Gundog breeds are becoming increasingly popular as family pets. Their good looks, loyalty and intelligence make them an attractive choice—but with this growing popularity comes a common issue: many owners are unaware of the innate needs and instincts their gundog has been bred for over generations.
Every breed of dog was originally created to fulfil a specific purpose, and gundogs are no exception. Spaniels, Labradors, HPRs, and Retrievers weren’t bred simply to go for a leisurely stroll on a lead—they were developed to work in partnership with humans, using their noses, hunting instincts and problem-solving abilities throughout the day. When these needs aren’t met, behavioural issues often follow.
Is Your Gundog Really “Naughty”—or Just Misunderstood?
We often receive calls from frustrated owners saying their dog is being naughty. The reality is, in most cases, the dog is not misbehaving—it is simply trying to express its natural instincts with no guidance or outlet.
Here are some common examples:
- A spaniel racing around uncontrollably isn’t being disobedient—it’s attempting to hunt without direction.
- A Labrador that won’t stop picking things up and carrying them isn’t being cheeky—it’s fulfilling a deep genetic retrieve drive.
- A Pointer or HPR that continually ranges far ahead isn’t ignoring you—it’s doing exactly what it was bred to do: search and locate game.
Without structured training and appropriate activities, these behaviours can feel overwhelming. But when we understand the why behind them, everything changes.
Gundogs Need Purpose, Not Just Walks
One of the biggest misconceptions is the idea that exercise alone is enough. No gundog breed truly wants to just go for a walk. A simple walk around the block or a run in the park might tire them physically, but it does little to stimulate their mind or satisfy their desire to work in partnership with you.
Gundogs need:
- Structure
- Direction
- Mental engagement
- Opportunities to use their natural abilities
This doesn’t mean you need to live on a shoot or compete in field trials. It means introducing purposeful training, games and routines that tap into your dog’s instincts.
Quality Over Quantity – Every Time
Many owners make the mistake of increasing the length of walks to burn off energy, yet the dog returns home even more fired up. What gundogs need is quality engagement. Ten minutes of focused training such as heel work, memory retrieves or stop whistle practice can provide more satisfaction than an hour of free running.
What Happens When Needs Are Met?
When owners learn to meet their gundog’s intrinsic needs, everything transforms. Instead of fighting against your dog’s instincts, you start working with them.
✅ Improved behaviour
✅ Stronger bond between dog and owner
✅ A calmer, more content companion at home
✅ Increased confidence for both dog and handler
With correct training and understanding, gundog breeds make exceptional pets—calm, biddable, and reliable. They thrive on partnership and purpose.
Practical Ways to Meet Your Gundog’s Needs
Here are some simple ways to start fulfilling your dog’s natural drives:
- Introduce structured training into daily walks.
- Teach retrieve games to engage natural instincts.
- Practise recall and stop whistle regularly to build control and teamwork.
- Use place boards or directional cues to provide focus and structure.
- Keep sessions short but purposeful—mental stimulation is key.
Final Thoughts
Your gundog is not being difficult—it is communicating. When we take the time to understand the breed’s purpose and provide appropriate outlets, we unlock their full potential. A trained, fulfilled gundog is a joy to live with: steady, attentive, and incredibly loyal.
If you’re unsure where to start or would like guidance tailored to your dog’s breed and temperament, we’re here to help. With the right support, you can transform your gundog from frustrated to fulfilled, and enjoy the incredible partnership these breeds were born for.
Ready to meet your gundog’s needs the right way? Explore our training programmes and get started today