Training a Working Dog Breed

I see lots of gundogs that will never work in the field. They have been bought as pets and chosen for their temperament or looks rather than their hunting ability. However, when training a working dog breed, the same gundog training principles can be applied to give them the stimulation and discipline they need.

I’ve recently been working with Murphy the Border Collie. Sue his owner was struggling to establish a bond with Murphy and while he is never going to work as a sheep dog, he needed the challenge of working dog training to build his focus. I have used gundog training techniques to achieve remarkable results with him. He has responded well to the stimulation the training has given him and is now able to work with multiple dummies, retrieving to command. I am able to stop and redirect Murphy to the dummy I want him to go for – a great achievement in a working gundog, so quite remarkable in a collie.

Using gundog training techniques reinforces that all important bond with the owner, essential if any progress is to be made. Murphy now has a fun and loving bond with Sue, thanks to her hard work and the commitment to working with me to bring out the best in her dog.

Posted: September 21, 2017