Crossing obstacles

At some point, your dog will need to negotiate hedges, water and fences when retrieving in the field. Howard Kirby explains how to train him to do so correctly and carefully

- Howard Kirby

In last month’s article, we took a look at some ideas and techniques that you might consider using to develop a young dog’s retrieving skills. As you’re all well aware, dogs come in many shapes and sizes, but it’s also important to look beyond what the eye sees and understand each individual character.

It’s only when you assess the different aspects of these characters that you can really start to evaluate how, where, and when you should train them. As trainers, this should be an essential part of the way we construct a training plan for our dogs. Unfortunately, one plan is unlikely to fit all.

Nature vs nurture

The natural character of a dog will need to be considered: a bold, brave and outgoing dog will probably need a very different training regime to a dog that is naturally shy, uncertain, and reluctant to try new things.

The way we rear, manage, interact, and train our young dogs can and will significantly influence a dog’s approach and outlook on life. This is the bit that we can most influence, so doing our best to evaluate a young puppy’s character can be really helpful in planning a way forward.

Nature versus nurture is a fascinating study and not one that I have time to look at in detail, but I would urge you to consider your dog’s strengths and weaknesses as you layout your training plan.

So, let’s get stuck into this month’s subject: crossing obstacles. There are many obstacles that a gundog will need to negotiate when working in the field: fences, ditches, banks, walls, hedges, streams, rivers, lakes, and many more. We need to give our dogs the opportunity to develop the skills required in order for them to successfully negotiate these.

A word of caution