[Perdita]

We would like to take our 2 Setter pups to gundog training classes for pups but the MidWales Society says we are to far away and recommended Worcestershire Gundog Society but they say we should go to MidWales because they do not really do Setters. I think it is really sad that people are so narrow minded. We just wanted some basic training and socializing as they will finish their puppy classes this week. Does anybody know of anything in Powys/Herefordshire/Shropshire.

[Old Shep]

Hi - there seem to be lots of setter people on here 


Normal gundog classes aren't really applicable to setters if you actually want to work them. They aren't required to retrieve (although some will show aptitude for it) which will form a large part of normal gun dog classes, and of course only pointers, setters and HPRs will point which doesn't form part of normal gundog training classes.  So don't feel rejected - its just not that relevant to your pups.


If you are not bothered about actually working your dogs on birds - how about looking at dogs sports such as agility, working trials, Rally -Obedience etc.  Setters could do all of those with great humour!  I have just retired my 8 yr old Gordon from agility - we have had such fun - but absolutely no success at all!  She's brill in training but acts the fool in competitions. But she has caused great hilarity and we've both thoroughly enjoyed it. 

[doganjo]

Basic obedience applies to all dogs, all breeds, and basic gundog training applies to all gundogs.

You need to teach your setters to walk to heel on and off lead, sit to flush/whistle/command, be 100% instant on recall (except if they are hard on sett, which you would notice from keeping an eye on where they are) 

Some dogs need to be taught how to quarter but in general that is instinct (using the wind)  The setting is instinct.

You could try joining one of the Setter Clubs, or search for setter training on youtube

Good luck

[Mrs Snoodles]

Appalled......i too think that is terribly narrow minded of these people. Bloody stupid! 
Basic Gundog training is the same for all breeds as doganjo says.  They can learn to retrieve - they may not need it for tests and trials or whatever but if you actually work on any shoot, then nobody gives a hoot what your dog is, as long as it can help, find and pick birds.   

The Kennel club has a complete list of societies. Ring around.  See if you can find local breeders or triallers nearby (these are usually the guys with big breeding backgrounds) and see if they can advise you,

[collielaw]

Hi there, i trained all my dogs through The Gundog Club. I thought they were great. They have individual and group courses throughout the UK. All the grading schemes are online so you can get some practice in before attending a course. They cater for all breeds and levels. Grades are 1-6 and are split into Retrievers, Spaniels & HPRs.

The courses run for eight weeks and they have an assessment at the end. It's not just working dogs that attend, lots of pet dogs benefit too!

http://www.thegundogclub.co.uk/Training/awards/hpr/index.html

[Old Shep]

Sorry I disagree. If you speak to any working setter trainer the first advice will be DON'T go to normal gundog classes.  The gundog club were doing you a favour by not advising you go there - not rejecting you.  Setters and Pointers are different to other gundogs not just in their working techniques but in their personality and attitude.  I am constantly amazed at the amount of "gundog people" who do not know what setters/pointers do. So the gundog club do classes for Retreviers, Spaniels and HPR's?  You will note that none of these three groups includes Pointers and Setters.


Basic obedience does apply to setters and pointers yes, but not gundog classes.  Doganjo's advice of finding a setter club nearby is the best advice  .  Or look at the Kennel Club's Pointing Breeds weekends which are held in March /April ( but book early as they get full very quickly).

[Tiva Diva]

Do you know anyone locally who works setters or pointers? You could ask them for some help in training yours. Shep, I agree that for advanced training it would be no good doing to "ordinary" gundog classes, but reckon that for socialising it doesn't matter where you go. My deerstalking dog came along to a basic gundog class - to learn patience, and to mix with other dogs. He just didn't do the retrieving/hunting/ stuff. Worked fine for him.

[HelenVF]

Can i just ask if they are working lines?  You may come across more prejudice if they are not.  What type of setter?

I can see the reasoning behind the gundog club not wanting to take on a setter as they are worked totally differently to other breeds.

Have you contacted any of the breed clubs as they will have a working secretary.  In fact the field trial secretary for the pointer club is a neighbour.

I have working english setters and i train them totally differently to my spaniels and hprs.

Helen

[Fronhaul]

If you fancied a holiday in Scotland there is a terrific solution with Peter O'Driscoll at Fowington Gundogs who runs 5 day courses for Pointers and Setters.  http://www.fowington.co.uk/2012trainingweeks.pdf

I have never managed to get up there but everyone I know who has been on one of these has had a terrific time and the dogs have benefitted greatly. 

[HelenVF]

I took my first setter to him for a weekend. Really nice trainer and a thoroughly nice bloke!

Helen

[Old Shep]

  for P O'D ' s courses - its my annual indulgence 

[Fronhaul]

I wish I could take Jack and Blondie.  But you may have met Bouncing Beckett Jack's brother up there Shep?  Linda Westron's orange boy who did so much in the show ring before moving on to trialling. 

[Old Shep]

Yes Fronhaul - I did meet Linda and got bounced on by Becket!!!  You don't forget him when you've met him :-)

[Fronhaul]

Hehe you don't forget him when you live with his litter brother either.