The reality of breeding cocker spaniels My phone buzzed in my pocket with an incoming WhatsApp from my wife, Clare. Her message simply read “Deed is done”. The short missive was accompanied by two photos. In both, the low mist-shrouded fields of a Lincolnshire landscape filled the background. In the…
Gundog puppies
Feeding puppies
One of the most confusing issues when bringing home a new gundog puppy is what to feed and how often to feed the new arrival, but in truth to ensure a healthy strong pup proper feeding should have started weeks before the little ones even take their first breath. Energy…
Crate training a puppy – how to do it right
Q: We are due to get a new cocker pup and it will be living indoors. We have been advised that crate training a puppy is the right way to proceed. What do you think? A: A crate is a good idea for any dog, but it should be introduced…
Dog training with a whistle: some frequently asked questions
Dog training with a whistle means you don’t have to shout yourself hoarse when you’re teaching your hound how to behave. (Read how to teach reliable dog recall.) Having a whistle in your pocket is a useful tool and of course different blows on the whistle can mean all sorts…
Socialising puppies – top tips from a vet
Q: I am a first time breeder and mindful of all the negative comments about the temperament of ‘Covid puppies’. How can I ensure my kennelled bitch will produce well socialised offspring? What can you advise me about socialising puppies? (Read how to use a slip lead correctly.) Socialising puppies…
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.
Feeding puppies: top five tips for keeping them healthy
Feeding puppies and gundogs Taken from Charlie’s notebook, these are the top five tips from Skinner’s for keeping your gundog healthy: (Read more about feeding a dog here.) Feed a nutritionally complete diet. Regularly assess your dog’s weight, preferably by using weighing scales. For dogs working in the colder weather,…
Dog theft to become criminal offence
A new law that imposes severe measures for those found guilty of stealing pets has been announced today, 3rd September. Pet abduction will become a new criminal offence as the Government follows the recommendations made by its Pet Theft Taskforce, which was formed in May 2021. The law will recognise…
Worming working dogs – here’s what you need to know
Responsible gundog owners know that worming working dogs regularly is part of the routine. But what about puppies? I recently received this query from a gundog puppy owner. (Read our tips here on choosing a gundog puppy from a litter.) Q: I have heard of young puppies dying after they…
How to train a spaniel puppy that lacks confidence
Gundog training: Tread carefully when training a spaniel puppy with a gentle temperament.
What to expect when your gundog bitch gives birth
In the concluding part of a two-part series, Tony Price guides breeders through the process of bringing their working bitch’s puppies into the world
Checking up on a pedigree
Q: I am doubtful of the pedigree details of some Labrador puppies I have been offered. Pedigrees are widely available online and provide information for those who can simply make up a pedigree — and often the buyer is none the wiser. So how can I verify what I think…
Why ‘play-training’ is crucial for gundog puppies
Tony reveals how 'play time' is an essential part of a gun dog's training.
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.
Which gundog puppy will be pick of the litter?
Q: How do I going about choosing a puppy from the litter? I’m planning on breeding gundog puppies from my bitch this spring. She’s five years old and I only want to have one litter from her, but because she has been such a good shooting gundog I want to…
How can I ensure my puppy bonds with my old gun dog?
I'm worried my 10-year-old spaniel won't take to the new puppy I've just bought. What problems do you think I may encounter?
How to sell your gundog puppies responsibly and safely during a pandemic
Gundog puppies are always sought after as they come from popular breeds and tend to have sociable natures. At the moment, demand is higher than ever. So how can you ensure that yours go to the right homes and that you are protecting yourself and the youngsters from the wrong…
What’s the real cost of buying a dog?
If you're about to buy a dog, take a moment to consider the wider costs of ownership. Paul Rawlings does some basic sums to provide an idea of what it could cost in both time and money
Why you should try and see a potential puppy early in the morning (and 10 other gundog puppy must-reads)
Lighter evenings and milder weather make March, April and May a popular time to take on a new gundog puppy. Our experts have written articles on all aspects of gundog puppies, so browse through and find out what you need to know. 1.How should you start training your puppy to…
How to choose a gundog puppy
Which breed? First of all, you need to decide which gundog breed will suit your shooting needs and also your life. When choosing a gundog puppy breed remember that most gundogs are only out in the field for three or four months a year. So how are you going to…