RETRIEVER TRAINING CLASSES
Training Co-ordinator - Kate Bollen
Retriever Training Classes:
Training Classes take place on Saturday mornings between March and July. There are 5 classes at each Training Evening and trainees will be asked to join the class most suited to their dog’s ability.
The Training Level descriptions and directions to the Training Grounds are detailed in the sections below.
2023 Retriever Training:
Saturday 4th March - 10am to 12 noon Venue: Springhead (AV Retrievers)
Saturday 1st April - 10am to 12 noon Venue: Springhead (AV Retrievers)
Saturday 20th May - 10am to 12 noon Venue: Lowfold (AV Retrievers)
Saturday 24th June - 10am to 12 noon Venue: Lowfold (AV Retrievers)
Saturday 15th July - 10am to 12 noon Venue: Arundel (AV Retrievers)
In addition, for those wishing to compete in the Pairs Competition, there will be two Monday evenings to practice:
Monday 17th April - 6.30pm Venue: Arundel North (AV Retrievers & AV Spaniels Pairs Training)
Monday 24th April - 6.30pm Venue: Arundel North (AV Retrievers & AV Spaniels Pairs Training)
Competitive Training Day 2023
Saturday 12 August at Arundel East
Details will be available at Training sessions
Grounds are open when the A&D signs are out.
Classes £10 - Please bring the correct money.
Handlers may only have one dog in a class.
To compete in the Competitive Training Day, dogs must have attended at least two classes.
Bring your own well-scrubbed and clearly named dummy.
Any members (or prospective new members) keen to start training but unsure as to whether they’re either ready for Level 1, or unsure of what’s involved, are encouraged to come along with their dog and watch the training sessions, meet the Training Co-ordinator and Trainers and have an informal chat about how to progress. A controlled introduction for young dogs who can sit on lead and watch a session.
TRAINING LEVELS
Level 1: Dog is able to
- Walk to heel on lead and has some off-lead ability, sit, stay, recall
Gundog work will be introduced at this level. Training will be targeted towards Level 2.
Level 2: Dog is able to
- Walk to heel off lead, sit, stay, recall
- Achieve simple single marked retrieve, deliver to hand, remain reasonably steady when other dogs working.
More complex retrieves and directional work will be introduced at this level targeted towards Level 3.
Level 3: Dog is able to
- Walk to heel off lead, sit, stay, recall, achieve simple single marked retrieve, deliver to hand and remain reasonably steady when other dogs are working
- Be directed on to double marked retrieves, achieve memory retrieves, achieve blind retrieves with shot, have a good level of steadiness
Training at this level will be targeted towards more complex work including longer distances, blinds with no shot, tackling obstacles found in the shooting field (fences and ditches) and general confidence for both handler and dog. Targeted towards Level 4.
Level 4: Dog is able to achieve
- Good off lead heelwork, sit, stay, recall, deliver to hand and remain totally steady
- Good level of general gundog work including complete blinds with no shot
- Retrieves over long distances and obstacles.
DIRECTIONS TO TRAINING GROUNDS
Directions to Training Grounds:
(Do not enter the ground before the A&D signs are out)
Springhead, Storrington RH20 4HW:
If coming from Storrington the turning is on your left. From Amberley, the turning is on your right.
Fair Oak, Rogate GU31 5HR:
Turn south off A272 at the church in Rogate; over the narrow bridge, and the entrance is immediately on the left.
Lowfold RH14 0ES:
Fittleworth Lane, Wisborough Green. From A272 Petworth take Crimbourne Lane and turn left onto Fittleworth Lane. From A272 Wisborough Green take Fittleworth Lane and follow signs.
Arundel North BN18 9LL:
A284 between Whiteways Roundabout and the Arundel A29 roundabout.
Arundel East:
Follow signs to Wildfowl Reserve, continue past the Black Rabbit pub BN18 9PA to T-junction. Turn left, follow signs through gates in Estate wall.