Gordon Setter Forum:
Training Problem

I have a 3 year old GS male that is very stylish and is a great bird finder. In training sessions he stands his birds with great intensity and desire. In a field trial situation for some reason when you approach for the flush he wants to circle or round up the birds. I have not been able to break the habit. When he is in training he stands perfectly in the field trial setting, he circles. Is this a gordon trait. If so, is there a way to break it? Please email me at www.birddoghandler.com

approach your dog from the side, slowly, but deliberately,

flush the bird with you facing your dog. Yes, I believe it

is a trait of this breed. Some refer to it as a herding

characteristic, being that this breed supposedly had collie

in its blood, way back when. Also note what is different in

your training situations, versus the field "test". Is there

cover that the dog is circling, trying to prevent the bird

from escaping? Have you established a definite whoa command?

If you have, you may consider reinforcing it with an e-collar. But beware, some dogs are soft. Just make sure your

dog understands why it is being corrected.

Good luck !!!!