Blog - Latest news & updates
Gundog training Indi the working Labrador, Preston, Lancashire. · 14 May 2012
Meet Indi the 10 month old working Labrador who has recently joined me with her owner Richard for gundog training. Having never previously owned a working dog Richard gathered information from books and began teaching Indi basic commands which worked well until Indi began asserting herself and testing Richard’s place as pack leader.
Over the last few months I’ve seen Indi improve in many disciplines and although she has some bad traits that I’m working hard to correct, she’s a smashing dog and will be a great asset to Richard in the shooting field.
If you plan to train with your dog it’s important to instill the qualities you want your dog to possess, as an adult, from an early age with consistent structure ensuring that learning is fun for both of you.
I offer various types of training from 1-2-1 sessions to group training classes so if you’d like to discuss how I can help you with your training please contact me.
Funny clip on how not to retrieve a dummy from the water bank after his Hungarian Vizsla left it. · 7 May 2012
Sometimes our gundog training doesn’t always go to plan.!!!! This was certainly a laughable moment.
Gundog training testimonial for Ruby the working Springer Spaniel, Preston, Lancashire. · 7 May 2012
‘Damian has been a great find and I have to say I would have been lost without his invaluable advice. I contacted Damian around 5 months ago when Ruby was about 4 and a half months old as I was finding her a handful to control, especially with recall. We joined his novice dog training class to provide Ruby with basic obedience, stability and focus. I supplemented this with some one to one training sessions out in the field. The improvement she has made to date is superb and she is going from strength to strength. As a result of Damian’s input and advice I am much more confident when handling and training her, she is listening to my commands and is developing into a willing and obedient springer spaniel.
I can’t thank Damian enough for his encouragement and support, Ruby and I look forward to many more rewarding lessons.
From a very happy Lisa and Ruby.‘
Gundog training Bumble the German Shorthaired Pointer and Lizzy the Springer Spaniel, Preston, Lancashire. · 3 May 2012
Bumble is a beautiful and lively Pointer puppy that I first met when she was just 10 weeks old. Christine and Derek have previously had working dogs but decided that a Pointer was the new dog for them. For the past few months I’ve been working closely with Bumble and no two sessions have been the same. She knows how to challenge her owners and although she’s a cute lovable pup, I’ve been consistent about enforcing boundaries.
This week our gundog training session was terrific and the weeks of hard work and dedication from Christine, Derek and myself finally seemed to be paying off.
Lizzy the Springer Spaniel was bought as a part trained working dog aged 13 months and has become the latest addition to the family. Acquiring a pre-trained dog is ideal if you are looking for a gundog that is capable of working in the shooting field. Lizzy is a dog that has been well trained by a fellow gundog trainer and I look forward to continuing the training with Derek, Christine, Bumble and Lizzy.
Gundog training Skye the Labrador to the back command to retrieve a dummy, Preston, Lancashire · 1 May 2012
Gundog photography with Andy Biggar at the Lakeland Gundog Training day, Cumbria, Lancashire. · 29 April 2012
I was delighted to attend a Charity gundog training day in aid of ‘Help for Heroes’ hosted by the Lakeland Gundog Club at the Biglands Estate. Along with three other gundog trainers the aim of the day was to offer guidance on all disciplines of gundog training and to raise money for this worthy cause. The main training focus on the day was for Hunt Point Retrieve (HPR) dogs.
Training stations were set-up for the event allowing those attending access to a trainer who was on hand to advise on various training techniques. The vast grounds with varying terrain meant that the dogs were worked and the owners got a taste of what is required to be a competent handler and how a gundog should work.
My good friend Andy Biggar of Andy Biggar Photography, specialising in fieldsport photography, also wavered his fees and donated his time to capturing some truly breathtaking photos. The images above were taken by Andy and I think you’ll agree that he has a gift.
I’d like to thank Alison for inviting me to train at this event and for allowing me to show my support for such a worthwhile cause. It was a great day and I wish her every success in future training events.
Gundog training Hunt Point Retrieve dogs, Preston, Lancashire. · 19 April 2012
I’m very fortunate to work with a number of clients who have great working dogs that I’m helping to gundog train. One breed close to my heart is the Hunt Point Retrieve (HPR) breed which include Pointers, Vizslas, Weimaraners and Munsterlanders.
Over the last few years I’ve seen some fantastic dogs who have developed into fine working dogs and companions. Having experience and knowledge of training these breeds makes it easier to help with any aspect of gundog training and recently I’ve been fortunate to be asked to help run a HPR training day at the Lakeland Gundog Club.
Dog / Puppy Training Classes at Oakhill Veterinary Centre, Preston, Lancashire. · 18 April 2012
This week has seen the start of 2 new dog training classes for beginners. I currently run dog training classes on Monday and Wednesday evenings but ,due to the popularity of the classes, I am starting a new Saturday class starting on the 5th of May 2012.
Working together with Oakhill Veterinary Practice I am able to offer indoor and outdoor training providing outstanding facilities and variable stimulus to challenge all the dogs attending.
If you are interested in attending one of my dog training classes then please contact me on 01772 690597 / 07843 283370 or email bark@dog-training4u.co.uk
Gundog Training with Lexi the Labrador, Preston, Lancashire. · 16 April 2012
Today I met with Tessa and Lexi her 3 year old working Labrador. Tessa has had a tough few years and Lexi has picked up on this by pushing the boundaries with her. Tessa decided to look at gundog training for Lexi to mentally stimulate her and to build the bond between them.
When working with an older dog that has little or no focus on their owner and poor recall I begin training as if I’m dealing with a new puppy. My initial work with Tessa and Lexi is to focus on steadiness, focus and whistle commands as this will start to cement the foundations for further training and build the working bond.
Some owners feel that by feeding and housing a dog they are seen as a leader but this is not always the case as we need to ensure that our dogs see us as providers and not facilitators.
If you need to re-strengthen the bond with your dog then I can help, whether it’s a family member or a working dog.
Dog training & Puppy home visit for Flossy the Sprocker, Preston, Lancashire. · 10 April 2012
Flossy was bred by my friends so, when I was called by her owners Kath and John to help integrate her into their family, I knew that I would be dealing with a strong-willed yet good natured pup. Her owners had waited for a number of years before welcoming a new addition of the canine variety into their home and were keen for things to go as smoothly as possible, which is why I was only too happy to help them.
John confided in me that, although Flossy is a small pup, he and his wife are a little out of their depth regarding training and setting realistic boundaries. There are already cats in residence so making Flossy aware of her place in the pack is vital.
I look forward to seeing Flossy and her owners at my dog training classes at Oakhill Veterinary Centre where I feel the whole family will benefit from my training methods and meeting like-minded owners in a friendly and secure environment.
I have dog training classes running at various times and on various days of the week. For more information please contact me.
Dog / Gundog training testimonial for Skye the Labrador. Preston, Lancashire. · 30 March 2012
After not having the best experience with a trainer for our first lab we wanted to make sure we found the right one for our new puppy Skye. With many phone calls made and lots of frustration we had got nowhere and whilst there are many dog trainers out there none come with any great feedback or history that could be found.
Luckily for us some tree’s were being taken down on the lane we live on and one of the lads noticed me training with the pup in our garden. He complimented me on her standard and I thanked him but said I needed to find a trainer as it was only the basics and did he know of any. This is how we came to hear about Damian. The lad couldnt compliment him and his skills with dogs enough and so we decided to make contact. Here we are 10 weeks later with a well rounded labrador puppy on her way to being a confident and talented gundog. The classes are excellent and Damians style of training is one of positive interaction and recognition with lots of fun on the way. If I ever get asked for a trainer I would not hesitate at all to recommend Damian and I cant thank him enough for his guidance and support with our Skye.
“Louisa & Paul with Skye the Labrador”
Residential gundog/dog training, Preston, Lancashire. · 21 March 2012
Residential gundog/dog training is the ideal way to instill the basic skill foundations prior to advanced training. This will enable your dog to work successfully in the field or to be enjoyed as a well behaved family pet.
The benefits of residential gundog/dog training mean that your dog will receive intensive training which will ensure a consistent method of approach. By working with your dog on a daily basis, I am able to correct issues before they become habitual. For pre-existing problems, residential dog training offers a way of focusing on a dogs’ specific requirements.
I have access to extensive training grounds which enables a residential dog to experience a much wider range of training environments and gain enrichment.
Following on from the residency the owner will have intensive 1-2-1 lessons to enable them to learn the techniques I use and gain the confidence required to maintain control and develop the training further.
In addition to this I am available to discuss any issues or concerns that may arise between lessons.
By working with an owner and their dogs in this intensive way, I am able to provide positive training techniques and correct behavioural problems early and quickly ultimately saving you time.
Please feel free to call for advise and costing. 01772 690597 / 07843 283370
Dog Obedience Training Classes, Preston, Lancashire. · 11 March 2012
On Monday and Wednesday evenings I run dog obedience training classes at Oakhill Veterinary Centre, Preston, Lancashire.
This week saw the start of another beginners class with an assortment of breeds ranging from a Patterdale Terrier to a Husky with all manner of breeds in-between. The majority of owners attending the classes seem to be experiencing the same problems when trying to get their dogs’ to walk to heel or when trying to convey and instill basic commands.
I cater for all levels of dog obedience and my aim is to train dogs whilst educating owners’ on the basic fundamental principles of living and working with our Canis lupus familiaris.
For more information on the classes or to book a place please call me on 01772 69059 / 07843 283370.
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