THE FLATCOATED RETRIEVER
SHOW DOG or GUNDOG or BOTH?
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Excerpt from ‘The Flatcoated Retriever’ book by Paddy Petch: |
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"The Flat Coat has lost a great deal of the popularity it had a hundred years ago when it was the shooting dog for gentlemen. It has been superseded by the other Retrievers, particularly the Labrador, but having said that, the Flat Coat is still the only truly dual purpose Retriever out of the three for the same dogs are both shown and worked. At present there are not the structural differences to be found in this breed as in the other two, when show and work strains almost look like two different dogs. Flat Coat Retriever enthusiasts are trying hard to retain the working side of these dogs and while not everybody has either the time or the facilities to reach field trial standards, most People can train a dog to fetch a dummy and reach working test levels." |
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Mindful of the above excerpt and the general comments from breeders and owners, the Scottish Flatcoated Retriever Club runs gundog training classes. The classes, or get together as they should more correctly be called, are run through the summer and winter at locations to suit those involved. The main points are as follows: |
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The classes are run for fun. |
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The classes are for Flatcoats. |
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Dogs do need not to stop being a show dog or family pet because it is training as a gun dog. |
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No charge is made unless an external instructor is asked to give a lesson or demonstration. |
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The are not run by experts but by enthusiasts with limited experience but commitment. |
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The classes do not involve dead animal’s only canvas dummies or your dog’s favourite ball/toy. |
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The aim of the classes is to bring out the dog’s natural instincts to retrieve, but in a controlled, (yes I did say controlled manner). If you don't use it you lose it which is the potential problem that some see developing. |
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Whilst it is harder to teach an old dog new tricks, you will never know their potential if you don't try it. So age, of dog or owner, does not bar anyone wanting to give it a go. |
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Most importantly your dog will enjoy it and benefit from both the mental and physical activity. (No it does not involve a lot of physical activity for the owner so you can relax.) |
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Why not give it a try?
Contact the Club Gundog trainer at: |
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Dates for the Training programme |