`...a multi-purpose gundog ...has an excellent nose, staying power, and works equally well on land and in water. A keen worker, easily taught, loyal, affectionate and trustworthy`

`...a multi-purpose gundog ...has an excellent nose, staying power, and works equally well on land and in water. A keen worker, easily taught, loyal, affectionate and trustworthy`

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HPR Gundog Training: How and where to get started

OF THE BREED

If you interested in any aspect of gundog work with your Large Munsterlander; if you want a reliable shooting companion, or to compete in Working Tests or if you would simply like to understand and work with your dog’s natural ability, it can be difficult finding the right help and advice in your area.

You will not find a weekly HPR gundog class, as easily as you can find a general pet obedience class.

i The Large Munsterlander Club hold occasional training days with Rory Major, an experienced HPR trainer and successful competitor, in Lincolnshire and will endeavour to continue arranging these days as long as there are members to fill them. One of these days would be a good place to start if you have an interest in gundog work with your LM or even if you are having general training problems i.e. recall.

i The Large Munsterlander Club also hold Field Trials and Working Tests. Field Trials are best left to experienced owners with trained gundogs. But if you are struggling to find knowledgeable owners and training opportunities in your area and you have a young LM that you have started basic training with, you could consider entering a working test. At working tests, the puppy class is for dogs aged 6 to 18 months and will include basic obedience, hunting and simple retrieves using canvas dummies. If this is too daunting a prospect, all dogs are welcome and un-entered dogs may be present. It is a good occasion for new owners to come and see what gundog work is all about and have the opportunity to meet many experienced owners who could offer advise and recommend local HPR trainers and groups. The club holds one working test per year at Beaconsfield in July but there are many working tests held by other HPR clubs over the summer months, a list of which can be found at www.hprftinfo.co.uk

i The Large Munsterlander Club hold two Natural Aptitude Tests per year. The Natural Aptitude Test is a perfect starting point for any owner wishing to learn more about the natural inbuilt capabilities within their Large Munsterlander. There will be experienced owners on hand, to offer help and advice. All club events will be advertised on the event diary

i The German Shorthaired Pointer Club is split into regional groups or branches, some of which offer monthly training open to all HPR breeds. The Large Munsterlander Club recommend you contact the GSPC if you are looking for a regular training group as they will be held and frequented by people who understand the specifics of HPR work.

i Another possibilty is The Gundog Club, a relatively new organisation that offers 8 week courses. The Gundog Club's graded training scheme has six levels of award, Grade 1 (beginner) to Grade 6 (master). Currently they only have two grades for HPRs, Grade 1 and Grade 2 (junior). Many experienced HPR trainers and field trial competitors are now running training courses for the gundog club, however many courses do not accept HPRs and some of those that do could be more geared towards the more traditional Spaniels and Retrievers. Although the courses are very basic, the gundog club has been a good springboard for many novice HPR owners.

i Ask other owners of HPRs to recommend local trainers. There are several experienced HPR trainers who offer one to one, weekly or monthly training, a few of which can be found under training days on hprftinfo.co.uk. Also, click here for a list of HPR trainers first published in the GSPA newsletter and reproduced here with grateful thanks to the GSPA. Good HPR trainers are few and far between, although not ideal, general spaniel/retriever training may be of some benefit if you cannot find anything else.

i The Large Munsterlander Club, has a new post within the committee. One of the ideas behind this post is to direct owners to sources of help and information, in particular other more experienced owners of Large Munsterlanders who could perhaps offer advice, meet up with you or recommend trainers or groups in your area. You can contact the Events & Training Coordinator or Field Trial Secretary if you need help finding appropriate HPR training. Click here for contact details.

With any training, if you are not comfortable with the way the classes are run or the training methods employed, trust your instincts and do not continue with the training. Although some form of correction is usually necessary in gundog training, any training should be on the whole reward based and enjoyable for both dog and handler.

Ian Tapp