I have ordered a labrador puppy from one of our shoot's pickers-up. What health checks should I be aware of?
Jeremy Hunt
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Training a golden retriever: a useful tip
If you’ve previously owned a labrador, you may find that golden retriever training takes a little longer. Working golden retrievers have a reputation for being slow to mature and challenging…
How to start training an HPR breed
Some traditionalists dismiss HPRs as unnecessary for British shooting, but David Tomlison finds out why owners of these dogs so passionately disagree
Should I get a Chesapeake Bay retriever?
Retriever (Chesapeake Bay)
How do I keep my dogs warm in kennels in winter?
Your four-legged shooting companions work hard for you out in the field. You want them to enjoy the season, turn in their best performance and stay well and healthy. Part…
Gundog running-in: the cause and the solution
I have a black labrador gun dog who is 22 months old. His training had gone well until he recently started running in to shot birds.
Dogs and electric fences: how dangerous is getting a shock?
Shocks from electric fences can be painful but your dog shouldn't experience lasting trauma. If your dog still seems affected after the shock, you should see your vet
Which gundog puppy will be pick of the litter?
Q: How do I going about choosing a puppy from the litter? I’m planning on breeding gundog puppies from my bitch this spring. She’s five years old and I only…
How to choose a kennel set-up for your gundog
Outside kennels for gundogs Q: I am about to buy a new outside kennel set-up for my two cocker spaniels. Some systems that I have looked at have a kennel…
My Labrador doesn’t like going into water. What can I do?
Q: I have a two-year-old Labrador bitch that is shy of going into water. What do you suggest I do to help her overcome this fear? Labradors and water A:…
Should I get a fox-red Labrador?
I recently received this query from a reader who was wondering how a fox-red Labrador would perform out in the field. Q: My son-in-law is keen to buy a first…
Is gundog boarding school worth it?
Q: A friend recently sent away his young springer bitch for some basic training at a gundog boarding school. It was the first time he has done this —previously he…
Do chocolate Labradors deserve a bad reputation?
So how does the colour of a chocolate Labrador happen? A variety of different Labrador matings, including black to black, can produce a brown, or chocolate Labrador. If you mate…
How can I find the right Labrador puppy these days?
Q: I have been struggling to find a Labrador puppy because there seems to have been a big demand for them as pets during lockdown. I have been advised…
Will my Labrador’s hips cause her problems in the field?
Labrador hips cause concern Q: I have a four-year-old Labrador bitch that I had intended breeding from, but her hip scores have turned out to be higher than we expected…
The different spaniel breeds – which one would suit you best?
Don't overlook the minor breeds, like Clumber, Welsh springer or Brittany spaniels, although their natural hunting, retrieving and training ability probably won't be as strong as a Cocker or Springer
How should I start training my puppy to be a gundog?
Take things slowly, don't rush and form a bond with your new gundog puppy before starting any training
How to keep your dog safe around fast-flowing rivers
Q: I will be picking-up this season on a new shoot, where there is a fast-flowing river. On two drives it can be necessary to put dogs over the river.…
How can I stop my gundog from dropping the dummy? (And other dummy training problems.)
How do I stop my gun dog spitting her dummy out, I have tried placing it in her mouth while saying 'hold'?
Training a young Labrador to start picking-up
Q: I have a young Labrador bitch I want to start picking-up with this season. Should I take her along with my older and experienced bitch, or would it be…