Five of the best: essential gundog training gear

Pinewood Dog Sports Vest 2.0

The Pinewood dog sports vest is lightweight and perfect for anyone who enjoys an active life with dogs, dog sports activities, training and competitions. This vest has plenty of functional pockets and high-ventilation mesh for extra comfort. It has taped seams, is adjustable at the waist and the bottom and has reflective details.

Both front pockets have magnetic buttons and D-rings. It also has hand pockets, double chest pockets, three inner pockets – one of which has a rubber opening for dog waste bags – plus small chest pockets for whistles, pens and suchlike.

Finally, there is a spacious back pocket that is adjustable in size with magnetic and push and pull buttons, as well as two smaller back pockets on each side that are suitable for holding water bottles.

Mystique German Field Trial Moxon Slip-Lead

This is a slip-lead made of high-quality climbing rope with a deer antler stop and a “bird’s eye” running noose. Muntjac Trading says it is an “almost indestructible” gundog slip-lead and may be used for training your dog, trialling, picking-up or just exercising and fitness training. Available in various lengths – 90cm, 110cm, 130cm and 150cm – and up to 24 colours, the lead can easily be retrieved if dropped. Also available in 4mm and 8mm lengths.

Dog & Field 2-in-1 Waterproof Drying Coat

The Dog & Field microfibre-lined waterproof drying coat is perfect for any working dog that is required to swim. The fully waterproof outer shell protects against the elements, keeping your dog warm and dry. With a single torso strap and a chest strap, the coat is ideally suited for use in various situations such as for working dogs after a wet day in the field, after taking your dog for a swim or for after hydrotherarpy sessions.

All Dog & Field coats are machine washable and available from XS (35cm) up to XXL (80cm). For correct sizing, measure your dog from between the shoulder blades to the base of the back, above the tail.

Sporting Saint Handheld Dummy Launcher

The Sporting Saint handheld dummy launcher is a quintessential tool for gundog training, and this improved model is engineered to withstand the rigours of both professional and amateur dog training sessions. Now crafted with stainless steel components, the launcher ensures longevity and resistance to wear. Its ergonomic blue rubber handle provides a secure grip, even in challenging weather conditions. The inclusion of a built-in extractor simplifies maintenance, enabling the quick and easy removal of spent cartridges.

Designed to simulate real-life shooting scenarios, the launcher helps dogs become accustomed to the sound of gunfire and work at a shoot fully under control. It enables training over varying distances, with the ability to launch dummies to a distance of up to approximately 90m, depending on the blank used. This feature is invaluable for exercises involving water retrieves, hedge crossings and fence jumps.

Sporting Saint also offers a useful dummy launcher pack that includes the launcher, a canvas dummy, a PVC launcher dummy, launcher blanks, spare O rings and ear plugs.

Dog & Field Remote Controlled Dummy Dropper

Dog & Field’s all new remote-controlled dummy dropper makes retrieving more varied and exciting for your dog. The unit comes complete with remote control, charging cord and four dummies. It also has the added functionality of a beep sound, perfect as a distraction sound or to hold the attention of your dog’s focus to the mark.

Weighing just 2.8kg, the dropper is a lightweight, versatile and waterproof unit and has a remote-control handset that is operational up to 300m in open land. Even when used in dense woodland, the remote control distance is still functional at up to 150m.

The dummy dropper features a lithium battery and a digital display to indicate the battery charge level as well as an external fuse and charging port for easy charging without the need to remove anything from the launcher. It also comes complete with a 12-month warranty.