Teach an old dog new tricks?

[bighairysasquatch 10]

I have a 5y/o english springer that I rescued about 18months ago.

He had spent most of his life locked in the back of a landy, and obviously every time the door was opened he made a break for freedom.

Now, I`ve managed to get him to a reasonable standard of obedience but nowhere near where I`d like him to be.

He does answer to the whistle, sometimes, but if he flushes a bird he`ll give chase until it either lands, or he flushes another... sometimes not returning for 10 or so minutes. Obviously this makes me nervous to let him off the lead, especially during the season, as I live on a shooting estate. The keepers know me, and the dog, but I don`t want him tearing through and spoiling a drive.

I tried a collar, which sort of worked for a bit. He also responds reasonably to clicker and treat.

 

Any suggestions?

[hutch6 550]

Get a long line (not an extentable leash) - about 15m - and a harness for him. The long line allows him to have his freedom in the brush etc (just not thick brush where you spend more time unatngling the line from under branches etc) but if he flushes you can lock the line so he can't give chase, you can then call him or give him a little encouragement to come back to you by pulling him towards you and reward him for coming back by either a bit of food or sending him back to scurry.

 

The trick to using a long line is to never allow any slack so the dog can get up moment so it take sa bit of practice but once you get the hang of it the long line becomes a valuable training. I've used one for a few years training unruly hounds to come back or not belt off and the results speak for themeselves. Just don't use one on a runing breed dog or there will be vets bills galore.