Author name: Rob Palmer

Gundogs are among the hardest-working dogs in the country. From warm late-summer training days in August through the long, demanding months of autumn and winter, they are expected to perform consistently in tough conditions. Long hours, rough ground, heavy cover, water retrieves and unpredictable weather all take their toll. Understanding how fatigue affects a gundog’s […]

There’s something really special about taking your dog out for their very first shoot day. It’s the day you’ve probably been dreaming about since you first picked up that puppy — seeing them out in the field, part of the team, doing what they were bred and trained to do. But your dog’s first shoot

If you’ve ever heard someone say, “My puppy’s hit adolescence – it’s like living with a teenager!” you’re not alone. Many owners talk about this stage as though it’s an unavoidable part of raising a dog — full of frustration, selective hearing, and sudden “forgetfulness” of all that early training. But here’s the truth: dog

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

Using treats in dog training is one of the most popular and effective ways to teach new behaviours. Food rewards can motivate dogs, build focus, and help them learn quickly. But while treats are useful, they’re often overused — and sometimes used incorrectly. When this happens, training can stall and engagement with your dog can

Have you ever looked at your dog tearing around the house, bouncing off the furniture, or racing off on a walk as though you don’t exist, and thought, “My dog is wild!”? Many owners see this behaviour as simply part of their dog’s personality – “that’s just how he is.” But what if I told

Why Rest Days Are Just as Important for Your Dog as They Are for You In the world of canine care, we often focus on exercise, training, and activity—and rightly so. Keeping dogs fit, stimulated, and well-trained is crucial for their health and happiness. But what’s often overlooked is something equally important: rest days. Just

Pyometra is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition in unspayed female dogs (bitches). It occurs when the uterus becomes infected, often following hormonal changes associated with a heat cycle. The infection causes the uterus to fill with pus, which can lead to severe complications if not treated promptly. As responsible dog owners, it’s important to

Taking your dog on their first shoot day is a milestone moment, but it’s crucial to set them up for success. The right first experience can shape their confidence and work ethic, while a poorly managed introduction can create long-term issues. In this blog, we’ll explore why patience and careful planning are key when introducing

When most people think about training a gundog, the first thing that often comes to mind is retrieving. Whether it’s watching a dog dash across a field to bring back a dummy or fetch a bird during a shoot, retrieving can look like the pinnacle of gundog work. But here’s the truth: retrieving is only