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…
Ellena Swift
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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…
Keeping a young gundog steady on a shoot day
A suitable shooting companion should be many things. They should be hard hunting, patient on peg, calm to heel and have reliable recall. These are only a few of the…
What your puppy will need to get used to when lockdown ends
This has been an unusual time for all of us in pretty much every aspect of our lives and dog training is no exception. In some ways lockdown has helped…
Old dog, neat tricks
A team of dogs usually comprises varying age and ability levels. It is common to have at least one youngster that is in training and learning its trade from older…
Why it’s important to accentuate the positive when dog training
The world of gundog training is a rapidly changing place and handlers are now more than ever working on improving their dogs’ skills as well as their own. During the…
Can you train a gundog inside?
We are living in unprecedented times. The situation with COVID-19, and the resultant social distancing and isolation, is stressful for the vast majority of us. But how is it affecting…
Finally some shooting clothing for women that’s fit for purpose
As any female involved in fieldsports will know, buying women’s shooting clothing can be a bit of a nightmare. In decades past, I joined my first beating line and was clad…
When it comes to the crunch
Working dog nutrition is a complex topic. There are many food varieties for a working dog diet out there and all sorts of choices an owner can make for their…
Are chocolate Labradors poor retrievers?
I was asked recently about my opinion on a dog’s eye colour. The inquirer felt if a Labrador had light-coloured eyes, it was more prone to be skittish and wild.…
When you first take your gundog out on a shoot what should you expect?
What is the right age to take a dog on its first day shooting? You have decided you are ready to take your young dog on its first day shooting.…