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Aug 23 •
👋 Welcome to the Gundog Community!
Hi everyone, and welcome! This community is here for anyone passionate about gundogs — whether you’re just starting out, in the middle of training, or have years of experience. This space is all about learning, sharing, and supporting each other. No matter where you are on your journey, you’ll find people here who understand the joys (and the challenges!) of training gundogs. To help us get to know each other, please drop a quick introduction in the comments: - Your name (or what you’d like to be called) - Your dog’s name, age, and breed 🐾 - Where you’re at with training (beginner, intermediate, advanced) - Any challenges or goals you’d like to share 👉 Don’t worry if you’re new or feel stuck — this is exactly the place to ask questions and get support. We’d also love to see pictures of your dogs, so feel free to share a photo along with your intro! Looking forward to meeting you and your four-legged training partners. 🐶✨
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Sep 27 •
Breed Specific Training
Gundog breeds, such as retrievers, spaniels, and pointers, have been selectively bred for generations to assist hunters by locating, flushing, and retrieving game. Because of this, they possess strong instincts, high energy levels, and a keen desire to work alongside humans. Specific breed training is essential for gundogs because it channels these natural drives into controlled, purposeful behaviors rather than allowing them to develop into unwanted habits like chasing wildlife or excessive barking. By providing the right kind of breed-focused training, you not only enhance their performance as capable and reliable working dogs but also shape them into calmer, more obedient, and well-adjusted pets at home — making them a joy to live with as well as a pleasure to work with.
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Aug 23 •
Perfecting the Stop Whistle
The stop whistle is an invaluable command for controlling your gundog at a distance. Whether to prevent them from chasing after a hare or to redirect their focus, mastering this skill is a game-changer. Training Tips: - Start with proximity: Begin training close to your dog, using a whistle paired with a hand signal. Reward them when they stop and sit immediately. - Increase distance gradually: Once your dog understands the command, practice it at greater distances in open fields or training grounds. - Use real scenarios: During walks or training sessions, use the stop whistle in unexpected situations to reinforce its importance. For example, blow the whistle when your dog is mid-retrieve and reward them for stopping promptly.
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Aug 23 •
Building Steadiness in the Field
A well-trained gundog is steady, calm, and reliable—even when the action heats up. Whether you’re at a driven shoot or a rough shoot, steadiness is an essential skill for every UK gundog. Training Tips: - Practice around distractions: Take your dog to a local shoot or a training day where they’ll hear gunfire and see other dogs working. Gradually build their confidence to stay calm and steady. - Introduce delayed retrieves: Toss a dummy but wait before giving the command to retrieve. This builds patience and ensures they’re always looking to you for guidance. - Use everyday distractions: Involve kids playing, bikes passing by, or even local wildlife to reinforce steadiness at home or in your local park.
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Aug 23 •
Mastering Heelwork
Heelwork is one of the foundational skills every gundog needs. A dog that walks to heel without pulling or wandering off is not only a pleasure to work with but also safer in the field. Training Tips: - Start small: Practice short sessions in your garden or local park, using a lead to guide your dog. Gradually increase the duration and complexity. - Reward consistency: Use treats or a favourite toy to reward your dog for staying close and maintaining focus. - Take it to the field: Once they’re confident on the lead, practice off-lead heelwork in a secure area. Add distractions like other dogs or game scents to test their focus.
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