Abbie Reid

My dog training career began in 2007 when I bought home my first Labrador called Mya. She was an 8 week old, working bred, black Labrador and I began the task of training this full on, high energy puppy using reference books and a DVD. At the same time I was working as a full time Professional Tennis Coach. It was a steep learning curve.

 

When Mya was 18 months old I enrolled on a number of courses with a local gundog trainer where we learned the basic foundations of gundog work, passed grades 1 to 4 of The Gundog Club Graded Award Scheme and took part in our first shoot day experiences together. I was hooked from then on. I became an Assistant Gundog Trainer for 3 years which began my Gundog Training career.

 

Since those early days I am now an IABTC Qualified Dog Training Instructor and have a Diploma in Canine Psychology. 

I have attended many dog related courses over the years, both gundog and pet dog and have acquired a great depth of knowledge and learned numerous training methods through listening to other trainers and observing how they teach. 

I also have the knowledge and hands-on experience of training my own ten Labradors to run in Working Tests and Field Trials and to be valued and super keen members of shoot day picking up and beating teams.

More importantly I have had the privilege of teaching 1000s of gundogs of all breeds, characters and temperaments at Riverlily who all require different training techniques depending on the breed and individual nature of the dog. 

 

Riverlily Working Dogs was established in 2012 and has grown into a fantastic club where people can train their dogs in a friendly and relaxed environment, set in beautiful Hertfordshire countryside. 

Our training methods are reward-based and our sessions are structured and progressive so everyone can achieve their training goals. We have numerous social events throughout the year and finish most lessons with cake and lots of tea!

 

My current Team consists of seven black Labradors and one yellow Labrador all of which are related. Over the years I have bred three litters in the Riverlily line which has produced cracking big, strong, bold, fast dogs and small, clever, fast bitches. They are all hunting machines.

 

My Team are trained consistently throughout the year and enjoy walks and free time too. They lead super happy and active lives. In the summer months we regularly compete in Working Tests and in the winter months we pick up and beat on a number of local shoots. There is never a dull moment!

I have also entered a number of Field Trials and this is what I am focusing on with my young dogs.

 

Come and see us soon and start your gundog training career with Riverlily.

 

Abbie Reid

 

 My advice would be "always remember you and your dog are a team and if you are enjoying the training then I am sure your dog will be too!"