frank.walker9@btinternet.com 01206 735382

Bahnemann Kennels

Training my working cocker spaniel

I’m an avid game shooter and for years have been in admiration of people’s gun dogs that seamlessly work their trade; however until only a few months ago I’d never owned my own dog to stand on the peg with me – a complete novice handler you might say…

In Molly’s ‘puppy’ months I read Janet Menzies “Training the working Spaniel” book in readiness for her training ahead of us – which whilst it was informative was too passive for me, who prefers a more hands-on and kinaesthetic approach to learning. It was obvious to me at an early stage that I needed professional coaching if Molly was to ever realise her potential (for me and her).

By the age of 7 months – Molly and I were regularly driving over an hour in the car to have one hour training sessions at Franks facility in Essex; at our first session my idealistic preconceptions of dog training being like a simulation of a shoot were rapidly wiped away, as I found myself holding the end of the dog lead walking the perimeter of his courtyard. (It wasn’t until we mastered walking on the lead we even saw a dummy or whistle – but in hindsight I wouldn’t have had it any other way – sometimes you have to take one step backwards to take two forwards).

Frank is regimented in his training style (and he can be a task master) – but very quickly Molly was transforming into a more obedient, steady and focused dog in front of my eyes; therefore I did everything I could to emulate Franks “clear-and-concise” methods with Molly in all aspects of her life, and we’re progressively seeing the results now. (Not to say Molly isn’t capable of being a complete rogue at times – like many 11 month old Cockers before her).

I continue to refer Franks services to friends and aquantances (with success stories) – but first explain to them, Frank deals in creating proficient gun dog handlers, NOT ‘off the shelf’ trained dogs for incompetent owners.