Eating other dogs’ faeces is an antisocial habit we ask Paul Rawlings how to prevent it
Gundogs
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.
8 of the best dog friendly hotels around the UK
If your dog has served you faithfully during the season – and your other half also deserves a break, then a stay in a lovely hotel is a well-earned treat. Or maybe you’re just looking for a dog-friendly hotel? We’ve picked out eight recommendations. 1. The Royal Oak, East Lavant,…
Why raw chicken wings are possibly the perfect dog food
Fifteen years ago I changed my dogs’ diet to what is now generally termed a BARF (bones and raw food) diet. However, I prefer to call it a natural diet, because it is. I’m convinced it is the best way to feed a dog, although of course you have to bear…
How to spot the difference between a Jack Russell terrier and a Parson Russell
In 1815, the Reverend John Russell, then 20 years old and obsessed with hunting, was on the point of taking his final exams at Oxford University. One day, while strolling near the river Cherwell, he encountered a milkman with a terrier — “such an animal as Russell had only seen…
Why the working cocker spaniel is such a popular dog
Time was when everyone had a black Labrador and was happy. Then there were chocolate Labradors for a bit. Now fox red Labradors seem to be having their moment. But the dog that seems to be really springing up all over the place is the working cocker spaniel. It seems that everywhere you look these…
What you should know about slip leads
If I stop him he’ll sit still for a while and then suddenly dart off to retrieve the bird.
Can terriers work in the beating line?
Terriers are an asset in the beating line, says David Bezzant after observing a Jack Russell at work on a shoot
Socialising dogs – some readers’ problems
Q: I have a 20-month-old Labrador dog who lives in the house with two Labrador bitches aged five and eight. He is being trained as a gundog and works fine with dogs that he knows. He was introduced to unfamiliar puppies from an early age and attended puppy classes. When…
Do electric collars have a place in dog training?
Defra is under heavy pressure from a number of organisations, including most notably the Kennel Club (KC), to ban electric shock collars, and has launched an online consultation to gauge public opinion. The KC’s arguments are clearly explained: “The Kennel Club believes that electric shock collars have no place in…
What makes the perfect Labrador?
If you wanted to start an argument at a game fair, you couldn’t go far wrong with initiating a discussion about what the perfect Labrador should look like. Even the most casual countryside observer will be aware that there is huge variety in the breed. As it is the most…
Should you neuter your dog?
Neutering dogs has become such routine practice that I’m sure many people don’t give it a second thought. Bitches always seem to come into season at the most inappropriate time, such as the middle of the shooting season, so unless you want to breed from them there is a strong…
Gluten-free diets for dogs – when are they necessary?
Q: I am thinking about buying a border terrier puppy from a local gamekeeper. My friend tells me I will have to avoid feeding it gluten. But gluten-free diets for dogs are a load of old tosh, right?” A: Your friend might be right. But he could be wrong. Border terriers…
Is it really possible to train a rescue springer as a gundog?
We all know that puppies aren’t easy, but if you want a working spaniel, taking on a puppy is probably your best option, as it is rare to find a trained spaniel for sale. But there is an alternative: adopt a rescue dog. A quick check on the internet will…
When should I start training my puppy to be a gundog?
Training a puppy should start from the very first day it begins life with its new owner. Whereas formal gundog training puppies can start at around seven months – depending on the youngster of course. The early days are crucial You need to establish a partnership and rapport early on…
Gundogs and puppies that don’t like noise – what can you do about it
Scared gundog: Loud noises make for a scared gundog.