Why I love Gundog Training

I love teaching gun dog skills to puppies and adult dogs because the skills taught in gundog training are all useful for a well behaved pet dog.

These skills include developing behaviours, such as sit, stay, walking nicely on a lead, coming back when called and retrieve objects.

This training facilitates the development of concepts such as self control and turn taking which are important for all dogs.

Pet Gundogs

Working dogs have become very popular pets and it’s quite possible for a working dog to live a happy and fulfilled life as a pet.

It’s important to remember that these dogs are likely to have a strong work ethic and as such they will need some sort of job to do.

Dogs from working lines have been selectively bred with attributes suited to working in their specific area.

They are a formidable combination of brains, energy, speed and independence.

In the case of gun dogs, these traits enable them to fulfil various roles on the shooting field, such as, beating (finding and flushing game), picking up (retrieving shot birds) or as a peg dog (waiting on the peg and being sent for short retrieves).

This work uses the dog’s natural abilities and fulfils their need for physical exercise and mental challenge.

Train your Gundog

It’s easy to see that, if left untapped these natural characteristics can cause problems in a pet home.

This is why I am an advocate of gun dog training even if you have no intention of ever working your dog.

The training itself can be really fulfilling for both handler and dog as they learn new skills together.

For example, teaching a dog to retrieve can include elements of self control (not going for the retrieve until sent), hunting (using scent to find a hidden object), using directional commands to guide the dog into the area to find the retrieve.

As well as being a physical workout, the dog is learning to listen to the handler, develop self control, and use its nose.

Working closely together creates a great bond between dog and handler based on trust and respect.

The benefits of brain work in combination with physical activity will lead to a happy and contented dog that will make a fantastic pet.

If you are interested in knowing more about gun dog training and how this could help your dog, please get in touch.