TCOTC’s Intro to Gundog Workshop is an innovative alternative to traditional gundog training. This 6-week specialized course, designed and taught by instructor Katina Stamp, uses positive methods to prepare your dog to be a reliable hunting partner. Registration for a new session beginning Monday, October 4, is currently open.
Intro to Gundog will begin to hone your dog’s field skills, from retrieve to hand, to directional casting, to whistle signals, and more. It is appropriate for all breeds of gun dog, from retriever to spaniel to pointer. Five sessions will be held at TCOTC. A sixth session will take place at off-site at a location to be determined.
While traditional gundog training utilizes an e-collar to control and condition the dog, Stamp’s training method relies instead on positive reinforcement to build a bond between owner and dog and to establish clear communication between the two. “My goal is always to develop a calm, clear-minded dog that is driven in the field to play the game,” she explains. “The clear-headed dog is able to make decisions, problem-solve, and find its quarry with speed and flare because it is confident in its job.
“If not trained correctly, e-collars, such as a shock or stim collar, can leave a dog guessing as to what behavior the owner wants,” says Stamp, which can stress a dog and affect its confidence. By using positive reinforcement to build predictable patterns that transfer to the field, marsh, or water, Stamp’s method builds a dog’s problem-solving ability as well as its confidence.
Previous students of the Gundog Workshop agree. “They leave each class feeling confident and prepared in their weekly expectations,” Stamp says. “People have also said the class has helped immensely in problem-solving issues they are having in other dog sports, as they are able to notice where the communication has broken-down with the stress, excitement, or anticipation of an event.” Most importantly, she says, students learn to listen to their dog, which allows both handler and dog to adjust to situations in the field – and elsewhere!
Allison Mellin, who took both Intro and Intermediate Gundog with her Toller, Indiana, discovered the class on Facebook when she was searching for training to prepare for a hunt test.
“I looked everywhere for a class like this,” Allison explained. “Most gundog training involves sending your dog to a kennel for weeks and it’s very expensive. I’d never been hunting and didn’t know anything. Katina made everything easy to understand and I never felt lost. And Indiana is not only ready for a hunt test, but he’s also happier, more confident and even more cuddly!”
Class: Intro to Gundog Workshop
Instructor: Katina Stamp
Prerequisite: Basic Training or successful skills evaluation
Cost: $250 (no vouchers)
Starts: Monday, October 4, 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.