Gundog Training Questions & Answers

Flat collar and a clip-on lead (recommended length 6 ft) and well-fitted harness as you usually use Water and water bowl for your dog Poo bags A generous quantity of food cut into pieces your dog can see on the ground for rewarding your dog; suggestions: cooked or roasted chicken (no cooked bones), liver cake, garlic sausage, sausage, cheese, sprats, carrots – anything your dog likes and is safe for your dog to eat Please Note: you can use any food left over from your training session for homework Treat bag (plastic bag in your pocket doesn't work) Your dog's favourite toy – i.e. ball, ball on a rope, tug toy, soft toy Clicker Whistle

Towel to dry your dog when training in water and on wet days Coat to keep your dog warm on cold and wet weather days Cool coat to cool your dog down on hot days Car cover on hot days as parking in shade can be limited Tick remover Antibacterial wipes

2 dummies marked with your initials Training vest or game bag for more advance training Slip lead with a stopper Dog first aid kit

As all our training sessions take place outdoors, it's important to come prepared and dress accordingly. Here's a checklist of essential items to bring along for a comfortable and enjoyable experience: Sturdy, comfortable footwear Opt for footwear that provides good support and allows you to move freely. Waterproof footwear is highly recommended in wet weather conditions to keep your feet dry. Suitable outdoor clothing Dress in layers to adjust your attire according to the weather. This way, you'll stay comfortable and protected, whether it's a sunny day or a bit chilly. Waterproofs Don't let rain dampen your training session. Pack waterproof clothing or a jacket to shield yourself from unexpected showers and stay dry throughout the session. Sunscreen Protect your skin from harmful UV rays before the training session. Even on cloudy days, UV exposure can occur, so it's essential to safeguard your skin. Hat A hat provides additional protection from the sun and helps keep you cool during sunny training sessions. Choose a hat with brim to shield your face and neck from direct sunlight. Sunglasses Protect your eyes from the sun's glare by wearing sunglasses. Opt for a pair that offers UV protection and helps enhance visibility during outdoor activities. Drink Stay hydrated during the training session by bringing along a drink. It's best to choose a non-glass container for safety reasons.

If your bitch comes into season, we kindly request that you refrain from bringing her to any training classes. We prioritise the safety and comfort of all participants, and having a bitch in season can be distracting and disruptive to the training environment. We understand this may pose challenges for your training plans, but we're here to help. Please get in touch with us via email or phone, and we'll be more than happy to discuss alternative options and provide guidance tailored to your situation.

Please do not bring your injured or sick dog to any training classes. Contact us by email or phone call to discuss options.

We can offer you a variety of training environments – secure fields, private woodland, water, meadows Please contact us by email or book a discovery call to discuss your training needs and options available.

Please get in touch with us as soon as you know you cannot make it, and we can discuss your options. No refunds or transfers will be given for cancellation, non-attendance at, or non-completion of any training session or class by the client. Payment is non-refundable, returnable or transferable.

Gundog training suits a wide range of breeds, especially those classified as sporting or working. Popular gundog breeds include Labradors, Retrievers, Spaniels (such as English Springer Spaniels and Cocker Spaniels), Setters, Pointers, and German Shorthaired Pointers. However, it's important to note that temperament, drive, and willingness to work are more significant factors than breed alone. Any dog with the right qualities and motivation can excel in gundog training.

Ideally, gundog training should begin when your dog is still a puppy, around 8 to 12 weeks old. Starting early helps establish a strong foundation for obedience, socialisation, and developing natural instincts. However, older dogs can also be trained for gundog work with the right approach and guidance. It's never too late to begin training, but the earlier you start, the better the results.

Gundog training covers a range of essential skills necessary for a successful working partnership. Common skills taught include obedience commands (such as sit, stay, recall), retrieving and delivery to hand, marking and memory retrieves, quartering, hunting patterns, scent work, steadiness, whistle commands, and gun introduction. Each training program may vary in its curriculum, but these foundational skills are fundamental to gundog training.

The duration of gundog training can vary depending on factors such as the dog's breed, age, temperament, and the owner's commitment to training. Basic obedience training can take several weeks to a few months to establish a solid foundation. Advancing to more advanced gundog skills can take several months to a year or more, depending on the complexity of the tasks and the individual dog's progress. Consistency, patience, and regular practice are vital to achieving successful results.

Our female dogs may not be feeling their best throughout their season. They may be “grumpier” and less comfortable around other female dogs, and male dogs will be well aware that she is in season and hassle her if given the chance. We have a policy of not allowing bitches in-season in our group classes because this can be stressful for all the dogs as well as disruptive to the class and the dogs’ learning. Even neutered male dogs, let alone intact ones, can be easily distracted and can sometimes be quite obsessive towards females in season. Your dog may not be feeling well in herself anyway and may feel particularly uncomfortable and defensive in a group class setting. Our classes also typically include young, intact dogs who are at various stages in their training journey. While intact male and female dogs can certainly learn to stay engaged and focused on their owners, doing so while around a female who is in season is incredibly hard work and is a huge ask even of a well-trained dog. We never want dogs or their humans to miss out on training. You are most welcome to attend the group class and observe training.

Certain hormones begin to increase, you may notice her behaving differently. This might include: Being more friendly to other dogs, particularly males Going out of her way to look for potential mates. When in season, and especially as she becomes more fertile, she may be less inclined to return to you when called Mounting other dogs, pets, furniture, toys or you Moving her tail to one side when touched or when around male dogs Being anxious, clingy, fidgety or nervous Nesting or gathering toys where she sleeps Being off her food Being more domineering Marking her territory with urine Being defensive of other dogs going near her rear end Her behaviour may change throughout her season, for example she may be defensive of dogs sniffing her at the beginning or at the end of her season but may be keen to let them investigate her when she is most fertile. All of these behaviours are natural and nothing to be concerned about and should disappear once she’s finished her season. During her season, she may seem uncomfortable, anxious and a little confused about the changes that are occurring to her body. All dogs are different, and some dogs may need more comforting than others. To help your dog you could: Keep her distracted with games and play these around the house Take her for regular exercise (away from male dogs who may show an interest in her) Give her a treat filled toy – remember to count these as part of her daily calorie intake