Dog behaviour: Recently, we had two visitors, known to my dog, who met him at the front door. He turned his head away and raised his lip in what seemed like a snarl and backed away from their hands.
Gundogs
How can I get involved in field trials?
I have an 18-month-old cocker spaniel, which I work, and I am considering going to a field trial with a view to spectating and, at a later stage, taking part myself. I live in Lancaster — could you tell me what I need to do to get involved?
Puppy health advice: Elbows and X-Rays
Puppy: Why is it so important for working labradors to have their elbow joints X-rayed at the same time as their hips are checked? And what is the best approach with a puppy?
Will a poor gundog test affect my Working Gundog Certificate?
I am considering trying for my Working Gundog Certificate (WGC) at Chatsworth in a novice working test. If I get a low score on a test, will that mean a fail for the WGC as well?
How can I find out more about the rules of field trials?
Gundog training: Test & Trials: I am new to gundog competitions; how can I find out more about the rules of field trials?
Is food for rewards during gundog training neccessary?
Gundog training: I notice that you often advise the use of food for rewards during training. Shouldn't a dog be happy to work for praise?
All training disappears when my gundog is off the lead!
Gundog training: On the lead my 17-month-old springer spaniel is obedient, walks to heel well, sits on the whistle and is steady.
Why was a dog put out in the last Cocker Spaniel Championship?
Gundog training: Tests and trials: At the last Cocker Spaniel Championship, three dogs pegged live birds in succession, but only the last one was put out. Why would that have been?
Would a rescue spaniel be suitable for gundog training?
Gundog training: I recently went to a large rescue kennel and saw two spaniels in need of a home. Both are over a year old, and they were vocal and active when taken outside to a play area, but neither has papers.
When should I begin gundog training for water work?
Gundog training: I have owned several breeds of gundogs over the years, but as they were mainly used for work on the moors, I never taught any of them water work.
My puppy gets overly excited when around other people!
Gundog training: I try to socialise my 5 month-old Labrador puppy as much as possible, but while she is well behaved with me on our own - as soon as she sees other people I lose all control of her.
Will another bitch coming into heat bring mine on as well?
Gundog training & health: Now it is the end of the shooting season, I want to breed from my bitch, but she is erratic with her heat cycles.
Do show-winning spaniels ever compete successfully in trials?
Gundog training test & trials: Do show-winning English springers ever compete successfully in trials?
Is a spoonful of Benylin a good cure for kennel cough?
Kennel Cough: Someone told me a spoonful of Benylin was a good cure for kennel cough. Is this true as it would be much cheaper than going to the vets?
Are all breeds expected to work at the same speed?
Gundog training: Will an Italian spinone or a munsterlander be expected to work with the same speed as a German shorthaired pointer in a field trial?
If 1st place gets disqualified, will 2nd place become winner?
Gundog training: Tests & trials: If a dog that wins a trial subsequently gets disqualified, will the dog in second place automatically become the winner?
Spaniel training: Stopping spaniels from pulling on
Spaniel training: I have been helping on my local shoot, dogging-in birds from the boundaries. My two spaniels have started pulling forward onto scent and sometimes going off the whistle. I need spaniel training advice.
My gundog puppy is too scared to train after attack!
Gundog training: My pup was attacked by another at gundog training, and now he hates going there. He’s reluctant to get out of the car, and he just sits and shivers in class. He won’t do any off-lead exercises at all.
Why is it gundogs never seem to bother with a collar?
Gundog training: I thought all dogs had to wear an identity tag when they’re out. Why is it that gundogs never seem to bother with a collar – let alone a tag?
Gun dog training: Obedience training
Obedience training: Without proper obedience training a gun dog with behavioral problems will be of no good to anyone.