- Location
- Cornwall , UK
Yesterday , we had a lovely long walk on the forest trail . Reuben loves training , it is pure fun for him , so he has free time and training time in equal measures . When I say training , its our very own version , lots of recall , encouragement for checking in and much retrieving which he is passionate about .
There we were, enjoying the afternoons sunshine when along comes the man, with his two GSP , and stands watching me , most unnerving to say the least . He then comes right up to me and informs me that I am doing it all wrong , my instructions , the number of pips on the whistle etc . I reply that Reuben will never be worked in the field , but that as he adores training , I strive not to do things right for gundog purposes , but for his and my enjoyment and as such, did it really matter if I wasnt sticking to the rules of the game ? He was aghast at this , said I was spoiling my dog by giving him treats , that I was not fulfilling his purpose in life which was to obey without question or treats , and to follow the guidelines . I looked at his dogs , who frankly did not look happy , in fact they looked downright miserable , they apparently do not go off lead just to be dogs , but only to work, well fine matey if thats your bag, but its not mine Maybe I am wrong , and if so , I hold my hands up , but my dog is very happy doing what he is doing , it keeps his brain active as well as body , some people really should keep their opinions to themselves , I think xx
There we were, enjoying the afternoons sunshine when along comes the man, with his two GSP , and stands watching me , most unnerving to say the least . He then comes right up to me and informs me that I am doing it all wrong , my instructions , the number of pips on the whistle etc . I reply that Reuben will never be worked in the field , but that as he adores training , I strive not to do things right for gundog purposes , but for his and my enjoyment and as such, did it really matter if I wasnt sticking to the rules of the game ? He was aghast at this , said I was spoiling my dog by giving him treats , that I was not fulfilling his purpose in life which was to obey without question or treats , and to follow the guidelines . I looked at his dogs , who frankly did not look happy , in fact they looked downright miserable , they apparently do not go off lead just to be dogs , but only to work, well fine matey if thats your bag, but its not mine Maybe I am wrong , and if so , I hold my hands up , but my dog is very happy doing what he is doing , it keeps his brain active as well as body , some people really should keep their opinions to themselves , I think xx