Gundogs, Their Learning Chain by Joe Irving
I have just taken a copy of 'Gundogs' from my shelf in order to prepare this review. Over the last 25 or 30 years, despite only owning a total of four dogs, I have talked a great deal about dogs with a lot of people, and helped a few I know. It came as a bit of a shock, on flicking through 'Gundog', just how much of my knowledge comes from this book, and how much so many people must owe to it's contents.
Joe Irving was working as a professional Gun Dog Trainer
when he penned this, the second of his three gundog training books. The first book, Training Spaniels, holds pride of place on my shelf, and I read it often and studied it carefully. This second book, Gundogs, Their Learning Chain, I read as soon as I could get my hands on it. I don't remember that much of the book to be honest, but as I read it again now, it is a testament to Joe's easy and comprehensive style that so much of what I know came from this book.
After buying his third book, I Googled Joe (the law can't touch you for it) and found his website, and enjoyed a short email exchange. Like most dog enthusiasts I have talked to, it is so easy to have a conversation with like minded individuals.
Anyway I digress. Gundogs, their learning chain is a comprehensive introduction to gundog training, ideally suited for the beginner or an experienced dog trainer with his first example of a gun dog to train. The emphasis throughout is on prevention of problems, which is preferable to having to correct a long series of mistakes.
The Book Contains Chapters on
- choosing a breed and puppy;
- development and chastisement (very important to get this aspect of training, correcting a dog when he does wrong, right from the very beginning),
- Basic Training
- Introduction to the Hunters (hunting breeds)
- Advanced Retrieving
- Cold Game
- The Pointers and Setters
- Breeding
- Picking Up and Beating (game, not the dogs!)
My Rating
I would give this book 8 out of 10.