Author name: Rob Palmer

One of the most common mistakes I see in gundog training is simply throwing too many retrieves.It’s easy to understand why. Dogs love retrieving, handlers enjoy watching them work and it feels productive to keep throwing “just one more”. But if every training session consists of retrieve after retrieve, you may actually be creating the […]

As the temperatures rise, so do the warnings online about exercising dogs in warm weather. While awareness is important, the conversation often becomes black and white — either don’t exercise your dog at all, or risk heatstroke. The reality is far more nuanced than that. For working dogs especially, avoiding all activity for weeks on

When the shooting season ends, many owners relax their training routines. Understandably so. After months of early mornings, muddy boots and committed work, spring can feel like a well-earned break for both dog and handler. But in reality, spring is one of the most important times of year for your gundog’s training. What you do

Introduction Many owners seek help because their dog pulls on the lead, ignores recall, drops dummies, runs in, or struggles to focus outdoors. These behaviours often seem unrelated, but in most cases they stem from one underlying issue: The dog has been given far too much freedom far too early. From the very beginning, the

As the shooting season draws to a close, it marks an important transition for our working dogs. After months of dedication, stamina, and unwavering focus in the field, this is the time to prioritise rest, recovery, and thoughtful preparation for the seasons ahead. Our gundogs work exceptionally hard throughout the season. They hit thick cover

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