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Gundogs - Page 2
Gundogs: training advice, breed guides and expert tips for working dogs
Welcome to Sporting Gun’s gundogs hub – your essential resource for everything related to working dogs in the shooting field.
A well-trained gundog is the heart of a great shoot day, and whether you’re starting out with your first pup or fine-tuning an experienced dog, we have the expertise to help. Our gundog section covers every aspect of working dog ownership, from choosing the right breed for your shooting and lifestyle to steadiness training, introduction to game and advanced fieldwork.
We feature advice from some of the UK’s most respected gundog trainers, alongside breed guides covering spaniels, HPRs and retrievers – including Labradors, cocker spaniels, springer spaniels, German shorthaired pointers and vizslas. You’ll also find guidance on health, nutrition, fitness and seasonal preparation to keep your dog performing at its best.
From first retrieve to field trial, we’re with you every step of the way.
Latest articles
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GundogsA is for Arthritis
An informative guide to some of the most common health issues our gundogs are likely to encounter
By Sporting Gun
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GundogsVaccination, vestibular disease and vomiting in dogs
Vaccination, vestibular disease and vomiting. Vicky Payne explains the ins and the outs – literally – of these medical issues
By Sporting Gun
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Gundogs
Fit for purpose
Ryan Kay looks at the methods trainers use to get a dog fit for the shooting season, including hydrotheraphy – a technique he believes we could make more use of in the gundog world
By Sporting Gun
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Gundogs
Should I insure my working dog?
Should you get insurance to protect yourself against unexpected vet bills? There are some alternative options to insurance for your dog!
By Sporting Gun
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GundogsGundog training: Placeboard training
Whether you choose a board, a hoop or a mat, teaching your young dog to use this target will pay dividends as you progress through their training journey, says Howard Kirby
By Sporting Gun
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Gundogs
Gundog performance: As good as it gets?
Managing your expectations and being honest about your dog’s natural ability is key to ensuring you enjoy them all year round, not just for a handful of shoot or trialling days, says Ryan Kay
By Sporting Gun
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Gundogs
The parable of a dog breeder
A cautionary tale from Black Lab on the perils of dog breeding. Sometimes, despite following the rulebook to the letter, it just doesn't pan out
By Sporting Gun
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GundogsGundog behaviour: Constant vigilance
To quote Mad-Eye Moody from the Harry Potter books, ‘constant vigilance’ is most definitely what is needed this time of year, says Lez Graham
By Sporting Gun
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GundogsShould I spay my working bitch?
It’s common for vets to recommend spaying bitches, but what are the options? Vicky Payne offers insight into this major decision for gundog owners.
By Sporting Gun
Find out more
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