Are you rewarding your gundog for the right thing ?When it comes to training your gundog, one of the most common mistakes I see, especially with first-time gundog owners, is asking for a little extra after their gundog has already done the desired behaviour. Picture this: Your young gundog is walking beautifully at your side. You’re thrilled, so you mark it with a click or a word like “Yes”… but instead of rewarding that moment, you then ask them for a sit first.Here's the catch: Your gundog has just been rewarded for their sit, not for all that lovely loose lead walking they just did for you! They associate the reward with that last action, the sit, instead of the heel or loose-lead walking you were initially happy with because that is when you rewarded them. This can create, at best, confusion, as your gundog is trying to figure out exactly what you’re rewarding them for.The solution? Mark and reward the behaviour as soon as it happens. Don’t ask for anything more before you hand over that reward. This reinforces the action you want and keeps training sessions clear and enjoyable for your gundog. Think of it as capturing the exact moment you love, without muddying the message.So next time you’re training, remember to pause and ask yourself: “Am I rewarding the right behaviour, or the one that came after?”With a mindful approach, your gundog learns faster, and you build a stronger bond through clear communication. After all, timing is everything in gundog training, and your gundog is learning from every interaction. By rewarding correctly, you set your gundog up for success and create a harmonious training experience.<blockquote> Content DisclaimerThe information contained above is provided for information purposes only. The contents of this article is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of this article. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of this article. Nina Fotara T/as Confident Canine disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of this article.</blockquote>

One of the most common mistakes I see, is asking for a little extra after their gundog has already done the desired behaviour. 

Are you rewarding your gundog for the right thing ?

Explore expert insights, training tips, and holistic care practices for gundogs. Discover how to build a deeper connection with your dog using positive, reward-based methods and holistic principles.

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Discover a collection of insightful articles on gundog training, holistic care, and mindful connection. Learn practical tips, explore holistic techniques, and transform your bond with your dog.

Are you rewarding your gundog for the right thing ?

Are you rewarding your gundog for the right thing ?

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