Spring is on its way and it's the time when many people think about taking on a new working dog puppy. The evenings are getting lighter and the weather is improving - both of which make training a youngster a little bit easier. But how do you make the right choice when choosing a puppy, particularly a working breed like a spaniel or labrador? Darren Kirk We asked award-winning gundog trainer Darren Kirk of Kirkbourne Spaniels for his tips on choosing a working dog puppy. This is what he advised: "First of all, decide how your dog will be ...

The way to a fit, happy and successful gundog is through its stomach. We ask Julie Collins of Dog & Field why canine nutrition is as important as having the right training equipment Every dog owner knows that diet is important. Dogs are omnivores, so benefit from eating both plant and meat but the key to balancing that diet lies in achieving a complex mix of minerals, vitamins, essential amino acids (from protein) and fatty acids (from fat). It’s not quite as simple as plucking a product off the shelf of Pets at Home. “It’s really ...

With the increasing emphasis on sustainability it’s more important than ever that our gundogs are fully prepared for their vital role. Julie Collins from Dog & Field details an innovative range of training dummies to help you out. It’s November, the Guns have been slipped, the sloe gin is being poured and the last drive is over… but not for you. You’re stood facing thick brambles and high nettles with your best dog by your side and the keeper has just asked you to pick the birds the last Gun dropped in there somewhere. This is the moment you’ve been waiting for, a true test of your dog, your handling and your training. But now the nerves kick in, you begin to question all the choices you made when training your dog. Have I done enough? Will it pick the birds from that cover? Will it leave them there? Where’s that gin when you need it? Setting your dog up for success Being invited to bring a dog on a shoot is truly a joy and something we look forward to throughout the close season. And if there’s a chance ...