Activities

There are very few dog activities we haven't tried, and it is fair to say we are master of none. Each activity brings a fresh learning curve and and tool-kit which is beneficial in itself. Both girls are keen to try out new things. Ilo is steadier and learns more thoroughly, while Tykky is less focused but has heaps more drive (and is therefore much harder to direct!) 

What I have learned is the more activities we attempt, the greater the control and the bond, and thus the more freedom both can enjoy safely, even with furry temptation not far away.

So far, both have tried obedience, agility, rally-o, and working trials training, especially tracking. Search and Rescue is popular with both dogs - it combines their love of work and rewards rolled into one! I'm delighted Tykky passed her Level One Search and Rescue in December 2014.

For trick training and general obedience, I use a combination of food reward and the clicker to mark desired behaviour. For recall, I have trained both girls to return to the whistle (I use an Acme 211.5 - mind you, so do a few gundog owners around, so we have a special 5-part tune!)

Ilo, aged 2.5 years in a great down stay waiting to work for the first time (photo K Sahlsberg)

Tykky at 21 months doing her first forest track in Sweden (photo A Falk)

Three sisters at Ashdown Forest Nov 2014 (photo Helle Asquith)

Tykky clears full height - and some - aged 3 years. I need help with my cues(!) (Photo L. Mowatt)