My dogs are slowly starting to get fit now, and I am beginning to increase the work they are doing. It is important to treat each dog individually and ensure…
Ellena Swift
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A dog’s sense of smell can be 100,000 times better than a human’s
As most of you will know, our dogs’ sense of smell is the most powerful sense they have. Scientists report that a dog’s nose is anything from 10,000 to 100,000…
Starting a working dog on water work – here’s how to do it
Like many, I am so relieved to finally see the sunshine. In one respect it is not great for the dogs working as heatstroke is very serious. However, the positive…
Bitch or dog? Which would suit you best?
Throughout my career, I have always preferred to run bitches over dogs. When I was a child my father tended to have bitches, only owning one working dog labrador. But…
Is it a bad idea to cross-breed dogs?
It is no secret that cross-breed dogs have absolutely rocketed in popularity since the very first labrador was crossed with a poodle in 1989. The litter was bred because a…
Field trialling: breaking the glass ceiling
I once read that to write well, one must write what they know. This is something I try to live by. So when I saw David Tomlinson’s article some months…
When is the right time to say goodbye to your dog?
While chatting to a very close friend recently, we discussed how her Christmas plans had changed due to the loss of her oldest labrador. This dog was extremely special, with…
Reporting on the IGL Retriever Championship
Since January 2022, handlers have been trying to qualify their dogs for the prestigious International Gundog League (IGL) Retriever Championship. It is no easy task simply to qualify, let alone…
Training young gundogs – getting the first season right
I am really pleased with how my young gundogs are coming on so far this season. They are showing that they are steady and quiet, and will pick game without…
The problem with doggy daycare
The rise of doggy daycare For nearly two years, owners had the luxury of staying at home with their dogs and were able to give them the time they required.…
How to get your dog used to others
Q: How do I get my dog used to others? I rescued a labrador from a local family, and after a little research discovered he has working lines and came…
Teaching a dog manners : this is the training you need to do
My dogs, like most, seem to know when they are going out working. Even if you try to behave exactly as you would on a normal day, they are never…
My dog eats poo and dead animals. What can I do?
So your dog eats poo? Q: I have an eight-month-old German shorthaired pointer who has taken a liking to poo, dead animals and, actually, anything she can find. Once she…
HPR breeds: gundogs with a touch of pure class
One of the areas of gundog work commonly overlooked — or that is perhaps not as high-profile as the retrievers and spaniels — involves the HPR breeds. These amazing hunt,…
Last-minute gundog training ahead of the new season
Ss we are nearing the start of the season, now is the time to make sure you are taking advantage of the long, light evenings and putting in some useful…
How do I train a gundog to run straight?
When you think of a working gundog, the goals are relatively simple. We need to get the dog to an area and allow it to hunt. This might be hunting…
Gundog training at home or away? What’s best?
If I had a pound for every time a client says, “I wish my dog would behave like that”, I’d buy my father a new pair of Purdeys. Though it…
Are you a natural born dog handler?
I work with all levels of dog handler, from first-time owners to well-seasoned competitive handlers. I often refer to other sports and use them to explain a theory or aspect…
How can I stop my cocker spaniel creeping?
Q: I have done everything I can to stop my cocker spaniel creeping. I have consistently put her back where she started, never allowing her to have a retrieve after…
Was getting a cocker spaniel a mistake?
Q: I am wondering whether getting a cocker spaniel was a mistake. I bought my first cocker spaniel last year. I was sure to do my research on reputable breeders…