Steadiness at Its Best

Have you ever been out hunting in the hide with your mates and just before shooting time a group of mallards come gliding into the decoys? You know if your dog breaks on them, the hunt is over. Well, I'm going to give you a training tip that will help make sure that doesn't happen. I have been teaching steadiness for the past couple of years using the following method and it's worked wonders for me and my dogs. Your dog should be familiar with the commands 'place', 'sit' and 'stay' for this training. You will need a platform for this training. You can buy one, or build your own about 60 cm x 60 cm wide and about 15 cm off the ground.

To begin the training, attach a lead with a check chain to your dog. Give the command 'position' and guide your dog to the platform. Once he/she is on it, instruct your dog to 'sit' and 'stay'. Start walking a few feet back and make a circle around your dog. If he or she comes off the platform, the next step you take is crucial to this training. Quickly make the correction with a firm pull on the lead and command 'position', 'sit' and 'stay'. After your dog has corrected, start all over again. Once you have mastered this with the lead and check cord, you can move to a remote training collar for easier handling and greater distance between you and your dog.

After a few sessions your dog will understand that he or she needs to remain on the platform until called. When you see that your dog is staying without any issues, it's time to begin the steadiness exercise. Take a dummy and try to excite the dog. If he or she jumps off, make a swift correction and start the exercise again. Soon your dog will realise that he or she must stay put no matter how tempting it is to move. You can try various things to test your dog. You can also extend this training to the water. Just use the same technique as mentioned and attempt to make your dog break in the water. Create splashes with dummies, gunshots, anything to excite your dog.

After a few of these sessions with your dog, you will be able to take him or her out again and enjoy the hunt. And when a signal mallard comes in with a large group behind it... the reward is well worth the effort.

Happy Training!