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 members. The middle-aged gundogs are generally the main workers that are old enough to know their job and young enough…
Gundogs
Will my Labrador’s hips cause her problems in the field?
Labrador hips cause concern Q: I have a four-year-old Labrador bitch that I had intended breeding from, but her hip scores have turned out to be higher than we expected — not too bad but not good enough that we feel we should breed from her. However, I am now…
At what age should you introduce a puppy to gunfire?
The most important thing to remember about when you introduce a puppy to gunfire noise is that you should take it gently and not rush anything. If your gundog puppy is confident you should be able to start at about seven to eight months of age. If she is timid…
Why do dogs point?
Pointing is one of the most fascinating of dog behaviours and one that was recognised long ago as a useful trait to encourage in hunting dogs. Today, there’s a misconception that only pointers, setters and the continental HPR breeds point, but any breed of gundog will point, though it’s unusual…
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 COVID-19 lockdown I have sadly not been able to get Sika to me for training, so I am working with…
The different spaniel breeds – which one would suit you best?
Don't overlook the minor breeds, like Clumber, Welsh springer or Brittany spaniels, although their natural hunting, retrieving and training ability probably won't be as strong as a Cocker or Springer
Common garden plants that are poisonous to gundogs – and what to do if they eat one
When your gundogs are out sniffing and investigating in the garden you could unwittingly be putting their health at risk, by exposing them to poisonous plants
What you should know about slip leads
Placing a slip lead on a dog correctly and how to buy the right size
Why the Hungarian wirehaired viszla is becoming more and more popular
I first came across the Hungarian wirehaired vizsla (HWV) more than 16 years ago. The vizslas in question belonged to a reader who invited me to see them working. I was impressed and the owner said that his dogs had all the attributes of the familiar Hungarian vizsla, but their…
Can you give a rescue dog a home?
There are hundreds of gundogs out there in need of a good home. So instead of buying a pedigree puppy, why not investigate getting a rescue dog? If you haven’t had a puppy before or haven’t had one for perhaps 12 or 13 years it’s easy to forget how active…
Do springer spaniels get bored?
There’s one thing I’ve learned about springer spaniels in nearly 40 years of owning and working the breed: there’s no dog that loves to hunt more than a springer. And as anyone who has owned or shot over one will confirm, they are born optimists, happy to work a piece…
Win a copy of “The Cocker Spaniel” by Janet Menzies
The cocker spaniel is one of the most popular breeds of dogs in the UK today. Bred for stamina, intelligence and drive, they make lively, loving pets. If trained properly they are extremely adaptable gundogs. Some first-time owners can find them a challenging breed, but get the training right and…
Dog theft is on the rise – here’s how to prevent it happening to you
So how can you keep your gundog safe and prevent dog theft? Here's some advice from Mike Jackson, rural crime officer for Wiltshire Police
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 our canine friends? Some may actually be enjoying having their owners around all the time, particularly if they are used…
How to teach reliable gundog recall
Teaching reliable dog recall is one of the basics of gundog training in the early days. Here's how to do it.
How to treat your dog’s pollen allergies
With the warm weather upon us, Dr Neil McIntosh reveals how to treat your dog's pollen allergies
Should healthy dog breeds be cheaper to insure?
Dog insurance might be much simpler if healthy dog breeds attracted lower premiums, much as happens with the difference between insuring a Porsche and a Volkswagen Polo. Healthy dog breeds could be categorised as group one, whilst those attracting higher vet bills would be be, say, group 50. This thought…
Gundog training you can carry out in your garden (or even inside)
Here’s a list of basic gundog and puppy training exercises that you can practise whilst you’re social distancing or self-isolating at home. You don’t need a big area either. Just patience. Getting a puppy used to a lead Place a slip lead around the puppy’s neck, pushing the stop up…
Which is the UK’s most popular gundog breed? And which breeds are in decline?
The Labrador is again the most popular gundog breed, having regained its number one slot in 2019. The Frenchie reigned at the top of Britain’s pedigree league table for just a year. In 2018, 36,785 French bulldog puppies were registered with the Kennel Club (KC), but last year that had…
Can a working gundog also be a family pet?
Am I taking a risk having my working labrador as a house dog?