Sealpin's Training Methods

It doesn't matter how many times you say it "Attention to Detail" is as ever the corner stone to the Sealpin philosophy. From the first stages of puppy-hood onward, never allowing a youngster to go off "free hunting" in a game situation, until under control show the attention to detail key to Edwards approach.

• All dogs are trained to walk to heel, with or without the lead, to sit and stay and come back when called.

• Dummy work, first singly, then pairs and then in a group situation, unseen and being taught to be steady to anything thrown.

• Hunting comes naturally to the springer and cocker spaniel but all the retrievers are taught to quarter as well using whistle, hand signals and the natural scenting conditions prevailing at the time.

• Cold game retrieval is introduced once a satisfactory situation is achieved with dummies. Care is taken not to rush any dog unsure of carrying a dummy

• Introduction to water takes place, with youngsters, on a fine warm day with the emphasis on fun to begin with. Most dogs love the water and are keen to take part, but careful handling is used with the occasional hesitant or sensitive dog.

• Once confidence is gained, of a steady dog, they are introduced to the rabbit pen to build on this. A dog steady to the flush and any disturbance of game has learnt an essential element of any gun-dog's training.

• Working from an early stage on all dogs to remove any tendency to be "gun-shy" through a series of simulation bangs, starting with the simple hand clap through to a starting pistol. Progressing to the actual shooting field, putting into practice the core training as a junior member of the team, experiencing the whole look, feel and sound of the dogs future working environment without rushing into the actual retrieve.

• Walking up over rabbits is an essential part of Edwards's gun-dog training in the encouragement of good hunting, improving response to the handlers direction, taking lines and complete steadiness under fire