I work with all levels of dog handler, from first-time owners to well-seasoned competitive handlers. I often refer to other sports and use them to explain a theory or aspect…
Ellena Swift
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How can I stop my cocker spaniel creeping?
Q: I have done everything I can to stop my cocker spaniel creeping. I have consistently put her back where she started, never allowing her to have a retrieve after…
Was getting a cocker spaniel a mistake?
Q: I am wondering whether getting a cocker spaniel was a mistake. I bought my first cocker spaniel last year. I was sure to do my research on reputable breeders…
Can a working gundog also be a family pet?
Am I taking a risk having my working labrador as a house dog?
How to stop a dog chewing the wrong things
Q: I am having a problem with my 14-month-old spaniel. He seems to love to retrieve, but chews hard on everything. He has chews in the house, but I had…
A gundog’s first shoot day
Now more than ever, many gundog enthusiasts around the country are excited and preparing for the shooting season. A lot of those are novices or first-time handlers and will currently…
How to find the right gundog trainer
Ever since I was old enough to walk by myself, I have been going shooting with my family. I’ve always been attracted to the working gundogs side and, since I…
Do beaters, loaders and pickers-up get paid fairly?
Some beaters, loaders and pickers-up rely on shoots as their main source of income throughout the season. However this money cannot replace a regular salary (and it’s been hit hard…
Setting rules for working dogs starts from day one
Dogs, like humans, need rules and boundaries, so they know what to expect, what is acceptable and what is not. In the early months, this is vital. For example, if…
Paddling pools for working dogs: a useful way to introduce youngsters to water work
Like many, my dogs have small paddling pools for working dogs that I encourage puppies to explore and play in as much as possible. I use toys and even treats…
Professional gundog training – when is it best to leave it to the experts?
There are many ways to train a dog. You can opt for professional gundog training but the most common is to train the dog yourself. This is a strongly supported…
A shoot day is no place for an overexcited dog
Q: I own a rather excitable dog, an exuberant German shorthaired pointer (GSP) that I take beating on several driven shoots. He works well once the drives start and always…
How to train your gundog to hold a line
At a recent gundog training session, all of my dogs were running well, handling and stopping, hunting hard and generally being very pleasing. However, the ground was a little different…
Day-to-day gundog training
Day-to-day gundog training Lizzie, the young flatcoat, has gone home for a little break. She is now one year old and coming on a treat, but she needs time to…
Checking up on a pedigree
Q: I am doubtful of the pedigree details of some Labrador puppies I have been offered. Pedigrees are widely available online and provide information for those who can simply make…
Dogs can suffer from depression too. Here’s how to help them.
With the prospect of lockdown being eased or hopefully ending, there is a good chance that the vast majority of dogs will soon have to become accustomed to a new…
Can a rescue make a top gundog?
Looking at rescue gundogs When clients approach me about getting a working dog, I have to admit that looking at rescue gundogs is not the first thing I’d suggest. But…
Training gundogs during COVID
It might seem like I have plenty of time to plan, lots of equipment and endless ground to train on. While I am lucky to have access to more ground,…
Guard dogs to guard gundogs
Dog theft is a hot topic at the moment; in particular of gundogs. They are stolen from cars, kennels, houses and gardens. One of the issues is the money these…
How can we breed the perfect Labrador?
The Labrador retriever was first recognised by the Kennel Club as a breed in 1903. It was originally known as the St John’s dog or lesser Newfoundland dog. The breed…