What does everybody think about 'extra curricular' activities for dogs? lol, my partner and i have a difference in opinion as to wether our working dogs should be allowed to do agility, come jogging go to the beach etc. He thinks it detracts from their training and spoils them. I think as long as I am not contradicting anything they have to do on the job, its ok and helps build a better realtionship. We have a working cocker and a sheepdog, the sheepdog works already and has done other things for years without any probolems. Our cocker is almost two, and is coming along nicely but not been out beating yet.

Depends whether your partner intends trialling the dog? 

I do lots with my dogs and think its really good for them. I think it would be a bit boring to just have a dog for the one thing, variety is the spice of life and does not spoil them in my opinion. If the dog/dogs are trained to do whatever you choose correctly and efficiently then there is no reason why dogs cant multi task. Otter my Lab will do anything you ask of him and has excelled at flyball, agility, showing, picking up, dogging in, beating and id love to start some tracking with him. My Belle is the same and she is also a PAT dog. Sooty will also once her basics are steady will go on and do a number of things as will Drake. Have fun with your dogs after all thats what its all about

I'd agree that variety is good.  Ollie has not done agility or anything like that, but he loves the beach etc and it's not done him any harm.  WCS are smart little dogs, if they are worked full time, say a Game Keepers dog or similar then fine, but if not they need something to alleviate the boredom of the non-shooting season - a bit like us guns as well:)

I would just change where you train keep it different . mix up the training to keep it fresh, my dog dosn't seem to get bored with the training .

Regards Gavin.