Working_Setters

If anybody is interested, video of the 2008 Kennel Club Champion Stake for Pointers and Setters can be found HERE

I agree with PAX and Vickie. Your dog obeys sit in no/low distraction environment, but ignores you in high distraction setting. You need to go back and work in a medium distraction setting. I find successful repetition and slowly increasing the level of distraction are the keys. I do this repeatedly until sit to whistle is second nature to my dogs. When they hear the sit whistle, they only have one thought, to get their backside on the ground as quickly as possible. I don’t teach my dogs many commands (party tricks), but those I do teach, I teach very thoroughly.

It terms of Pointers/Setters I'd say Oz/NZ are much the same. There is a lot of sharing of genetics. Spaniels also, Rachel has been sending and receiving ESS to/from NZ for years. Retrievers - I defer to your much greater knowledge. I do have Snakefoot in my library. A very interesting book, it contains the thoughts and philosophies of Bob toward the end of his career. Reflecting on his incredible life and one of the most amazing canine breeding programs of the modern era.

Rick spoke favorably of several of the dogs that he saw. I think the biggest difference was cosmetic in terms of tail carriage and action. America is unique in the gundog world in their love of "12 o'clock" tail. (Tails that stand straight up when the dog is on point). They also breed for very active tails when the dog is working. Rick commented on the lack of tail action of our dogs. When I first saw American dogs I thought "man that tail is wagging the dog". Also when you approach a dog that's on point with a 12 o'clock tail, you get a pretty good look at their poop-shoot, personally I'd prefer that remained covered by the tail. So it's a matter of preferring what you're used to. Oz/NZ dogs are the same. There is a lot of movement of dogs back and forth between the two countries. As for American dogs, Rick spends most of his time training hunter's dogs in the US and they are much the same as hunter's dogs here. It's the US high end field trial dogs that are a whole different ball game.

Best bet is to go to some retrieving trials, see the dogs, talk to the owners/trainers and get a clear mental picture of what it is you are trying to achieve with your dog. Unlike field trials, there are heaps of retrieving trials, so finding one to attend is easy. Just contact the VCA, or any of the retriever breed clubs, for a schedule. There are group of retrieving training folk around albury that I train with from time to time, mostly when it's too hot (too many snakes) for me to do field work with my dogs. One guy competes successfully at the highest level (All Age), the others are very knowledgeable trainers who complete at lower levels basically because of the breeds they choose to compete with. I'm PM you their details.

"Basically what it is all about" is dogs using their nose's to locate game (quail, rabbits, hares, etc). It's the function the gundog breeds were created to perform and IMO the most enjoyable thing you will ever do with your dog (for both of you). Despite what some factions of todays politically correct society would have you believe, both dog and humans are hunters. To work as a team with your dog to achieve this most ancient of goals is extremely rewarding. There are numerous books I could mention, but it's a tough thing for a complete novice to learn from a book. I gather that you're in S.E. QLD, which is great because there are Field Trials in your area. I'd suggest you contact the CCCQ (they're on the web) and get ask for some info. They'll be able to put you in contact with people who work their dogs in the field and you can go from there. IMO It's much better to learn initially by seeing and talking to people. Save the books and DVDs for later when you understand the basics and are after more specific info.

Yep there were a range of gundog breeds represented, both pointing and flushing breeds. I should have taken my Irish as they were one breed that was missing. Was a great weekend and I'd highly recommend it to anybody, if they are interested in dog training, then there is much to learn here.

Hi LL - Sorry to hear of your friend's hubby. Yep Rick mentioned Ronnie many times. They've worked very closely together training dogs. All 3 of their training DVDs feature both Rick and Ronnie. They have a long family history of dog training, Rick's father Delmar Smith was a very successful dog trainer/ field trial winner. Years ago he wrote an excellent book on dog training. I gather Rick's grandfather was also a successful dog breeder,trainer and field trialer. For years Rick and Ronnie have worked together out of Texas, but just recently Rick has married a lady from Virginia and moved up there. He spends about 8 month a year on the road, giving training seminars and 4 months back on the ranch in Texas guiding hunters on Bob White quail. Some life huh, unimaginable you could make a living doing that here in Oz. The difference between 20 million people and 300 million I guess, plus a strong and active group of hunters. (meaning there are a lot of gundogs that need training). ETA - you are correct in that much of what was taught is applicable to all areas of training. Much of the seminar was about preparing dogs to learn, having them attentive and ready/willing to receive training.

Hi Mercedes - Yep I had a good chat with your OH. I've got his card here and will give him a call to arrange some training when I get a chance. Glad he enjoyed the seminar, there was lots to learn.

Forgot to say, Orange and White Pointer Bitch I'm working is Dash, the pup in my signature line, now at 14 months.

Yeah, pics are great. (I didn't take any of them) Expensive digital camera (not sure of details) but big zoom lens for close up shots that can be hard to get in the field. LL is into retrieving trials big time, this seminar was on field work (rather than retrieving work), still with gundogs, but different focus. PS You're correct, the dogs had a great time too!!

Thanks Jeff. I think everybody had a good time and learned a great deal about training dogs. Mostly about preparing their mind so they are ready and willing to learn - once that's done the training is much easier to achieve.

I posted to this forum sometime ago that Rick Smith, the best know professional gundog trainer in the USA, would be coming to Australia to give a training seminar. Well the seminar has been and gone and what a great weekend it was!! This very interesting 2 day seminar was AFAIK a first for Oz. It was the first time Rick, or any other professional field gundog trainer has conducted a training seminar in Oz. (There have been a couple of retrieving training seminars given by pro US trainers, but I'm pretty sure this was the first field based event). Rick teaches a very different style of training to that used by most Aussies, since we have until now generally followed the British style of dog training. It will be very interesting to see the impact this seminar has on future field trial performances in this country. Anybody interested in seeing some pictures of the weekend training can do so HERE. For anybody that's interested, I'm the big guy in the black shirt and akurba hat working the orange and white pointer bitch. Cheers. WS PS Congratulations and many thanks to WGAA and SSAA for hosting this outstanding event. Those that missed out this time around can take comfort in the fact that there is already quite a deal of interest in having Rick return to Oz in 2009.

Venue a little west of Melbourne, between Melbourne and Geelong. Cheers, WS

Well known American professional dog trainer Rick Smith (son of the legendary Delmar Smith) has confirmed acceptance of WGAA's invitation to conduct a Foundation Seminar in Victoria on the 24th, 25th & 26th of October 2008. Both Rick and his brother Ron have conducted seminars in New Zealand in recent years, and the positive comments from those who attended these seminars has encouraged the WGAA (Vic) committee to invite Rick to these shores. The cost is $410.00 AUD per person. The Seminar begins on Friday (24th) evening with an orientation and introduction session and continues all day on Saturday and Sunday. The seminar is open to all gundog owners and is conducted on a 'hands on' basis, with handlers bringing their dogs. The seminar is open to all breeds and levels of gundogs. Places are limited so make sure you don't miss out. For more information visit Rick's website at HuntSmith To request brochures and application form please contact Barry Oliver - mob. 0403380092 email [email protected]