Class Content.
The group is divided into various classes - a level for everyone. Each dog and handler will progress and move into the class most suited to them once the instructor decides they have sufficiently progressed.
Small puppies.
This is a class where the dog and handler begin to form a bond, while in the company of others. Basic recall, sit/stays, fun retrieves and learning to walk nicely on a lead.
Upper puppy and induction.
This is for older puppies that have mastered the real basics and for any older dogs coming to the session for the first time. (The instructor will then be able to point newcomers to the class most suited to them.)
Recalls and sit/stays from a slightly greater distance, simple retrieves both seen and small memory retrieves, introduction to the whistle, introduction to water and different ground cover, and the beginnings of steadiness.
Novice.
Obedience - sit to whistle, recall to whistle.
Retrieve - seen retrieves on command, split retrieves, blind retrieves. Simple directional work, steadiness to a thrown dummy.
Water - direct entry to water on command, simple seen retrieve from water.
Introduction to shot.
Intermediate and problem solving class.
For those aiming towards The Working Gundog Certificate, and those problems sometimes faced that require a little one/one attention.
Open.
More complex retrieve work, under close control. Stretching seen, blind, split and water retrieves at a greater distance with advanced whistle commands. For those entering Working Tests at Open level, or working at this level.
