in Bournemouth! :)

There are several kind trainers I use, i have very high standards believe me so they have to be both kind and effective or i am out of there! :D If you want to start agility, there are 2 good clubs but the closest to you would be Hannah's in Ringwood. I intend to go there next year when i hvae more time. You can get in touch with her via the Cedar Veterinary Practice which i think is at Verwood...sorry not got exact contact details but i will search them out if you get stuck and can't find her.. :).

I know a good trainer who breeds Tollers and trains gundogs but her group is reallly now just for gundogs. I do working trials with Donna, she is on the APDT list under Dorset, and she's very nice and has a lovely Dobe.

Hth a bit

Lindsay

Not only an Elkhound Jackie but at least two Rotties, one of which I personally know!

Best wishes, John