Contact Sarah at Smiles Dog Training on and Meonvalley Gundogs : 07768 830937
​​Gundog Training
​
Sarah has been successfully competing on the Field Trial circuit with her Meonvalley gundogs in the last four years, taking two retrievers through to open and numerous awards en route. She now has three young novices coming through.
Sarah picks up regularly with a team of seven Meonvalley gundogs on both large and small shoots. In addition she arranges for her gundog clients to come picking up with her, giving them the opportunity to work their dogs in the field.
Sarah has also been judging for the last three years, both working tests and field trials. She will be looking to achieve panel status in the near future.
Sarah trains dogs of all standards from complete beginner to trial standard. She holds regular classes, one to ones, workshops during the week, and informal classes at the weekend.
Labrador out on a lovely day
Teddy my Labrador ready for the off
Walk up gundog classes
Labrador out on a lovely day
Sarah uses positive progressive training techniques with an emphasis on training the handler to understand their dogs and give clear and concise instruction to their dog.A well trained gundog is the best companion you can have in the field whether it is a spaniel or retriever, the pleasure of owning and working a well trained gundog is a joy, both to watch and work with.
Training a gundog is not difficult; to attain a good standard is possible for most people. However gundog training does take time. Gundog training is a step by step process, building confidence and skills. Patience is essential; remember not to rush your gundog training. All too often the gundog handler is so proud of their dog that they will take the gundog out too early. Be patient better to have a good well trained gundog for 8 years than a maniac in the field for 10, who is an embarrassment to the owner and itself. Gundog training should be enjoyable to both owner and dog.
One of the main requirements of good gundog training is ensuring that your gundog succeeds in every task you set him. By getting the gundog to succeed you can praise him; this reinforces the success and builds confidence in a gundog. By training in small steps and ensuring success your gundog will grow in confidence as will the owner.
The gundog owner has a responsibility to their gundog, to concentrate, to anticipate what will happen and react promptly. The gundog owner needs to be attentive to the dogs movements and moods. A quick reaction when your gundog is confused and looking for help, will build the dogs confidence in the owner and itself, as once again the gundog succeeds. The gundog owner needs to foresee potential problems and resolve them before they become problems. The gundog owner also needs to be aware of the opportunities for getting the best from the gundog.
The gundog owner and the gundog need to form a team, trusting and believing in each other. At some point the gundog owner will have to send the gundog into an area where the owner cannot see him/her, it is at this point that trust must be in place. Trust in your gundog that he/she will now use his/her initiative and work on his/her own to achieve the retrieve. Every gundog owner has stood with their heart in their mouth waiting for their gundogs return, and when the dog appears proudly bearing the retrieve, the pride and pleasure of that moment is tremendous for both owner and dog. This is the teamwork, bond and trust that we look for in a gundog. Contact Smiles for more info