The article emphasizes that calmness in gundogs, particularly spaniels and retrievers, is a trainable skill rather than a mere temperament trait. It outlines the importance of teaching calm behavior through strategies like capturing calm moments and reinforcing stillness, providing practical steps for training in various environments. Building this skill enhances steadiness and performance in diverse situations.
Tag: dog
The “Premack recall”: using what they want (sniffing/running) as the reward its for both pet and working
If your dog has a “selective” recall—brilliant in the kitchen, mysteriously deaf in the park—this is for you. It’s also for the keen spaniel or retriever who’s all in on scent, cover, birds, or movement and finds a standard “come = biscuit” deal a bit underwhelming. The good news: you don’t need to out-shout the…
Why Your 5-Month-Old Gundog Stops Coming Back — And How to Fix It
It’s incredibly common for young gundogs to become a little less reliable with recall around the five-month mark. One day they’re glued to your side… and the next they’ve discovered how exciting the world really is! If your pup has suddenly stopped coming back on the first command when off-lead, don’t worry. This is normal,…
3 Essential Training Focuses for Gundogs in 2025
If you’re a gundog owner you’ll know how rewarding it is to see your dog thrive in the field. Whether you’re preparing for a shoot day or just enjoying walking your dog in the countryside, training is the key to success. In 2025, here are three areas to focus on that will make your gundog…
Gundog Breeds
Gundogs are primarily grouped into 3 main groups, based around the work they are most suited to in the shooting field. Traditionally, these would be Pointers, Flushing Dogs and Retrievers .Another common way to group them is in terms of Retriever, Hunting Retriever and Hunt Point Retrieve (HPR’s). The Kennel Club defines the following breeds…
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