Test Valley HPR Club
Training Schedule
This training schedule is geared towards the retrieving & hunting aspect of HPR work.
The committee of TVHPR has put this schedule together with 6 levels of training as detailed below.
Level 1 is entry level covering basic obedience and a simple seen retrieve
Level 2 builds on the above but with greater distances and introduces water and a jump
Level 3 covers memory retrieves, splits and hand signals and whistle commands
Level 4 is for dogs of novice standard that could be competing in novice gundog working tests which will cover split retrieves at distance, blind retrieves, retrieves with a distraction. This level will also have a second element consisting of a hunting assessment
Level 5 is for dogs at the top end of novice who probably would have been regularly placed in novice gundog working tests and working their way to the open class. The assessment at level 5 will be a simulated drive and shoot environment
Level 6 is for dogs of open standard that will be competing in open gundog working tests and field trials.
You will need a few basic bits of equipment to start with; a training collar (semi check) or slip lead, a whistle, a small dummy and possibly a long training lead.
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Verbal Command
Sit Come Heel Out ~ to get dog to go left or right Stop Mark ~ used to mark the fall of a retrieve On and Fetch ~ used to send your dog for a retrieve Hi lost / There~ used to tell the dog where the retrieve is Turn ~ there is no verbal command. This is used in hunting/quartering when you want the dog to change direction. Jump, hup, over - Used when you want dog to jump an obstacle, cross water Steady ~ Used when the dog is hunting and approaching game and you want him to be steady |
Whistle Command
Short Blast Three short pips N/A N/A Long blast N/A N/A N/A Two short toots on the whistle N/A N/A |
Hand Signal
Hand held high with palm of hand facing dog Arms spread wide, like a crucifix Tap on side of leg with hand Wide gesture of arm to left or right Hand held high with palm facing dog, then gesture arm towards dog 1. Tell the dog to mark as the dummy hits the ground 2. At the start of a retrieve point arm in direction of retrieve and tell dog to mark Following the mark command you tell the dog on and fetch to get the retrieve Use when dog is in the area of the retrieve, he will look for the retrieve item Wide gesture of arm to left or right N/A N/A |
These commands are by no means set in stone but are given as a guide. As you develop your relationship with your dog you may wish to refine and/or change your commands to suit.
