Why will my gundog do it for the trainer but not me ?
The reasons your gundog performs better for the trainer generally come down to a few key areas:
1. Consistency and Clarity
This is often the single biggest difference.
* Trainer's Consistency: A professional trainer is 100% consistent with commands, consequences, and rewards. They use the same tone, timing, and body language every single time.
* Owner's Inconsistency: At home, we often relax the rules. You might let a "No" slide one day and enforce it strictly the next, or use slightly different words or tones for the same command (e.g., "Come here," "Come on," "Come!"). This creates confusion for the dog, who learns that listening isn't always mandatory.
* Clear Boundaries: The trainer sets clear, non-negotiable boundaries. The dog knows exactly what is expected and what is not allowed.
2. Timing of Reinforcement (Rewards and Corrections) Dogs live in the moment, and timing is everything.
* Trainer's Precision: Trainers are experts at precise timing. They reward the exact moment the dog does the desired behavior, making the association clear and immediate.
* Owner's Delay: As owners, we often reward or correct too late. If the dog sits, then stands up, and then you give the treat, you may be rewarding the act of standing up or the general activity, not the desired sit.
3. Emotional Involvement and Leadership
Your relationship with your dog is loving, but sometimes that love can interfere with the working relationship.
* Trainer's Objectivity: The trainer is less emotionally attached to the dog's personal history. They are a clear, confident leader who isn't swayed by the dog's sad eyes or charming attempts to "negotiate."
* Owner's Emotionality: You might unknowingly use a pleading or frustrated tone, or repeat a command multiple times before the dog complies. This undermines your leadership and teaches the dog that the first few commands are optional. A gundog will only work reliably for a handler who is a calm, consistent, and confident leader.
4. Environmental and Associative Differences
The dog associates certain places and people with certain modes of behaviour.
* "Training Mode" Association: When the dog is with the trainer, they are in a specific "training mode." The environment, the gear, and the trainer's routine all signal that it's time to work.
* "Pet Mode" Association: At home, you are associated with relaxing, snuggles, playtime, and meals ("pet mode"). It's harder for your dog to switch into "work mode" when you are holding the lead.
* Handling Distractions: Trainers start in controlled environments and slowly introduce distractions, rewarding the dog heavily for maintaining focus. Owners often ask for performance in highly distracting real-world scenarios (like an exciting field or park) before the behaviour is "bulletproof" against those distractions.
What You Can Do to Fix It
The key is to adopt the trainer's mindset and apply it to your daily interactions:
* Be a Broken Record with Commands: Use the exact same command, tone, and hand signal every single time. Say it once. If the dog doesn't respond, guide them to complete the action and then praise/reward.
* Elevate Your Rewards: Use high-value rewards (like a favorite toy, a piece of roast chicken, or a special dummy) that are more exciting than the environment. Your praise should be enthusiastic.
* Perfect Your Timing: Keep a small handful of treats or a whistle/clicker on you at all times. Reward the instant the dog performs the action you asked for.
* Be Present: When you are with your dog, especially during training or walks, put your phone away. Give your dog your full, undivided attention, just as the trainer does.
* Be More Interesting: You need to be the source of all good things and the most interesting thing in the environment. This builds the crucial working bond.