From Field to Finish: Introducing Your Gundog to the Shooting World

There’s something magical about the partnership between a handler and their gundog—a dance of discipline, instinct, and trust. For a young gundog, stepping onto the shooting field for the first time is not just a milestone; it’s the beginning of a lifelong journey of teamwork and adventure. But how do you make sure their debut is a success?

Jason, our retriever expert at Gundog TV, shares his foolproof tips for preparing your pup for its first field experience.

The Foundation of Success: Training Basics

Before your gundog ever sniffs the shooting field, the groundwork must be rock-solid. Heel work, sit, stay, recall, and retrieve are the pillars of their education. Think of these commands as the toolkit your dog will rely on throughout its career. And don’t forget to introduce the sound of gunfire in a controlled and progressive way—starting with pistols and launchers before moving on to shotguns. This step is critical for keeping your dog calm under pressure.

Jason’s Tip: “Don’t get swept up in someone else’s excitement. Rushing your dog into the field too soon can undo months of training in seconds.”

First Field Outing: Less is More

The big day has arrived, and you’re ready to take your young gundog into the field. What now? The mantra here is slow and steady. Keep your dog on the lead and let it experience the sights, sounds, and smells of the shoot without any pressure to perform. Jason recommends sitting out for one drive and simply observing.

Your goal? A calm and collected dog. No squeaking, barking, or fidgeting. If things don’t go to plan, don’t force it. There’s no shame in returning to the drawing board and trying again in a few weeks.

Jason’s Golden Rule: “Patience today will pay off for the next ten years. Don’t let excitement lead to a mistake that could ruin your dog’s future.”

Building Confidence Drive by Drive

After a successful first outing, it’s time to gradually increase the challenges. Bring your pup out for more drives, but remember to keep expectations realistic. If they’re doing well, introduce a simple retrieve at the end of the day. Choose a clean, undamaged bird and keep the exercise straightforward. Praise success lavishly—but know when to call it a day.

One common mistake handlers make is letting their dog associate the horn or whistle at the end of a drive as a cue to dash off. Discipline is key here. Teach your dog that even when the day’s work is done, they remain under your command until explicitly told otherwise.

Pro Tip from Jason: “End each session on a high note. A short, successful outing is far more valuable than a long, frustrating one.”

When Things Go Wrong (And They Will)

No journey is without hiccups. Maybe your dog gets too excitable, barks, or refuses to stay still. What do you do? Jason’s advice is simple: don’t force it. Put the dog away and give them a few weeks off. Overworking a dog in its early days can lead to bad habits that take years to correct—or worse, a dog that loses its enthusiasm altogether.

“Don’t panic if your pup isn’t perfect right away,” Jason reassures. “These are learning moments for both of you. A few extra weeks of training will only strengthen your bond.”

Turning a Pup into a Pro

By the fourth or fifth outing, your dog should be familiar with the routine. This is the time to let them off the lead, allowing them to sweep and hunt on their own. Don’t worry if they follow the older dogs at first—this is part of the learning process. If they struggle to find game, you can subtly plant a bird for them to discover, building their confidence.

For those looking to develop a peg dog, the process is even more rigorous. Start by ensuring your dog is rock-solid in steadiness and focus. Join the picking-up team to expose them to the action without the pressure of retrieving right away. This careful exposure ensures they’re ready when it’s time to take their place by your side.

The Long Game

Training a gundog is not a race—it’s a marathon. A well-trained dog can serve you faithfully for over a decade, becoming not just a working partner but a trusted friend. Jason’s eldest dog, Drake, recently retired after 12 glorious seasons in the field. His success is a testament to the power of patience and proper preparation.

“Remember, your gundog is for life, not just for shooting,” Jason says with a smile. “The effort you put in today will pay dividends for years to come.”

Final Thoughts: Making Memories in the Field

The journey of training a gundog is one of the most rewarding experiences a handler can have. From the first time they sit by your side in the field to the day they confidently sweep the terrain on their own, every moment is a testament to your partnership.

So, next time you’re out feeding birds or walking the rides, take a moment to appreciate the little things—like the rustle of leaves, the beauty of wildlife, and the wagging tail of your eager companion. After all, this isn’t just about training a dog; it’s about building memories that last a lifetime.

Stay tuned for more tips, tricks, and behind-the-scenes stories from Jason on the next episode of Gundog TV.

November 2024

How to Maintain Control of Your Spaniel While Beating.

Beating on a shoot day is an exciting and demanding experience, both for handlers and their dogs. But many handlers find themselves frustrated when their well-behaved training partner suddenly becomes uncontrollable in the beating line.

Are They Really Trained?

It’s easy to think your dog is trained after months of practice, but being truly prepared for a shoot is a different matter. Adrian reminds us that:

• Age matters: Young spaniels under 12 months are rarely ready for the intensity of beating. At that age, they lack both the physical and mental maturity required to stay steady in such high-pressure situations.

• Consistency is key: If your dog doesn’t respond reliably to commands like the stop whistle or occasionally runs in on dummies, it’s a sign that more training is needed.

Preparing for Beating: Spring and Summer Training

The off-season is the perfect time to work on building a solid foundation. Adrian's top tips:

1. Expose Your Dog to Birds

• Pigeons: Reach out to pigeon racers and practice with their birds. Use simple tools like flower pots or modern traps to release pigeons during training sessions, helping your dog get used to game movement.

• Ducks: Visit a local park and practice sit-stay commands while ducks wander nearby. It’s a great way to simulate the distractions of a beating line.

2. Practice Dogging-In

Collaborate with a gamekeeper and offer to help flush pheasants back to their pens. This will give your spaniel valuable experience with live game in a controlled environment.

3. Train in Groups

Practice with friends or other handlers to simulate the chaos of a beating line. Multiple dogs, whistles, and flags will teach your dog to focus on your commands amid distractions.

Shoot Day: Setting Your Dog Up for Success

The excitement of a shoot can make even the best-trained dogs lose their focus. Adrian shares several strategies for keeping your dog under control:

1. Manage Your Dog’s Energy

• Don’t let your dog run around before the shoot starts. Keep it in the car or crate until it’s time to work.

• Use short sessions for younger dogs. A 12- to 14-month-old dog might only manage 10–20 minutes of focused work before it gets too tired to respond effectively.

2. Handle Open Spaces Wisely

In areas without cover, don’t hunt your dog where there’s nothing to flush. Instead, leash them and walk to the next patch of cover.

3. Keep the Beating Line Calm

Adrian emphasizes that on well-managed shoots, the beating line should be quiet, with only the sound of flags and whistles. Avoid adding unnecessary noise that might excite or confuse your dog.

Stepping Up Your Training: Real-Game Practice

Training with dummies and balls is only the first step. Real-game scenarios are essential to prepare your dog for what it will encounter on a shoot.

1. Use Rabbit Pens

A rabbit pen is an excellent way to teach steadiness around live game in a controlled setting. Adrian recommends booking a professional lesson to learn how to handle your dog effectively in this environment.

2. Practice Stop Commands

When flushing birds during training, make sure your dog sits and waits before continuing. Count to three after a flush to reinforce steadiness and control.

3. Familiarize with Flags

Train your dog to remain calm around flags, as they are commonly used during beating.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Even with the best training, certain mistakes can undo months of hard work. Here are Adrian's top things to avoid:

• Overworking your dog: Tired dogs are less responsive and more likely to make mistakes. Rotate dogs during the shoot, or if you only have one dog, give it regular breaks.

• Rushing into beating: Don’t take your dog into a beating line until it has been properly trained with live game. Rushing can lead to bad habits that are hard to fix.

• Allowing chaos before the shoot: Keep your spaniel controlled and calm until the work begins. This sets the tone for the rest of the day.

Long-Term Success

Investing in proper training and preparation will pay off in the long run. Adrian recommends working on:

• Year-round training: Keep up the schooling during the off-season to reinforce good habits.

• Professional guidance: Book lessons with experienced trainers, especially in environments like rabbit pens, to refine your skills and your dog’s steadiness.

Final Thoughts

Preparation, patience, and consistency. By investing time in your dog’s training and ensuring it’s exposed to real-game situations before the season begins, you can build a steady, reliable partner for the beating line.

Remember, your dog only knows what you teach it.

Make every training session count, and you’ll both reap the rewards on shoot day.

Good luck, and happy beating!

November 2024

Feeding Your Gundog: Best Practices Before, During, and After Shoot Days & Training Sessions

As a former professional athlete, I’ve often found parallels between how we prepare for physical performance and what works best for our dogs. Just like athletes, gundogs need well-timed meals and snacks to support their training or work sessions. In this blog, we’ll explore the best practices for feeding your gundog before, during, and after shoot days or training sessions  to ensure they stay healthy and perform at their best.

Feeding Before Training

Feeding your dog right before a training session is generally not advisable. Similar to athletes who wouldn’t eat a large meal before a race, your dog needs time to digest their food before engaging in physical activity. A full stomach can cause discomfort, and there are potential health risks like bloating or even twisted gut.

Instead, consider a light snack like an energy bar, such as those from Skinners. This can provide your dog with quick energy without overwhelming their digestive system, allowing them to perform well during training.

Feeding After Training

After an intense training session or a long day of picking up, it’s important to replenish your dog’s energy and aid in their recovery. I recommend giving them a recovery bar (such as Skinners’ recovery options) within 20 minutes of finishing exercise. This helps to replenish their energy stores and promote muscle recovery.

Once they’re fully rested and back home, you can follow up with their regular meal to ensure they maintain proper nutrition.

Risks of Feeding Before or After Exercise

Feeding your dog right before exercise comes with risks, such as digestive issues, including bloating or the more severe twisted gut. After training, if your dog isn’t properly replenished, they could experience low energy levels or even collapse.

That’s why it’s critical to provide a recovery snack immediately after exercise, along with plenty of water to keep them hydrated. Hydration is just as important as feeding after exercise, as it helps in digestion and recovery.

Nutrition for a Long Shoot Day

A shoot day is much longer and more demanding than a regular training session. A typical gundog picking up on a shoot can cover around 10 kilometers in a day, which means their energy demands are significantly higher.

For these longer days, consider giving your dog energy snacks, like energy bars, between drives to keep their stamina up. Also, remember to ensure proper hydration throughout the day—especially during warmer weather—so your dog can continue to perform effectively.

How Weather Affects Feeding

Weather can greatly impact your feeding and hydration strategy. When it’s hot, your dog will lose more water through exertion, so maintaining hydration becomes even more critical.

Dogs begin to feel thirsty when they’ve lost 3-5% of their body’s water, and severe dehydration (13-15% loss) can be life-threatening. After feeding, always ensure your dog drinks enough water to support digestion and stay hydrated, particularly in warmer climates.

How Often Should You Feed Your Gundog?

Whether to feed once or twice a day is often a matter of personal preference and what works best for your dog. In my experience, I prefer to feed twice a day. This helps maintain steady energy levels, especially on more demanding shoot days.

On these days, feeding your dog early in the morning is crucial to prepare them for the long day ahead. For less intense periods, feeding once a day may work fine, but I recommend considering your dog’s workload and adjusting accordingly.

Conclusion

In summary, feeding your gundog effectively requires careful planning based on the activity they’re engaged in, the duration of that activity, and the weather conditions. By timing meals and ensuring proper hydration, you can keep your dog performing at their peak while protecting their health.

October 2024