Janes Hayes, of the charity Doglost, offers her views on ways to secure your dogs from thieves
Gundogs
Here’s just about everything you need to know about gundogs. This useful collection of information and advice covers field trial and working tests, gundog training and exercise, breeds and gundog health plus help with breeding and buying or selling your gundog.
If you’re looking for a companion in the field, browse through our section on different gundog breeds to help you decide.
History of dogs
You’ll also find interesting reading on the history of different breeds, for example the backgrounds of the Clumber spaniel, Vizsla and the difference between a Parson Russell and a Jack Russell. We’ve also written about the increasingly popular Sprocker.
Or if you have a query about gundog health – which could be something as simple as how often to feed your dog through to wondering whether gundogs get hypothermia, you’ll find the answer in our health section.
Our panel of veterinary experts have a wealth of experience to help you take the best care of your gundog, whatever the breed.
How to treat heatstroke in dogs
Dogs do not sweat like humans; they don’t have sweat glands, except for a few on the foot pads and on their noses. When they become warm dogs pant, exhaling overheated air, breathing in fresh, cool air and lowering their core body temperature. When a dog is confined to a…
Why does my Jack Russell hop, skip and jump?
There are two likely possibilities and I am afraid each might require a surgical intervention, which is not what you will want to hear. Luxating patella The patella, or kneecap, sits in the knuckle-like trochlear groove at the front of the thigh bone or femur. It has an important job.…
What happens when you bring a sprocker puppy home for the first time
It is 12 years since my springer Rowan was a puppy but as she was home-bred she had her mother for company, who not only provides companionship but also discipline. My previous two springers were also home-bred, so it has been many years since a young puppy, recently separated from…
Why aren’t golden retrievers more popular in the field?
One of the mysteries of the gundog world is why golden retrievers are a comparative rarity in the shooting field, especially compared with the ubiquitous Labrador. Fashion probably has a great deal to do with this, because a well-trained golden is every bit a match for even the best of Labradors. Golden retrievers – relaxed, easy to…
Should I have my springer spaniel puppy castrated?
Q: I have a nine-month-old male springer spaniel puppy that has recently started trying to mount bitches even though they are not in season. I have been told it might be best to have him castrated. What would you advise? A: Before deciding on puppy castration, it is important to…
Would a silver Labrador be right for you?
What exactly is the right colour? The Kennel Club’s breed standard states that “any shade of gold or cream” is acceptable for golden retrievers, while the American KC requires “rich, lustrous gold of various shades”. Colour is a contentious issue in many breeds. However, when it comes to controversial coat…
Raw food for dogs – a good or bad idea?
A reader asks if it's ok to feed their Labrador raw tripe every day or if they should mix it up
My dog is a picky eater – any ideas for a cure?
I have three gundogs who I have had to separate at feeding times due to fighting.
Spaying an older dog. Should you?
Q: I took my eight-and-a-half-year-old bitch to the vet because she was being a bit slow with her food. It transpired that she was having a phantom pregnancy. The vet advised that I have her neutered, but I am wary of this because of her age. What do you think?…
Most dog attacks are by Labradors. Seriously?
I have just been alerted to a story in The Times that the breed of dog blamed for the most dog attack claims in the UK is the Labrador. This doesn’t surprise me at all, despite the fact that almost all the Labradors I have met have been big softies,…
Do Labradors really originate from Newfoundland?
Q: I read that Labradors originated from dogs used by fishermen in North America and were used for helping to retrieve nets from the sea and estuaries in their country of origin. Interestingly my own dog, since it was a small puppy, has always retrieved dummies from water by grabbing…
Why do some dogs chase sheep and others don’t?
You should teach your dog to avoid sheep from an early age. If that doesn't work, electric collars could be an option but they must be used with caution
Does your Labrador have this disgusting habit?
Eating other dogs’ faeces is an antisocial habit we ask Paul Rawlings how to prevent it
Neutering young dogs can be damaging
Veterinary surgeons are not renowned for always agreeing with each other, so I was pleased to hear from gundog enthusiast and vet Roger Bannock in response to my recent article on neutering dogs. He wrote: “I agree with most of the points. Nowadays all graduates are brainwashed into thinking early…
Common garden plants that are deadly to dogs – and what to do if they eat one
Gundog training: My gundog likes to eat all sorts of grass and weeds, and sometimes chews and swallows earth and wood as well.
Is my dog going blind?
I'm worried for my gundog's health! I have an elderly, but fit, Labrador and I am concerned that he may be going blind.
Do dogs have to wear collars?
Q: I pick-up with a very experienced dog person who has a team of dogs under immaculate control. None of them wear a collar. I thought dogs were obliged to by law. I asked him about it and he said that a collar could injure his dogs and he wasn’t…
How to train a spaniel puppy that lacks confidence
Gundog training: Tread carefully when training a spaniel puppy with a gentle temperament.