"Having been training and breeding gundogs for over 10 years now I am always on
the look out for a good training book. My book shelves groan with various tomes
giving advice on how to successfully train a dog. Until recently I have not found
a book, DVD, or video that truly reflects my ideas on leadership skills and living
with a dog. Many of my trainees are looking for help with a gundog that is also
a house dog and I would love to be able to confidently recommend one to them. Now,
at last, a book that addresses this situation with good sound advice given in clear
language. Lez avoids all the 'gundog speak' that confuses the average pet gundog
owner and she gives us great stratagies for getting the best from our dogs. Even
if you never intend to go into the shooting field this book is a must for all those
living with a gundog breed. Should you intend to work your dog on a shoot then you
will find all the basic training skills needed here to set you off on the right
path. The training methods suggested are all kind and 'hands off' which is as it
should be. Gone are the days of 'breaking' a dogs spirit to make it work. All good
modern trainers get their dogs to work for them from choice using positive re-inforcements
while understanding a lot about how a dog's mind works. I have no hesitation in
recommending this book to my clients and we look forward to an advanced training
book if Lez can find the time to put pen to paper once more!"
This book has something for everyone and is not just for owners of gundogs. Lez
writes with a wealth of experience and a wonderful sense of humour making this such
an enjoyable and informative read about understanding and training our pet dogs.
"Thank you so much for the book which arrived yesterday. You have pointed out all
my failings so eloquently, although it is quite reassuring to know I am after all
just a typical primate. I am sure it will be a great success and every gundog owner
should have one on their Christmas list. Congratulations you must be very proud
of it. I will certainly be recommending it."
"Your book is a great read thanks very much"
"A tremendous read that should have been written years ago!"
"The book is AMAZING and I am not going to give too much feedback at this stage
as I have made a lot of notes to offer my review and I have not finished it yet,
suffice to say I am hooked and am reading my dog very very differently."
"I like to say a big thank you for writing this book. This has given me a great
insight into the order of the dog pack. I have not finished the book yet, but felt
that I had to say how impressed I've been so far. I have already made head ways
into changing my position within the pack by using the blocking and herding techniques
which means I now am the first person though the door each time. My pack of two
spaniels are now out of the bedroom, sitting away from the table while the human
pack eat, and only get invited up onto the sofa when the humans want our hounds
next to us, now and then. I have still got a long way to go, that means I got a
lot more the learn about communicating with my dogs, but I'm sure with the guidance
of 'The Pet Gundog' I will have mannered dogs and a happier homestead."
"Thought you would like to know how useful I have found your new book for working
with my 18th month old Welsh Springer, Glen.We are completing our 4th week on the
long line training and using the recall whistle with reward and praise.The line
has been dropped for short periods and his recall is variable but he has an eye
for me much more now and I know this will take time so I am not rushing the stages.
The 'silent' method at doorways and my use of blocking and claiming space is good
and understood by the dog as you said. The retrieve is a challenge and we seem to
have got somewhere with the component parts with the emphasis on fun but I'm about
to use the line for that too. I also like the way you have distinguished between
training and developing the dog's self control - an important point I think. I have
found your ideas reassuring for this very receptive dog who is so guided by his
nose. He has been my most challenging dog so far but thanks to your little book
I am gaining confidence and feeling a sense of achievement in our working relationship.
I only wish you could see work in progress and correct my mistakes!"
"Lez thank you for all your valuable help. I will continue to study your book as
it's without doubt one of the best I've read."