2007

I sometimes wonder why on earth I decided to get an Irish Setter. I've always known that they can be difficult dogs to live with. Many people approach me and say that in their experience Irish Setters are un-trainable. If I were to sum up in a sentence what makes an Irish Setter, I'd have to say that they like nothing better than to range in a field. I imagine that this is what they were originally bred for. The Irish Moors, boggy areas with wide open spaces, difficult terrain for you or I to travel comfortably over. Yet an Irish Setter loves it. They can run through the moors all day long and really love it. A well trained Setter will keep half an eye on you at all times, although they do occasionally disappear.

Irish Setters and Agility - why on earth did I decide to do Agility with an Irish Setter? Setters are fiercely independent and like to do their own thing. KT loves to do agility, but she lacks the drive and keenness you see so many collies have. OK, we'll do it, is her attitude. Surprisingly when we go to a competition KT's attitude seems to change. She's keen and eager to get going, as long as she doesn't see the dog walk. Agility has helped me to train KT. Discipline, you will do this for me. Now at nearly four years of age, KT has become a well trained dog. I wouldn't say 100% obedient, but she knows what I mean, and she now seems to understand that every command I give has a reason, even though she doesn't realise what that reason is, and may not like it.