Training a Hunting Dog (Part 2)

Rata is settling into her new environment very nicely now, and I’m quite pleased with her growing, and boisterous confidence. I was quite embarrassed at puppy preschool last week as most of the other dogs were older and well on their way with the basics.We’ll show them though, as Rata is very keen to learn, and is responding well to the “sit” command.

The “come, down, and off” commands still need a lot of work, but she will get there with some more encouragement.I’m leaving the hunting training until she is about 6mths old, as I want her to be very steady with the basics. I try and let Rata have a good run around for about half an hour before I do any formal training to ensure I have her full concentration. This is good for her, and me. By keeping training sessions short, fun, and often, it also ensures that she doesn’t become bored and lose interest. The “come & down” commands are for me the hardest to get a dog to do, as “down” requires them to go into a submissive position, which they don’t like; and the “come” is not always for their own benefit.

I am constantly working on all my commands with Rata, and she is improving all the time with lots of praise and rewards.
Good luck!
P.S. What a dynamo she is!