Lyme Disease in Gundogs

Lyme Disease is caused by a spirochete called Borrelia. A spirochete is a type of bacterium. It is transmitted to gundogs through the bite of a tick. The feeding tick is basically a blood sucker. It must keep its host’s blood from clotting in order to continue sucking so it is able to regurgitate assorted enzymes to keep the blood flow liquid and smooth. It is during this regurgitation process that the Lyme spirochete is brought up from the tick’s midgut to its mouthparts. This process requires a minimum of 48 hours which means that if the tick is removed within 48 hours of attachment, the spirochete cannot be transmitted and the host will not get the disease. Once in the blood stream, it is carried to many parts of the dog's body. It is especially likely to localize in joints read more on symptons and treatment

Sealpin Gunna Labrador Retriever Wins Shropshire Novice

Shropshire Gundog Society Novice Working Test 17th August 2001

Shropshire Gundog Society held their Novice and Open Working Tests at The Wood Farm, Codsall, By Kind permission of Mr. Francis H Yates and Sponsor by Skinners Dog Food on 17th April 2011. The weather and attendance exceeded all expectations. read more

Gundog Puppies ~ Latest Mating with Yuletide Mistletoe

Full details of the Ruby can be found on our puppy page and Ruari details can be found on our stud page

Gundog Puppy Training Tip ~ Keep up the Basics

Gundogs will forget commands and skills if they aren't practiced. Even after shooting season ends, practice with your dog in your garden and take it to the field whenever you can. Keep practice sessions short. They should last only 30 to 45 minutes for an adult retriever. If they are any longer, your retriever could get bored and distracted. In addition to retrieving, keep your dog up-to-date on its basic obedience skills. Include commands such as "heel" "sit" and "stay" in its daily routine. Take it on walks to secluded areas where you can let it off the lead. If it gets used to being confined, it might wander off when the shooting season finally does come around. Off-lead, retrieving and basic obedience skills should all be practiced year-round..

Gundog Puppy Training Tip ~ Field Work

You can't train your gun dog at home, take it hunting in a safe area and do not expect it to perform. Even though they were bred for this task, gundogs need a chance to get used to the sights, sounds and smells they will experience in the field. Take your puppy out as often as you can as it grows up. Keep it on a lead at first, especially if it is still working on basic obedience. Expose your puppy to the sounds of gunfire, the cover it will be working in, other dogs that will be hunting with you and the sight and smell of real birds. Take treats along on each outing, and reward your gun dog when it remains calm despite the exciting (or frightening) surroundings. Start practicing your dog's retrieve in the field a little at a time..

Gundog Puppy Training Tip ~ Retrieve

Retrieving is a Labrador or golden retriever's favorite thing to do. Start this training as soon as you get your gun dog home. Purchase retrieving dummies. Hold your puppy back with one hand on its chest, and show it the dummy. Toss the dummy no more than a few meters away, and release your puppy as you give a verbal command such as "fetch," "retrieve" or "get it." Start this training in a hallway so that your puppy has no choice but to return to you. Praise it each time it does. Never be quick to take the dummy away, keep praising the dog whilst its hold ing the dummy. Again, reward your puppy with praise and a treat if it gives the dummy back to you without a fight. Gradually increase the length of your throws, and start practicing in outdoor environments as your puppy gets better and better at retrieving

Gundog Puppy Training Tip Obedience

Don't train your dog as a gun dog until it has completed basic obedience. In the field, your dog needs to know how to stay by your side off its lead. It should return to you without hesitation when you call or after retrieving a training aid. For safety reasons, you also need to know that your dog will sit and stay at your command. Enroll your dog in basic, intermediate and then advanced obedience classes to help it get a good foundation in obedience. Practice these skills daily at home, both in formal training sessions and by incorporating the commands into your dog's daily routine. Start this training when your gun dog is still a puppy..

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The UK,s Leading Gundog Information Web Sites April 2011