Is Residential Gundog Training Worth It? A Clear, Honest Guide A young spaniel that recalls perfectly in the kitchen yet vanishes into scent the moment you step outside doesn’t always need more commands. Often, what he truly needs is clear structure, controlled exposure to distractions, and consistent handling at the exact point where excitement overrides […]
A Practical Socialisation Guide for Gundog Puppies The moment your young dog encounters its first fluttering pheasant wing, clattering trailer or bustling village street, you quickly see whether those early foundations were laid properly. Effective gundog puppy socialisation is not about producing a youngster that barrels confidently into every situation. It is about shaping a […]
Puppy Gundog Training: Why Early Structure Matters A young Labrador that barrels through cover, blanks its name and trots off proudly with a stolen shoe is not being awkward — it is demonstrating exactly why early gundog foundations are essential. The raw instincts appear long before maturity, and so do the behaviours that can either […]
A dog that races out for a dummy but drops it two paces away has not quite finished the retrieve. Learning how to train delivery to hand turns enthusiasm into a useful, controlled skill: one that matters whether you are picking up in the field, training for a working test, or simply want a dog that brings […]
A young spaniel that recalls beautifully in the garden but vanishes into the next cover crop is not being wilfully difficult. He is showing you that his training has not yet held up against the excitement of the countryside. When weighing up board and train vs classes, the right choice comes down to more than convenience. […]
A gundog can understand a command perfectly on Monday and appear to ignore it on Wednesday, not because it is being difficult, but because the picture has changed. A different tone, a delayed correction, a family member using another word, or a retrieve thrown before the dog is truly steady can all blur the message. […]
A choice between a pet gundog or field gundog is not simply about whether you shoot. It is about the life you can offer a dog every day, the standard of training you want to achieve, and the partnership you are prepared to build. A well-bred Labrador, Cocker Spaniel or Springer Spaniel can be a wonderful family […]
A dog that delivers a smart retrieve during a viewing can be easy to fall for. But started gundog selection should never rest on one impressive retrieve, a polished sit, or the promise that a dog is ‘ready to go’. The right dog needs to suit your handling, your lifestyle and the work you expect […]
