HPR Breeds were created specifically to hunt to provide food for their families. So they have the natural attributes needed to be a good gundog, good breeding and proper training, produces a dog that is extremely effective in the field.' It is important they have excellent temperament and good health, but capable of doing the job they were bred for as well as competing in the show ring. As with many other breeds they can be trained to be a gundog, as long as the dog has plenty of enthusiasm. However, it is essential to ensure the enthusiasm is channeled correctly.
The main purpose of the breed is to search and “hunt” for the birds, then “point” - which gives an indication as to where the bird is - and flushes the bird from its cover on command so that it can be shot.
Once the bird is hit, the dog has to find and “retrieve” it. In order to find the bird, the dog uses the wind to locate their scent, searching in hedges, amongst undergrowth or out in an open field. The dog uses scent not sight, like every other gundog, he deliberately works into the wind to pick up the bird's scent, which can be carried for long distances in the air.
Ideally, these dogs should be worked into a head wind, running in a zigzag movement near their handlers, covering large areas while the handler walks forward 'You would always work dogs into the wind” 'But sometimes - such as when you are driving birds towards standing guns it is not always possible, meaning the dog has to work against the wind. Game keepers will
not want birds being driven over someone else's land as retrieving shot birds can then be difficult - and expensive to lose after the cost of rearing them. Once the dog has picked up the scent of a bird, it is then asked to 'indicate' its position, which requires the dog to home in on it and adopt a very still, frozen posture known as 'pointing'. Ideally, the dog and the bird will be eye ball to eye ball at this point, but if it isn't, the dog will still point to indicate where the bird is. 'The dog then holds the gaze of the bird, literally keeping it there until the gun is ready. 'The dog is then told to flush the bird out, which means the dog moves and pushes the bird out from the cover so that it takes flight, exposing it to the gun.
As soon as the bird takes flight, the dog must immediately stop and lie down to ensure it does not accidentally get into the line of shot, - known as running in. Once the bird is shot, the dog then retrieves it, whether it is dead or wounded. The latter will mean the dog has to track the injured bird - known as a 'runner' - and bring it back to the handler.
Another important aspect of good breeding and training is to prevent dogs which damage game birds while it carries them in the mouth. The basic aim of shooting and field trials is to provide food for the table, meaning any damage to the bird - in particular crushed ribs or tearing of the bird - renders the bird unusable. 'It is essential that you always encourage this behaviour by correct training and exposure to retrieving game.'
The main qualities a dog needs to be a successful gundog. Obedience Any dog can be trained to be a gundog, however it must be obedient and react immediately to its handler's commands. Whilst enthusiasm in a dog is essential, this needs to be controlled.
This can be achieved through the use of a whistle, as well as directional commands indicated by your voice or movement in your hands. One particular point of a shoot when obedience is essential is when it flushes out or marks a bird. At this point, the dog's instinct is to chase it, and this has to be overcome by training.
'Dogs naturally get very excited and can go mad when they come across the scent of the birds,. 'In time, the dog realises what the scent is telling him and instinctively will slow down to savour the scent, and analyse the 'depth' of scent to work out which direction it is coming from and how far away it is.' The way a dog will do this, is to stop suddenly when the scent is first acknowledged. After time, it understands that when the bird is still too far away, and will continue to run zigzag patterns looking for stronger scents until it locates the bird and flushes it out.
Strong hunting instincts are valuable, as combined with overall fitness; it keeps the dog hunting for birds the whole day. When you consider that some shoots can have six or seven drives a day, which is a lot of hard running required by the dog.
Added to that, there is the noise from the guns, which can easily spook an average dog, unless they have had the training and exposure to gunshot. Despite everything that is going on around them, the dogs must be able to operate, taking instructions and carrying out the duties it has been trained to do. Failure to do so could not only result in the dog being unable to locate and retrieve the birds, but also puts it in danger as it could run into the path of the shooters.
Making running easier ~ All dogs are capable of running, yet those that are bred correctly mean that running becomes easier. This means the dog endures less wear and tear, which could ultimately finish a dog's career. In an ideal world there is nothing better than training and working a dog that has the ability to do the job it was created for, yet still maintain copy book looks that are pleasing to the eye.
One of the most important aspects of a gundog is to have a good 'nose', or strong hunting ability required to find game. Without this ability, the game will never be found and the dog will not fulfill the pointing/flushing or retrieving aspect. Hunting ability is an in-bred behaviour, and although training will encourage a dog to hunt effectively, if they are not capable of scenting and locating game, the dog will not have the capacity to point.
Therefore if you are considering purchasing a puppy you do have to ensure that the parents are proper working dogs.
Any reputable breeder will only be too pleased to show you what the parent/s are capable of. Enthusiastic Training to be a gundog is demanding and on-going for both the handler and the dog - you can never consider a dog to be fully trained. Therefore the animal, as well as the handler, has to enjoy it, and be enthusiastic about its training and working in the field.
HPR breeds were created by hunters looking for a versatile dog capable of every aspect of gundog work, from locating game right through to tracking wounded game, while also being a devoted companion to its owner the rest of the time. They do not make good kennel dogs as they enjoy being a constant companion, giving the impression of a permanent shadow. They enjoy being part of your life, albeit, walking, gardening, watching the TV. Anyone who has owned a HPR will know they are an intelligent can be strong willed, with a stubborn streak, but above all, a dependable companion.
Temperament can vary. Some breeds are known for its aloofness with strangers and they are extremely devoted to their immediate family. They have tendencies to be very 'one-person' dogs, but when raised in a home environment they do become devoted to the whole family, although they will favour the one member of the household who spends the most enjoyable time with them such as on walks and training.
To keep them stimulated, they need interaction with their family. They do not require hours and hours of exercise, just to be involved in activities to prevent boredom. Without having something to stimulate them, they can easily become destructive and, in some cases, noisy in their attempts at 'finding something to do'.
As youngsters, they are fun-loving and constantly on the go, and with proper supervision can be raised with children, provided the children have also been taught how to behave around the dog. However, it is essential though to be firm throughout all the initial training, whether it is for working, showing, or just a pet/companion.
Never ask for something to be done more than once, if the first command is not obeyed, then insist that it is.
For assistance in training in Leicestershire, Rutland, Northamptonshire & Cambridge
Email: workinggundogs@aol.com
