Working Gundogs

UK Rankings for Gundog Websites February 2012

2012-02-03T00:37:00.000-08:00

Some websites purport to have top rankings and heavy traffic when they don’t?

Teir rankings can be checked quite easy on alexa.com.

A popular website should not be taken as the ONLY indicator for good breeding, training, food or equipment, just the same as a top field trialing gundogs may not be the best of health or temperament, the web is excellent access for information to research and make informed decisions, which would be otherwise difficult to make!

http://workinggundogs.co.uk/TopGundogWebsites.aspx

Walked Gundog Training Days on Live & Cold Game

2012-01-24T08:31:00.000-08:00

We have arranged 2 walked up gundog training days just before the close of the season.
Monday, 30th January 2012 Houghton on the Hill, Leicestershire 9am -4pm

Wednesday 1st February 2012 Riddlington, Rutland 9am -4pm

further details

Defend a youngster's the right to hold a Shotgun License

2012-01-21T05:00:00.000-08:00

Thomas Docherty – the Labour MP for Dunfermline and West Fife – is proposing a Bill in the House of Commons that will set a minimum age for owning a shotgun certificate at 14. It is a piece of legislation proposed because Mr Docherty believes “our society is not comfortable with the principle of young children handling lethal weapons.”Now, I don’t want to get into the semantics of what and what isn’t a lethal weapon – although it ought to be noted that in the hands of young children quite a few objects have the potential to be made lethal – but I would like to suggest that society is also uncomfortable with MP's creating laws based on their own, heavily subjective, principles. In fact, I would like to go further and say that I think it very poor that Docherty has chosen to target young people who enjoy shooting, for a bill that is without any evidential or factual basis.Read More

Game Fair Calendar 2012

2012-01-07T15:52:00.000-08:00

Our first draft of the 2012 Game Fair Calendar has been issued, we would ask all organisers to check dates, should any other organisation wish to enter an event, please do so within the next 7 days. Thanks.

Gundog Training Tip

2012-01-07T10:23:00.001-08:00

Quality gundog work is between the quarry and the gundog and not between the handler and the gundog

Gundog Training Tip

2012-01-05T11:22:00.000-08:00

Gundog Training is more about Gundog Psychology; you must learn to understand your gundog and try to see the world from the Gundog’s point of view?

Is an electric collar or request to jump barb wire really necessary?

2011-12-20T13:59:00.000-08:00

In our quest to bring information to the wider gundog community within the Uk, we constantly come across training methods using the so called e-collar, most of this information comes from the US where e-collars are widely used in training gundogs. In today's world, information on any subject comes in abundance via the internet, blogs, news alerts or social media and should always be treated with caution and evaluation. It appears the use of the e-collar is an accepted practice in the US, but is generally frowned upon within the UK and now banned in WalesContinue

The Working Dog

2011-12-19T14:29:00.000-08:00

The working dog, though one species, is many different breeds all with inherent strengths bred into them. Most of those strengths were tasks that were needed and temperaments desired.One of the first tasks given the dog was that of hunter and watchdog. The modern police, rescue, or military dog continues that tradition. Traditional K9 units and military police dogs have had the task of tracking, cornering and apprehending criminals, maintaining security, and using their heightened smell and hearing to aid officers.To continue

North Western Counties FTA AV Retriever All Aged Field Trial

2011-10-25T01:09:00.000-07:00

The writer was looking forward to this field trial as is was his first one of the 2011 season, business commitments had prevented him from entering competition during September.

NWCFTA have hosted great field trials in the past, so the writer fully expected it to attract some of the countries top gun dog handlers, I was not disappointed when looking at the running card with both John & Sandra Halsted (famous Drakeshead kennel) and John Drury (Affix Brenjon) who has also produced several field trial champions.

The Venue by Kind permission of P J Culley Esq was held at Mossborough Hall, Rainford near St Helens, Merseyside and Judges for the day were John Lees, Steve Richardson, Jimmy Swindlehurst & Lee Hartis. The chief Steward was the delightful Sue Schofield, who is also the associations secretary.

After brief introductions the field trial started with 16 Labrador Retrievers in a walk up, in very wet cover, which appeared to be a mixture of grass and wheat crop, with very few birds being presented.

After about 2 hours, the hosted decided to have a drive, which was not going to be easy with just 6 gun dogs after 2 hours of hard walking. The 16 dogs were divided up between the judges, numbers 1,2, 5, 6, 9, 10, 13, 14 went with John Lees & Lee Hartis and numbers 3,4,7, 8, 11, 12, 15, 16 went with Steve Richardson & Jimmy Swindlehurst.

After the drive, the Judges sent number 1 for a wounded pheasant which had landed in the wood behind the guns, after a good attempt the dog was called up and number 2 was sent, which again had made a good effort but not produce the bird. The Judges then went out to inspect the area for the bird and to the competitors relieve the bird could not be found.

Number one was then sent for a bird in the barley field, which was successful and then number 2 was asked to pick a bird in a different direction in the same field which, after hunting the area number 2 was called up without the bird and number 1 was sent to the same area. After a short while number 1 was called up and dismissed for not making the area. The Judges again went out to inspect the area and no bird was found to the relieve of number 2!

Number 2 was then sent for another bird in the same field, which was successful. Number 2 was then sent to another area in the same field with a slightly longer distance which was also successful.

On the other side numbers 4 had been dismissed for not making the area and numbers 7 & 8 had been eye wiped by the judges.

At this stage is was noted there had been some mix up in procedure as number 6 had not been sent for the retrieve that numbers 7 & 8 had failed on.

The field Trial then proceeded with a further walk up, which again only produced the odd bird, during this period number 10 was put out first dog down and number 12 was believed to have ran in.

By 2pm the field trial looked like not being completed, so the host provided another drive, which produced a sufficient number of birds to complete the stake, but gave the Judges the difficult task of creating challenging retrieves in a grass field, fortunately the wind conditions were such, they created a few problems with dogs either swapping or failing to make the area efficiently.

In the second round number 2 was sent for a partridge, which proved difficult to pick in the wind conditions, but eventually the dog located the bird.

After the 2nd round a cut was made and I believe 6 gundogs remained numbers 2, 3, 5, 6, 13, 15

They were all sent for a retrieve, with the wind behind us, the Judges then deliberated and ask just invited 3 dogs into the 4th round numbers 2, 6 & 15.

Number 2 was sent to an area and the dog went of the whistle, so was called up, and numbers 6 & 15 completed their retrieves.

Number 15 Mr. C Dinsdale was awarded 1st Place with Spinnerbeck Wagtail and Mrs. Sandra Halsted was award 2nd Place with Copperbirch Otto of Drakeshead.

The writer was pleased to get to the last 3 dogs, in his first trial but more training work still required !

This report is compiled by the writer who was present at the trial and is not always in the position to see every retrieve and is not party to the Judges decisions, if any of the above is believed to inaccurate, please email the correction for publication.

The Best Hunting Gundogs

2011-10-24T09:35:00.000-07:00

English Springer Spaniel

has all of the qualities required be be a top hunting breed. This medium sized dog get their name from the ability to flush out - or springing - birds from their hiding places, allowing the gun to take his shot.

The average Springer Spaniel is smaller than other gundogs at 40 - 50 pounds (18 - 23 kilograms), and 20 inches (51 cm) tall. however, what spaniels lack in size they make up for in energy.

Their energy, and strong legs make them an ideal companion for long hunting days. While their dense short undercoat covered with a long top coat can easily withstand a variety of weather and climate conditions.

Although bred primarily to flush out game, the Springer Spaniels gentle grip is ideal for retrieving prey without damage. A combination of all these qualities make the Springer Spaniel one of the best hunting dogs.

Hounds/Terriers

Hounds & Terrier dogs make a trackers job much easier, with their noise to the ground, relying on their nose to track scent rather than sight to locate the prey.

The hounds usually chase after the smaller animals like rabbits or fox, chasing the animals and barking until the hunter arrives. Hounds are around 2 feet (0.61 meters) high to the shoulder, and full of courage, making them a helpful dog even when hunting larger game like deer.

There are various breeds of hounds used in hunting including Bloodhounds, Foxhounds and Coonhounds, the later a result of breeding the first two together, combining a great sense of smell with improved speed and stamina.

The hounds thick coat also allows them to tolerate a wide range of weather conditions, comfortable in both hot and cold.

English Setter

English setters were originally bred as bird dogs in UK, a combination of the best qualities of spaniels and pointer dogs. They will silently track down the prey using their excellent sense of smell, the English Setter will then crouch down in wait for the masters approach rather than flushing out the birds.

Like any good hunting dog, English setters are easy to train well, and have plenty of energy, their large muscled legs let them run quickly and effortlessly across the terrain.

As English setters are such an energetic dog, they require plenty of long walks, hunting is the perfect outlet to entertain their enthusiasm. The English setters, are closely related the the Gordon and Irish setters, and are all a popular hunting choice on open moorland.

HPR's
are bred for their versatility in the hunt, working equally as well on the land or the water. Pointers are primarily known as bird dogs, however they are also skilled trackers of land game, including hare, wild pigs and deer.

HPR's like German Shorthaired Pointers, German Wirehaired, Italian Spinone, Hungarian Vizsla's are highly intelligent, making them obedient but not easy to train.

Pointers are a medium dog ranging from 55 to 70 pounds (25 to 32 kg) and 23 to 25 inches (58 to 64 cm) tall to the shoulder. The pointer's energy is apparent as they bound far ahead to locating the prey for the gun. Pointers have the best sense of smell of all the gundogs. Like the English Setter, Pointers do not flush out the prey, rather it finds it and points it out to its master - hence its name.

This dog origin comes from crossing breeding the best hunting dogs, the Spanish pointer with German scent hounds

Labrador Retriever

The Labrador retriever, like pointers, is a well rounded gundog. Labradors are perhaps best known as water dogs due to their moisture repellent coats, and also have weblike feet helping propel them quickly through water fetching prey.

Labrador retrievers are also well equipped with intelligence and good temperament making them ideal for training. All these qualities mean Labradors, along with golden retrievers, are among the most popular breed of gundog.

Like the spaniels, retrievers have a gentle grip in their mouth, meaning they can 'retrieve' prey without damaging. Their eagerness to please means they are keen to apply themselves to other tasks for their handler, also making good trackers.

Labradors, weighing from 55 to 75 pound (25 to 34 kg), are a real all round dog, as at ease hunting pheasant & Partridge in the fields, as they are fetching ducks from icy ponds, makes them ideal gundogs, for all weather conditions.

Shropshire Gundog Training Day

2011-10-03T03:00:00.000-07:00

Our trainer Stewart North was invited with 5 other gun dog trainers Phil Garton, Casper Jonsen, Tim Brain, June Evans, Glyn Evans by Christine Gray to Shropshire Gundog Society Training Day at Becks Bird Farm, Ellerdine Heath, near Telford. The day started at 6.30am when Phil Garton another trainer from Leicestershire kindly offered to drive.

We arrived at 8.30am to be greeted by Christine Gray who is so well organised !

The barn set out for the admin and catering, Christine had organised a proper loo for the Ladies !

The trainers were showed the various training grounds for Puppies, Beginners, Novice and Open Gundogs.

Numbers had been limited to 7, but the day was so popular most trainers had 8 dogs in each class!

Our trainer was given the task of training 8 Open gundogs:

Peter & Labrador Retriever Diesel
Roz & Labrador Retriever Gibbs
Barry & Labrador Retriever Holly
John & Flat Coated Retriever Finbarr
Julia & Labrador Retriever fly
Anthony & Labrador Retriever Pepper
David & Labrador Retriever Lottie
Denise & Labrador Retriever Blaze

After a brief introduction it transpired that not all the gun dogs had qualified as Open Gundogs, only 4 of the gun dogs had won a novice working test and one of those had won under different ownership and 2 of the gun dogs had been placed in the open class as the novice classes had been oversubscribe!

So from a training point of view it was important to establish the capabilities of the gundogs, the trainer briefly asked the owners to explain thir gundogs biggest weakness which ranged from Stop Whistle, Straight line work, Recall, Delivery issues and one dog asking too many questions! (Robots).

The area of training tasks covered, heelwork, steadiness, marking ability, handling skills, changes in cover and obstacle work.

Not wanting to have any instant failures, the gun dogs were initially asked to line up off lead to view a double mark both short and long at 50m & 100m in light cover.

Gundogs were sent in a number order with number 1 picking the short mark, then number 2 was sent for the long mark and on completion we reversed the retrieves with the same gundogs.

Not one gundog completed both retrieves without any handling!

This exercise highlighted a number of problems?

It showed those gundogs who had no marking ability?
It showed those handlers who could not mark?
It showed handlers interfering with marks, i.e poor sending techniques, not allowing gundogs to use their nose?, noisy handling?,
It showed up gundogs with poor recall,
It showed up gundogs with poor delivery,

Advice was given on all these problems.

Our trainer highlighted that a number of handlers failed to read there dogs body language, did not read the wind conditions and far too many handlers tried to pick the dummy rather than put the gundog in the best position for it succeed its self.

The gundogs were then asked to pick a mark with distraction, the retrieve on the left was over a deep ditch with heavy cover, the other mark was at 90 degrees in light cover.

A number of gun dogs wanted to hunt the ditch and handlers lost sight of their gundog, some gundogs found the ditch too much of a barrier, we discussed how we improve confidence and gundogs marking ability, some handlers stopped their gun dogs in front of an obstacle, some handlers gave instructions whilst their gundogs were in motion, some handlers just expect their gundogs to go over obstacle without instruction.

Different methods suited different gundogs!, there is not a one size fits all mentality!

The trainer highlighted the need to stop handling those gun dogs, who rely too much on the handler, he also demonstrated how to achieve a longer cast, using memory marks increasing the gundogs confidence, we covered sloppy delivery and holding techniques and the need to be more assertive when gundogs are not satisfied after completing retrieves or not willing to stop to instruction.

After lunch, we did some work holding an area, then had a mock walk up with marks and blinds using the ditch, water hazards, thick hedges and a difficult wire fence.

The students will judge the value of the training training session for their particular needs, but from the trainers point of view we tried to highlight at least one weakness, although many gundogs had several, then the trainer tried to give some brief explanation for the reason of that weakness and give guidance on how to improve that weakness.

We conclude with this brief summary;

Peter & Diesel excellent performance during the day, needs to stretch training tasks be more demanding in different covers, would expect this dog to feature in future awards.

Roz & Gibbs excellent performance during the day, this dog is packed with natural ability, be careful not get a working test mentality ~ you are handling the dog when it is not necessary.

Barry & Holly your biggest weakness is not the dog, despite whining being a fault, the trainer was more concerned about your handling and sending techniques, nerves obviously play a part, your dog would mark much better if your set up was change. It certainly has a good nose! The whining got less and less throughout the day...may be that's the answer ~ more work in more highly charged environments?

John & Finbar it was a pleasure to see a stylish flat coated retriever, which did not run in and delivered its retrieve to hand, its a pity the handler cannot read his dog properly! this dog has bags of talent, just needs more consistent handling and its stop whistle tolerance improving.

Julia & Fly very talented gun dog with a handler who needs to serve a good apprenticeship, you need to be much more assertive at times, but equally knowing when not to interfere is absolute. Standing over game is serious fault, do not make it any worse?

Anthony & Pepper another promising gun dog, handler again needs to be more assertive, in a measured way ! pepper responded well to a change in vocal tone you will need to get out to her to remind her of the recall, I would do this without a dummy initially.

David & Lottie, this is a typical talented Labrador that has been over trained, one the country's best trainers Alan Thornton once remarked to our trainer Stewart North "how long has the dog be controlling you" owners with dogs that prompt instruction falsely believe they are controlling the dog? I would like you to place less emphasis on obedience and more emphasis's on hunting, in fact forget about obedience for a while and hopefully your problem will disappear!

Denise & Blaze, need to practising a lot more marks, gundog gave trainer the impression of a good picking up dog - good nose what about its eyesight? too much short work this dog needs to be strenched and confidence improved. You need to practising longer blinds both in and out of cover as this dog loves cover too much ! we spent some time on delievry issues dont be too quick to relieve the dog of its retrieve, reward the dog whilst holding the dummy.

Throughly enjoyed the day, well done Christine and thank you helpers Stuart and Anson.

This report is published to summarise training issues and help others new to our sport to understand, these are typical gundogs problems by people who regularly train gundogs, the writer will fully understand's if any student doe not wished to be mentioned.

Sould you wish to discuss any training advice, please contact Working Gundogs

Grade 1 Group Gundog Training Stilton, Peterborough

2011-08-09T07:38:00.000-07:00

Workinggundogs.co.uk will run new graded gundog training courses near Stilton, Cambs very close to the Norfolk & Lincolnshire County Borders.

Easy access from Peterborough, Cambridge, Oundle, Thrapston, Kettering, Huntingdon

Similar courses run throughout the East Midlands, and each culminates in an independent assessment of your gundog’s ability.

Grade one course introduces gundog training to novice handlers covering heelwork, sit, stay and recall commands. Workinggundogs.co.uk aim to introduce more owners to this rewarding sport, helping people channel their pet’s natural desires and talents into a useful and exciting activity. Courses provide a structured based training program for handlers to follow.

Taught by Professional Gundog Trainers, each course accepts five students for eight weekly, one hour sessions. Over eight weeks, students will train their dogs in basic obedience and simple retrieving

Book Now

Grade 1 Group Gundog Training Great Glen, Leicestershire

2011-08-09T07:33:00.000-07:00

Workinggundogs.co.uk will run new graded gundog training courses near Great Glen, Leicestershire.

Easy access from Leicester, Derby, Nottingham, Coventry via the M1 & M69

Similar courses run throughout the East Midlands, and each culminates in an independent assessment of your gundog’s ability.

Grade one course introduces gundog training to novice handlers covering heelwork, sit, stay and recall commands. Workinggundogs.co.uk aim to introduce more owners to this rewarding sport, helping people channel their pet’s natural desires and talents into a useful and exciting activity. Courses provide a structured based training program for handlers to follow.

Taught by Professional Gundog Trainers, each course accepts five students for eight weekly, one hour sessions. Over eight weeks, students will train their dogs in basic obedience and simple retriev

Book Now

Grade 1 Group Gundog Training Oakham, Rutland

2011-08-09T07:26:00.000-07:00

Workinggundogs.co.uk will run new graded gundog training courses near Oakham, Rutland very close to the Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Cambridge County Borders.

Easy access from Stamford, Grantham, Melton Mowbray, Sleaford & Peterborough

Similar courses run throughout the East Midlands, and each culminates in an independent assessment of your gundog’s ability.

Grade one course introduces gundog training to novice handlers covering heelwork, sit, stay and recall commands. Workinggundogs.co.uk aim to introduce more owners to this rewarding sport, helping people channel their pet’s natural desires and talents into a useful and exciting activity. Courses provide a structured based training program for handlers to follow.

Taught by Professional Gundog Trainers, each course accepts five students for eight weekly, one hour sessions. Over eight weeks, students will train their dogs in basic obedience and simple retrieving

Book Now

Grade 1 Group Gundog Training Brixworth Northamptonshire

2011-08-09T07:22:00.001-07:00

Workinggundogs.co.uk will run new graded gundog training courses near Brixworth very close to the Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire & Buckinghamshire County Borders.

Easy access from Market Harborough, Kettering, Wellingborough, Daventry & Northampton

Similar courses run throughout the East Midlands, and each culminates in an independent assessment of your gundog’s ability.

Grade one course introduces gundog training to novice handlers covering heelwork, sit, stay and recall commands. Workinggundogs.co.uk aim to introduce more owners to this rewarding sport, helping people channel their pet’s natural desires and talents into a useful and exciting activity. Courses provide a structured based training program for handlers to follow.

Taught by Professional Gundog Trainers, each course accepts five students for eight weekly, one hour sessions. Over eight weeks, students will train their dogs in basic obedience and simple retrieving

Book Now

Grade 1 Group Gun Dog Training Hartwell Northamptonshire

2011-08-09T06:56:00.000-07:00

Workinggundogs.co.uk will run new graded gundog training courses near Hartwell very close to the Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire & Buckinghamshire County Borders.

Easy access from Milton Keynes, Daventry, Towcester & Northampton

Similar courses run throughout the East Midlands, and each culminates in an independent assessment of your gundog’s ability.

Grade one course introduces gundog training to novice handlers covering heelwork, sit, stay and recall commands. Workinggundogs.co.uk aim to introduce more owners to this rewarding sport, helping people channel their pet’s natural desires and talents into a useful and exciting activity. Courses provide a structured based training program for handlers to follow.

Taught by Professional Gundog Trainers, each course accepts five students for eight weekly, one hour sessions. Over eight weeks, students will train their dogs in basic obedience and simple retrieving

Book Now

Cold Game Gun Dog Training Starting Soon

2011-08-07T02:48:00.000-07:00

Walked Up Group Cold Game Gundog Training is available with Working Gundogs during August and September and provides excellent preparation work prior to this years shooting season. These days are limited to 10 gundogs with a mixture of Spaniels and Retrievers and provides the closest type of training to real thing, without using live birds.

Friday's 6.30pm - 9pm
August 12th, 19th, 26th 6.30pm - 9pm
Saturday's 9am - 12midday
August 13th, 20th,27th,

Friday 6.30pm - 9pm
September 9th, 23rd, 30th
Saturday 9am - 12 midday
September 10th,

As your gundog advances during its training, it is most important it remains steady to fallen game and other dogs working, this type of training is excellent for making your gundogs more tolerant in this situation.

A variety of cold game will be used. Your dogs heelwork, steadiness, recall, marking and handling skills will be tested.

We hope to give every gun dog the chance to pick, either rabbit, partridge, pheasant, pigeon, woodcock, young dogs will be placed in the centre of the line away from gun shot, each handler will be given sufficient time to retrieve, although dogs out of control will be called up, (please do not take offence, some dogs will need to be kept on the lead), everybody is there to learn and teach their gun dog something, it’s not a competition.

Book Here

Pedigree Dogs Exposed Part 2 !

2011-07-31T14:29:00.000-07:00

In June this year, Jemima Harrison informed the Kennel Club and others know that the BBC has commissioned her to make a follow-up film to Pedigree Dogs Exposed, to explore what impact the film had and to assess what progress has been made in addressing conformation and genetic issues in purebred dogs since 2008.

PDE 2 will be what the BBC call a "personal view" film - acknowledging, as of course I have to, how involved I have become in this issue since making Pedigree Dogs Exposed.

There has been no response from the Kennel Club yet. Jennifer is keen for the KC to have a voice in the film so hope they will decide to take part and to let me film at one or two dog shows between now and the end of the year so we can see what progress has been made since PDE, particularly as regards the "high-profile" breeds.

Read her blog

It was also interesting to read that a group called "STOP THE BBC PRODUCING ANOTHER PDE" had been formed attracting some 2500 members on facebook, which has since been removed by facebook.

Details of its creation can be found here

FACE BOOK has since removed this group, which I have some sympathy with , if we continue prevent people or journalists from speaking out, large insitutions, such as the kennel club will never be held to account for their actions. The Kennel Club is self regulated, unlike the our press and banks, which have proven even when regulated to use their power for there own interest!

I want to see an investigation expose the reality and give an opportunity of supporters and complainants to voice their opinons and evidence such that a balance view is obtained.

Health Care Tips for Older Gundogs

2011-07-28T08:15:00.000-07:00

When Your Gundog is getting older and whines terribly each time you leave home without him. But do you really need to retire a gundog at age nine, 10 or 11?

Assuming he’s physically sound, there’s no reason a gundog can’t hunt through most of his golden years. But for his safety and your peace of mind, you have to make sure he’s as healthy as he can be.

Here are some health care tips for older gundogs.

Google Plus 1 Project? will this correct artificial rankings?

2011-07-19T01:52:00.000-07:00

What Is The Need for Google Plus Project?

If we go back to the start of Google, part of their objective was to be the world’s information source. To that end, any information including communications, are fair game to be pooled under one roof for better accessing, interpretation and availability based on content relevancy. Information from social communities certainly falls into the process of aggregating information and in line with Google’s objectives.

Secondly, a few years ago if you logged into your Google account, you had the option of commenting on web pages in search results. I think it took one comment to realize that nothing we did would have an effect on website rankings, because the comments were only relative for our own account. Now why would I comment on web pages if my comments are not shared with anyone? Exactly! So, the comment we had on our own website is no longer there and the Google Plus Project seems to have replaced this feature more effectively. Now, all comments, ticks, etc. are shared with people in our community. Certainly seems to be more effective for web marketing.

Perhaps not the last reason, but certainly another important reason, would be related to anti-spam. Google has always sought out ways to reduce spam in the search results. So much so, that it has made it more difficult and complicated for businesses to rank legitimate information and websites (this is also known as job security for web marketers!).

Spammers have infiltrated social communities and found ways to get their information indexed through these communities and/or impacted search engine results for their websites. Since most popular social communities are not as good as Google in terms of anti-spam, one would expect Google to take a pro-active role. Content in the project can be better monitored (aka controlled) to minimize spam, fraud and less reputable websites.

Gundog Training Testimonial Show Spaniel

2011-07-07T04:38:00.000-07:00

Andria Warren Show Spaniel ~ Mable ~ Northamptonshire

I am not the traditional attendant for gundog training as I have a cocker spaniel, from mostly show lines. I knew training Mable would be a challenging experience for both me and Mable and my trainer Stewart but I feel the training has been really beneficial and enjoyable.

read more

Working Gundog Graded Field Assessments 3rd July 2011

2011-07-04T01:13:00.000-07:00

Working Gundog Graded Training Field Assessments
3rd July 2011 ~ Leicestershire

Congratulations to those students who passed their graded assessments, disspointments for two grade 4 and one grade 3 student as their dogs did not perform on the day.

Out of 14 students who started group training courses back in May 2011, 13 finished the course and 11 completed the graded field assessments, unfortunatley 2 students could not make the assessments, Ben & Millie got lost on route ! and Catriona Spaniel Monty was not fit due to a recent operation. 1 Student left a grade 1 course who deemed it unsuitable.

Stats

93% of students complete courses.
84% of students completing course go on to complete the assessments.
78% of students pass their graded assessments

GRADE 4 MERIT for WORKING COCKER BRAMBLE !

After 7 weeks training nearly all of students entered their gundogs for an independent graded field assessment covering basic and novice gundog foundation training for Spaniels and Retrievers.

On this occasion we had four grade 4 spaniels taking an assessments, which involves blind retrieves, jumping fences, hunting in medium cover, long and short marks with shot, all dogs needed to demonstrate steadiness, hunting pattern, good marking and handling skills.

Training Groups from the East Midlands met at our training ground at Houghton on the Hill, Leicestershire, weather was very hot and humid.

Assessments are carried out independently by another professional gundog trainer who has not seen or trained any of the applicants, other than in previous grades, we like to think this gives more reward and credibility to the achievement.

Assessments on this occasion were conducted by Mr. David Field, who is a kennel club B Panel Judge, he has many years experience in training a number of gundogs breeds and like our own trainer wants to see more people enjoy working their gundogs for the purpose, which they were bred for.

Grade 1 Results

James Rose & English Springer Spaniel PASS
Claire Greenwood & Chocolate Labrador Reriever PASS
Susan March & Golden Retriever MERIT
Sharon Lee & Brittany Spaniel MERIT

Grade 2 Results

Carole Williams & Chocolate Labrador Retriever PASS
Ian Butcher & Flat Coated Retriever MERIT

Grade 3 Results

Claire Thomas & English Springer Spaniel NOT READY
Ann Lester & English Springer Spaniel PASS
Dawn Williamson & Cocker MERIT

Grade 4 Results

Adrian Phillips & Raffy NOT READY
Peter Wright & Purdey NOT READY
John Billings & Raffles PASS
Paul Toseland & Bramble MERIT

Further reports & photo's can be found on our facebook page and website

Working Gundog Graded Field Assessments 23rd April 2011

2011-07-03T23:44:00.000-07:00

Working Gundog Graded Training Field Assessments
23rd April 2011 ~ Northamptonshire

Congratulations to those students who passed their graded assessments, if we exclude those who attended just to take the test, 80% of of our group training clients who take the test are passing their grades.

MERITS FOR FLAT COATED & LABRADOR RETRIEVERS !

After 7 weeks training a number of students entered their gundogs for an independent graded field assessments covering basic gundog foundation training for Spaniels, Retrievers and HPR's.

On this occasion we had a very wide cross section of breeds, Show Cocker, Labrador Cross, Chocolate Labradors, Munsterlander, Sprocker,Flat Coated Retriever and Labrador Retrievers.

Out of the 9 Assessments, 7 of the gundogs had undergone 6/7 weeks training prior to the assessments, which started back in February 2011. 8 Students started group training in February, 5 dogs went on to take assessments, 2 dogs were not ready at the end of course and 1 was on holiday. All students starting the course completed the course.

Training Groups from the East Midlands met at our training ground at Creaton near Brixworth, Northamptonshire, weather was very good.

Assessments are carried out independently by another professional gundog trainer who has not seen or trained any of the applicants, other than in previous grades, we like to think this gives more reward and credibility to the achievement.

Assessments on this occasion were conducted by Mr. David Field, who is a kennel club B Panel Judge, he has many years experience in training a number of gundogs breeds and like our own trainer wants to see more people enjoy working their gundogs for the purpose, which they were bred for.

Grade 1 Results

Roger Billson & Munsterlander NOT READY
Ben Cleave & Labrador Reriever PASS
James De-Wit & Hungarian Vizsla PASS
Carole Williams & Chocolate Labrador PASS
Ian Butcher & Flat Coated Retriever MERIT

Grade 2 Results

Chris French & Sprocker NOT READY
Ruth Sheehan & Labraor Cross PASS
Andrea Warren & Show Cocker PASS
Paula Harriss & Labrador Retriever Scouse MERIT

Further reports & photo's can be found on our facebook page and website

New Rules when taking your Gundog out of the Country

2011-06-30T07:11:00.001-07:00

NEW PET TRAVEL RULES TO COME INTO FORCE IN 2012

Defra has announced that new rules on pet travel will be introduced from 1st January 2012. The changes will mean that the rules on rabies vaccination for entry into the UK will be in line with the rest of Europe.

Defra has carried out a scientific risk assessment to find out how the changes will affect the level of risk of rabies entering the UK. Although the probability of rabies introduction into the UK will increase, the assessment found the risk to still be very low after the increase.

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) and British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) are informing their members of the new rules so that the right advice can be given to pet owners planning to travel abroad with their animals.

Dogs, cats and pet ferrets entering the UK from an EU or ‘listed’ third country from 1 January 2012 must:
be microchipped
be vaccinated against rabies
have waited 21 days after vaccination before entering
have an EU Pet Passport

The current requirement to carry out a blood test followed by a six-month wait before entry into the UK will no longer be required.

From 1st January pets entering from a non-listed third country must pass a blood test 30 days after vaccination followed by a three-month wait.

Until now, the UK, Ireland and three other Member States have had derogations from EU pet travel rules to allow for additional controls to protect against rabies, ticks and tapeworms.

Successful vaccination programmes in wildlife in mainland Europe have now allowed the UK to consider whether the additional controls for rabies are still necessary.

The BVA and BSAVA have continued to lobby in Europe for additional controls to be maintained for tapeworms, which could introduce Echinococcus multilocularis to the UK – a significant public health concern.

Although a final decision has not yet been made the European Commission has indicated that it will support the UK case for additional tapeworm controls.

Commenting, Harvey Locke, President of the BVA, said:

“It is vital that any controls on animal movements are proportionate to the risk.

“Due to the highly successful vaccination programme in wildlife in mainland Europe there has been a huge reduction in the incidence in rabies. Research carried out by Defra reveals that the risk of introducing rabies under the new rules is very low.

“However, it is essential that pet owners get good veterinary advice when planning to take their animals abroad because pets can be exposed to a number of diseases not currently endemic in the UK, for example leishmaniasis, babesiosis, and ehrlichiosis.

“As part of responsible ownership we would always advise pet owners to visit their vet for a pre-travel consultation to discuss how to protect the health and welfare of their animals when travelling abroad.”

Andrew Ash, President of the BSAVA, added:

“The Pet Travel Scheme has been highly successful in keeping the UK free of rabies. BVA and BSAVA have been working closely with Defra to ensure that any changes to the pet travel rules do not threaten our disease-free status.

“The rabies vaccine has advanced and now has a longer duration of immunity and we welcome the continuing requirement for all pets to be vaccinated before travel.”

Defra Website

Top Gundogs in the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust Regional Final

2011-06-28T05:17:00.000-07:00

See website for more details

"Its always a pleasure to win any award, but to win 2 top awards in the same day is very special with very young Labrador Retrievers, Poppy had an exceptional day scoring 80/80, which I am told is a first since 1993. Many thanks to the host, judges and sponsors on the hottest summers day of 2011, it was exhausting for the competitors and their dogs, but the atmosphere was very enjoyable and included a number of fun events for those new to gundogs".

Wing Hall Gundog Demonstration

2011-06-23T00:42:00.000-07:00

Working Gundogs were invited to host a gundog display at Wing Hall, Rutland on the sunday 12th June, the local Rutland Dog Warden Barry Briggs judged the dog show whilst our resident gundog trainer stewart north judged the obedience section.

The Dog Show results will be publish in the local Rutland News Shortly.

The weather was dissapointing for the organisers, although those visitors that did brave the weather has a throughly enjoyable time.

Book Review "Dog Sense" by John Bradshaw

2011-06-21T06:26:00.000-07:00

One of the most fascinating things about the human/dog relationship is our constantly-evolving notions of how dogs think, understand, learn and interact with us. Every day, it seems, some new bit of research is shedding heretofore unknown insight into dog behavior, and in the process sometimes standing conventional wisdom on its head. Such is the case with "Dog Sense: How the New Science of Dog Behavior Can Make You a Better Friend to Your Pet" (Basic Books, 2011) by anthrozoologist John Bradshaw.

Bradshaw, using the latest findings in canine research, argues that much of what we take for granted about dogs is completely wrong. He claims that, among other things, the "alpha dog" theory is inaccurate, that new research show us that dogs are both dumber and smarter than we think, that dogs have evolved to become physically and emotionally dependent on humans, that dogs trained with positive reinforcement have better retention and don’t suffer from fear-based aggression like those trained with other methods, and that environment is more important than breed when it comes to raising people-loving dogs.

However small and cloistered it may seem, the world of gundog training doesn't exist in a vacuum. Just like any other field, it grows and evolves over time as we learn better and more effective ways of doing things. In my book the most important trait for a dog trainer (and most common among truly gifted dog men) is an open and flexible mind. Smart trainers aren't afraid to go outside the gundog world if it can teach them something about their dogs.

So as I begin reading this new book on dog behavior, I'm wondering what books you may have read - I'm talking non gundog-specific books - that have taught or helped you in your training and understanding of your gundog? Cesar Millan? Perhaps one of Bill Tarrant's general dog books? Give me your favorites...

US $20 Bill This is Creepy !

2011-06-07T09:49:00.000-07:00

Apologies for not being Gundog Related, but i needed to share this !

This is creepy!!

Have a history teacher explain this----- if they can.

Abraham Lincoln was elected to Congress in 1846.
John F. Kennedy was elected to Congress in 1946.

Abraham Lincoln was elected President in 1860.
John F. Kennedy was elected President in 1960.

Both were particularly concerned with civil rights.
Both wives lost their children while living in the White House.

Both Presidents were shot on a Friday.
Both Presidents were shot in the head

Now it gets really weird.

Lincoln 's secretary was named Kennedy.
Kennedy's Secretary was named Lincoln .

Both were assassinated by Southerners.
Both were succeeded by Southerners
named Johnson.

Andrew Johnson, who succeeded Lincoln, was born in 1808.
Lyndon Johnson, who succeeded Kennedy, was born in 1908.

John Wilkes Booth, who assassinated Lincoln,
was born in 1839.
Lee Harvey Oswald, who assassinated Kennedy,
was born in 1939.

Both assassins were known by their three names.
Both names are composed of fifteen letters.

Now hang on to your seat.

Lincoln was shot at the theatre named 'Ford'.
Kennedy was shot in a car called ' Lincoln ' made by 'Ford'.

Lincoln was shot in a theatre and his assassin
ran and hid in a warehouse.
Kennedy was shot from a warehouse and his assassin ran and hid in a theatre.

Booth and Oswald were assassinated before their trials.

WHO FIGURED THIS OUT?

INCREDIBLE
1) Fold a NEW $20 bill in half...

2) Fold again, taking care to fold it exactly as below

3) Fold the other end, exactly as before

4) Now, simply turn it over...

What a coincidence! A simple geometric fold creates a catastrophic premonition printed on all $20 bills!!!

COINCIDENCE?

YOU DECIDE

As if that wasn't enough...
Here is what you've seen...

Firstly The Pentagon on fire...

Then The Twin Towers.

... And now . look at this!

TRIPLE COINCIDENCE ON A SIMPLE $20 BILL
Disaster (Pentagon)
Disaster ( Twin Towers )
Disaster (Osama)???

It gets even better 9 + 11 = $20!

Creepy huh? Send this to as many people as you can, cause:
Hey, this is one history lesson most people probably will not mind reading!

Northglen Gundogs 4 Generations over 14 years

2011-06-06T12:33:00.000-07:00

Daventry Countryside Park Gundog Water Training Day

2011-06-03T02:07:00.000-07:00

Dear Stewart,

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for attending Countryside Day, all feedback we have received has been very positive and I very much enjoyed watching your training sessions. I am sorry however that I did not have the opportunity to meet with you but hope your experience of the day was a pleasant one.

I do hope that you trainee's had an enjoyable day and enjoyed the surroundings of the park.

Exhibitors feedback is very important to ensure that future events are successful and therefore I attach a feedback form for completion.

Again, thank you for attending and I hope you would be interested in attending events at the Country Park in the future.

Kind Regards
Gemma

Gemma cooper
Community Project Officer
Daventry District Council

Photo's and details of event

Red Fox Gundog Puppies

2011-05-25T04:49:00.000-07:00

Pedigrees, Health Certification

Quidco very useful !

2011-05-25T03:23:00.000-07:00

Quidco can save you money

Gundog Training or Practising ?

2011-05-06T10:36:00.001-07:00

Having just returned from a skiing holiday in France, I was enjoying each day on the mountain with the fresh, cold air and adrenaline infusions, as my friends and I pushed each other to do better.

I used the mantra (sometimes it doubled as an excuse): "if you're not falling, you're not skiing hard enough."

The same might be said of training your gundog: if you're not making adjustments, corrections or changes to your gundog's performance, you might not be training hard enough. You might just be practicing!

Now, I say might because with gundogs it's very subjective and depends upon what you've already done with the gundog.

If you haven't taught the gundog what you expect and then suddenly throw them into a scenario that they have to figure out by trial and error, then corrections, be them verbal, physical, are woefully unfair.

However, if you've gone through the teaching phase, the gundog understands what you're doing and what's expected, then pushing him to do better by challenging him mentally and giving him every opportunity to make the correct decisions is training the gundog.

If you're simply running drills over and over or keep repeating the same scenarios in the same area, then the gundog begins to read the exercise and can react accordingly.

So many people don't train, they just practice. They just go through the motions and the gundog isn't really working or having to try.

Now, practicing can have its benefits. It's great for building a dog's confidence and momentum, as well as re-establishing the basics, but repeating the same scenario or drill over and over in the same place doesn't train the gundog to react accordingly in the future in a new setting.

When people train in the same place, the dog begins to pick up on cues and anticipates what's going to happen. You need to get the gundog out of its comfort zone a little bit and challenge it, or else you're just practicing and not training.

You can push a gundog by changing locations or making a known drill/scenario more challenging by increasing the complexity, distractions, number of dummies, topography or getting out in the rain and windy conditions (after all, shooting rarely takes place during ideal conditions).

I suspect we are all guilty of lazy training (especially after the shooting season).

If you feel you need to be pushed then get booked in with workinggundogs

Retriever Championship Jimmy Swindlehurst

2011-05-05T01:23:00.000-07:00

Winning the Retriever Championship is the top accolade for any gundog handler or retriever breeder and is a major focal point for all retriever field trialing enthusiasts during the shooting season.

Although the field trialing community is a very small part of United Kingdom gundog activity, the Retriever Championship has a major influence on the bloodlines used, some would say too much! but we will leave that discussion for another day.

Like most sports in today's world, winners need a dedication and focus, which consumes the majority of activity in ones life and the gundog world is no different. "A top class retriever requires a top class driver, if you are to succeed in field trials"

Read more for stud details

The Sporting Dog Group

2011-05-04T06:22:00.000-07:00

The Sporting Dog Group

The first 2 categories of dog divisions were the Sporting and Non-Sporting groups. Today, there are many more, yet the Sporting Group still remains. The Sporting Group contains the dogs who accompany their hunter-owners into the field. They are made to find birds and other game. They then point to the position of the bird or small animal, freezing in place. Alternative, a sporting dog will flush the creature out from the brush. The owner fires a shot, shoots an arrow or uses some means to wound or kill the prey. The Sporting dog then retrieves the creature from wherever it has fallen - water, land or swamp.

Characteristics

Overall, the size, shape and color vary in this group. They are not identical clones. Physically there is a variation of coat types, colors and physical attributes. Mentally and in terms of demands, however, the Sporting group has certain important commonalities.

- They are very active dogs. While you may never wish to hunt with them, you will need to make sure they are exercised thoroughly. Sporting canines require plenty of vigorous exercise to keep them relaxed, happy, content and tired out.

- Their energy level, if not the size of the larger animals, prohibits their living with you in a small apartment.

- They are great companions.

- Sporting dogs can be sociable and good-natured companions if you take the time to train them.

- Many of the breeds are high-maintenance. This does not apply only to exercise but to grooming requirements.

Breed-Associated Health Problems And Other Issues

There are a number of health problems associated with the Sporting Group of dogs. It does not mean your good sport will be affected. It does, however, mean you should check into the background of a sporting dog. Be sure to talk to breeders and vets about any possible health issues that may affect your dog of dog-to-be.

- Dysplasia - This is common among several breeds in the Sporting Group. Dysplasia affects both the hip and the elbows of this category of canine.

- Hypothyroidism - This means the dog’s thyroid does not produce enough hormones. It is easily corrected through the right medication. Prone to this particular problem are Golden Retrievers.

- Eye Problems - Many sporting dogs have eye problems later in life. Cocker Spaniels are affected by this.

- High energy - This is great if you are afflicted with the same nature. It may not be so great if you are a couch potato or only suffer fits of exercise mania. The excess of energy may also make it hard on the toddler and small child set.

Grooming Needs

The members of the Sporting Group require grooming. Some dogs need it more than others. Some, such as Labrador Retrievers, require only a weekly brushing. The Golden sheds more. If you want to keep this under control, you will have to brush it more than once a week.

High maintenance in grooming belongs to the Spaniels, and a few Setters of this group. Their coats demand frequent brushing and trimming. If you fail to meet the requirements, your dog will not look at its best. It may also be uncomfortable.

Specific Breeds of Sporting Dogs

You can find dogs weighing from 20 to 60 pounds in the Sporting Group.

Among the members of this breed, you will find the following breed of dogs:

- German Shorthaired Pointer
- Curly-coated Retriever
- Golden Labrador Retriever
- Labrador Retriever
- Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
- Gordon Setter
- Irish Setter
- English Cocker Spaniel
- Brittany Spaniel
- VizlaInformation provided by Joe Hendrix of Oh My Dog Supplies, where you can find a extraordinary collection of raised dog bowls online.

The Kennel Club KCAI Scheme

2011-05-04T01:19:00.001-07:00

The Chairman of The Kennel Club Accredited Instruction Board Mr. Paul Rawlings published a recent article in the kennel Club Field Trials Newsletter with the aim of encouraging field trial trainers to join the KCAI.

The scheme provides membership of a training program, leading to a national qualification in dog training and canine behavior.

Although the scheme purports to have over 600 members and has been running for 10 years it only has 5 members who are accredited with the status of advance trainers for working gundogs, the chairman himself who is also an independent professional gundog trainer is one of these, so the current scheme has only generated 4 qualified instructors over this time ~ hardly a scheme of major success !

This will come as no surprise to those critical of the kennel club’s administration, some people believe the kennel club has always moved too slowly and any help offered always comes at a price and interference, which strengthens the kennel club’s power in the dog world.

If you exclude the Chairman the other four accredited working gundog trainers, Tania Stapley (Roytan), Eileen Ayling (meadowmill), Mary Ward (Parsifal), Anthea Lawrence (Courtridge) have all qualified as working gundog trainers but not one of them is listed as a kennel club field trial judge, which may be an interesting observation to some.

It is also worth mentioning that none of the kennel club accredited trainers appear to be running kennel club training days, this privilege is reserved to kennel Club field trial Judges ? May be the kennel club believe a field trial judge is a better gundog trainer?

Working Gundog trainer Stewart North joined the scheme 2 years ago and allowed the membership to lapse, as he did not consider it to be of a major benefit, when we first established workinggundogs in 2007, we looked at joining a number of national organisations thinking this would add some benefit to our business?, the only thing they added was an expense!

Our trainer remembers speaking one evening to a course administrator of yet another national organisation (not the KC) purporting to offer some recognised status for dog training, we enquired about the course syllabus and the cost was going to be £900 for the week, and before the conversation finished our trainer was being asked for advice on a particular gundog problem from the person who was about to run the course! (For those cynical readers, the question was not to test our trainers knowledge?), he genuinely did not have a clue, we decided the qualification was not worth the cost!

Looking back when we decided to join the KCAI scheme, after paying registration fees a package of paperwork arrived, well talk about being buried in paperwork, it’s no wonder they only have 4 accredited trainers!

Our trainer is usually pretty good with paperwork, but with 40 gundogs coming in for training each week, we seriously questioned if it was necessary.

We believed that such a scheme would open other opportunities and give us a broader knowledge of the training world, but we were put off by the process!
Fortunately our business has not suffered as a result, which goes to show if you put too much reliance on qualifications, you will have no time to run a business!

Our success as gundog trainers is built on results, by helping people not only to control their gundogs, but more importantly helping them to understand why their gundogs behave in a certain way.

Our clients are the best source of future business; we work on the basis of keeping 90% happy by attaining some structured development, which is independently verified.

We have found that trying to keep every client happy, appeases a pet mentality, who do not wish to maintain a hunting instinct, which they have unwhittingly purchased!

Our advice to the Kennel Club would be to put more resources into supporting those on the register and refrain from seeking further membership, or risk being seen as another revenue generating project!

The kennel club gave a prompt response after reading the above article:

The Uk's leading Gundog web sites covering training, breeding, food and events

2011-05-03T03:20:00.000-07:00

workinggundogs.co.uk is continuing to build its web presence and has achieved another record of being ranked it the top 1 million web sites registered on the world wide web, to add some prospective to this achievement in 2009 we were ranked in the top 5 million.

workinggundogs.co.uk is now also listed on the top UK index which contains 200,000 websites and is now listed 33,353.

In just over 2 years http://workinggundogs.co.uk has become one of the Uk’s leading websites covering information and advice on all things gundogs, in particular gundog training, it all started in February 2009, with the creation of the web site by author Stewart North.

The web site has been evolving ever since initially with a few hundred visitors and now has an average over 7000 visitors per month with very high pageviews/user and time on site/user ratios.

The web site has not only grown with new visitors, it now has a regular following of repeat users and has established a position on the web, which would be enviable by some of the major publishers and product providers.

All this has be achieved without sponsors and advertisers, which so often can be seen to clutter other web sites, we have also achieved top search engine rankings without paid advertising, proving that small business can generate a profile, which previous was only available to larger businesses.

We again thank our customers for their valued support.

All information in this blog can be verified at Alexa.com the worlds leading web information company.

Lyme Disease in Gundogs

2011-04-18T08:15:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-18T05:26:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-13T10:39:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-13T06:21:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-13T06:17:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-13T06:11:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-13T05:19:00.000-07:00

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..

Follow my Blog with Bloglovin

2011-04-12T06:32:00.000-07:00

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The UK,s Leading Gundog Information Web Sites April 2011

2011-04-04T06:59:00.000-07:00

Independent Gundog Graded Training Assessments 23rd April 2011

2011-03-28T08:31:00.000-07:00

There has been date change to our next gundog graded training assessment day, which will now be held at Creaton, nr Brixworth, Northamptonshire on Saturday 23rd April at 10am

All applications other than existing training groups should apply online.

URC Midlands Novice Cold Game Working Test

2011-03-26T10:50:00.000-07:00

URC Midlands Novice Cold Game Game AV Retriever Working Test
Boughton Estate, Northants

26th March 2011

Judges Mr. Malcolm Thwaites & Mr. Phil Garton
Chief Steward Miss. Sarah Jaggard

URC Midlands held there first 2011 working test by kind permission of the Duke of Buccleuch and head keeper Graham Osborne.

Competitors enjoyed a walked up novice cold game test on this superb estate in white grass set aside and woodland. Although the test was scored along field trial lines each competitor was allowed to complete 3 rounds, regardless of eliminating faults, the judges gave the competitors a significant amount of time to pick cold, when they would otherwise have been asked to call their dogs up.

In the first round the competitors were asked to pick marked birds to their own gun in front or behind the line with the occasional a double mark being thrown on the left hand side, in the second round each competitor was asked to pick either a mark across the line or a blind behind the line.

Stewart North and Labrador Retriever Ballagan Handa (Tiley) was drawn number 20 on the running card, so was the last dog to run in each round, Tilley first retrieve was behind number 16 who failed to pick a pigeon thrown as a double mark, Tilley arrived in the area very efficiently and picked, she then had a mark behind the line which was picked without any problem. In the Second Round Tilly was asked to pick a bird on the right hand side of a double mark, which was particularly efficient, after waiting a considerable amount of time whilst another dog picked a blind from behind the line.

At this stage we broke for lunch and Tilley's work was looking very promising, after lunch we started walking up in the woods and again waited along time before getting into line. Tilley's first retrieve was behind another dog which had failed to pick a rabbit behind the line, although she picked the rabbit, she required much more handling to hold the area. Her next retrieve was a difficult mark in front, which she had failed to mark because of the trees and pulled towards the gun that fired, she picked the mark after some handling!

On completion of the third round the judges made a cut and allowed all the dogs which had not failed numbers 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15 18, 20 to enter a mock drive in the woods.

Numbers 3,4,6,7,8,10 were called for the first drive and asked to pick a blind on completion of the drive, each blind was situated in a different location.

Numbers 12,13,15,18 & 20 were called for the 2nd drive, during the drive number 15 ran in and was eliminated. The remaining 4 dogs picked their blinds. At this stage Tilley was still focused on the marks and gun during the drive and did not line up properly, she would have been marked down for pulling towards a gun!

Despite picking 2 birds behind other dogs, which had failed to pick, Tilley was awarded 3rd and probably lost 1st & 2nd place as a result of being a little hotter in the afternoon, certainly pulling to a gun is a training weakness, which needs to be sorted!

Overall pleased with her performance. more photo's

Congratulations to award winners and a big thank you to the host, organisers, judges and helpers who made the day very successful.

RESULTS

1st DIGLAKE THUNDER 2yr Lab dog
owned and Handled by Mr. Stephen Newitt

2nd TADMARTON DIPPER 2 1/2yr Lab dog
owned and handled by Mrs. Claire Organ

3rd BALLAGAN HANDA 2 1/2yr Lab Bitch
owned and handled by Mr. Stewart North

4th NECESSARES RAFFLE 2 1/2yr Flat Coat
owned and handled by Mr. Andy Snow

COM Newney Hall Grouse of Skeffington 1 1/2yr Lab Bitch
owned and Handled by Mr. Mike Hirst, also recieved Roy Wightman Trophy for Youngest in the Awards

Shropshire Gundog Working Tests 17th April

2011-03-24T03:10:00.000-07:00

Shropshire Gundog Society are hosting Novice & Open Retriever Working Tests on the 17th April. Entries close 2nd April

Further Details

European Tick invades UK ~ Gundogs Beware

2011-03-24T00:52:00.000-07:00

Researchers from the University of Bristol also found that the number of dogs infested with all species of the parasites was far higher than previously thought.

They raised fears that there is an increased risk of disease carried by the ticks infecting people and animals in this country, including some brought in for the first time by the foreign tick, Dermacentor reticulates, thought to have arrived here because of climate change.

Professor Richard Wall, head of the veterinary parasitology group at the university, which carried out the research, said: “This is an important study because the results suggest that the risk of tick infestation is far higher in dogs than was previously thought. This has serious implications for the incidence of tick-borne disease.

“The study also confirms that a non-native species of tick, which is also a major disease vector in Europe, is now established in southern England.”

Dog ticks can be infected with a number of tick-borne diseases, including Lyme disease, which left untreated can damage the heart and nervous system of humans.

The research, published in the journal Medical and Veterinary Entomology, studied 3,500 dogs that were treated by 173 veterinary surgeries across the country. They found that at any one time 14.9% dogs were infested with ticks.

Their research was looking at how global temperature rises and movements of people and animals might affect populations of “ectoparasites”.

Gun dogs such as retrievers, setters and spaniels, plus terriers and pastoral breeds traditionally used to guard livestock were found to be most susceptible to infestation. Longer-haired dogs were more susceptible to ticks than short-haired breeds.

The foreign species was found in south-east England and west Wales, raising fears that it is now a permanent resident.

RSPCA Inspectors view of our Gundog Training

2011-03-21T05:53:00.000-07:00

Testermonial Report

High Birds in May ~ The Annual Whitfield Clay Shoot

2011-03-04T12:55:00.000-08:00

One of the best simulated game shooting days of the year, hosted at the famous whitfield shooting estate.

Teams of 4 guns compete in 10 Simulated Game Flushes.

Cost £300 per team

A fantastic activity for the weekend of the 14th & 15th May 2011 Starts 9am

Booking Details

Paws in the Park 2011

2011-03-01T14:40:00.000-08:00

2011- NEW DATE- NEW VENUE!!

17-18 September 2011

The Kent Showground

Set in over 200 acres of event space and a staggering 4500 sq metres of indoor facilities, the Kent Showground really is one of the South Easts biggest event locations.

Whilst there will still be a huge range of outside entertainment and attractions, for 2011 we will have a NEW Indoor Entertainment Zone, which will feature; All Day Arena Entertainment, Shopping Mall and Cafe.

There are excellent camping facilities and with evening entertainment, why not make a weekend of it!

more details

Top Gundog Website gets GB Ranking

2011-03-01T04:38:00.000-08:00

Alexa Report on new GB ranking

We would just like to thank all those customers who have continued to support Workinggundogs.co.uk over the past 12 months, our web site hit a new record in February with over 7000 visits (2010 : 3751), this is a fantastic achievement which helped us climb to Number 8 in the Top 10 gundog web sites with the UK.

For the first time we climbed above the gundog club, who sadly continue with their efforts to discredit our trainer "Stewart North Leicestershire the gundog club", while our business continues to grow! Thankfully their efforts have little effect....and are probably damaging their own reputation and business more than ours, the results below would certainly indicate their expensive marketing campaign is not producing the desired results!

We prefer to do our marketing on the training ground!

________________________________World___Time on______UK
WebSite________________________Ranking_______Site____Ranking
1 thekennelclub.org.uk________________ 209720___ 2.13____ 13326
2 shootinguk.co.uk ___________________460123____ 2.49__ 47842
3 gundogtrainingforum.co.uk ___________1312962__ 4.19_____ n/a
4 ukgundogs.org ____________________1457505_____ 3.88__193451
5 thefield.co.uk ______________________1738517__ 1.83__ 130379
6 csjk9.com ________________________1896531__ 3.71____ 88259
7 dogtraininguk.com _________________2381774__ 2.11____ 136364
8 workinggundogs.co.uk______________ 3097129_11.54____ 138291
9 sportingshooter.co.uk______________ 3806726__ 1.47___ 161241
10 thegundogclub.co.uk________________ 3979549__ 1.48_____ n/a

11 sportingsaint.co.uk________________ 5436836 1.76
12 Gundoggear.co.uk ___________________5496710 3.35
13 felsteadgundogs.com ________________5591438 1.61
14 gundog.co.uk _______________________5690310 10.62
15 blackgundog.com ____________________7335516 3.16
16 turnerrichards.co.uk _______________7652746 5.38
17 lainsshootingschool.co.uk __________7653291 3.38
18 gunsandgundogs.com _________________7803183 22.6
19 gundogkit.co.uk ____________________9174412 0
20 thepetgundog.co.uk _________________9464525 0

21 questgundogs.co.uk _________________9577849 2.64
22 dog-n-field.co.uk _________________10369449 1
23 scurrybandits.co.uk _______________11757993 1.68
24 buccleuchgundogs.com ______________12168932 0.42

All the above web information can be verified by visiting alexa.com, web traffic information changes continously and can sometimes be subject to errors. When measuring web activity it is best to monitor activity over a longer period.

I'am not jumping in....water training at its best

2011-02-28T13:08:00.000-08:00

Gundog Water Training at Stapleford Park, Melton Mowbray

2011-02-25T06:12:00.000-08:00

Stewart North at Workinggundogs has been invited on many occasions to events at Stapleford Park Country House Hotel, 2011 brings with a number of high end events to the region for further information contact the Stapleford Forum

Several clients joined Stewart North and workinggundogs.co.uk for a gundog training day around the lakes and woodland owned by the Gretton family.

We started with 5 gundogs, Irish Water Spaniel Aoife, English Springer Spaniel Pippa, Cocker Spaniel Bramble, and two Labrador Retrievers Freddie & Algie.

The main tasks set out for the training session were, Entering Water Freely, Steadiness to other dogs, Steadiness to a fallen dummy, recall to handler, delivery to hand, water retrieve with water distraction, retrieve on land with water distraction, directional retrieve with water distraction.

Several of these gundogs live at home with no other dogs in the family, these types of training sessions are invaluable in creating a much more tolerant and steady gundog, all the gundogs improved throughout the session, it was a particular difficult session for the IWS who was very challenging of the owner.

Aoife, Pippa & Freddie all had delivery issues that needed to be sorted.

All the gundogs retrieved from the water and ignored the water distraction!

Cocker Spaniel Bramble had very little water experience, typical of a young dog she had to work out that her swimming technique was pushing the dummy further out!

A number of set up problems were discovered, when gundogs were asked to ignore a water distraction, several clients were reminded about sending techniques and their go back commands!

A very rewarding session, which needs further practice?.

Why does someone travel from Suffolk to the East Midlands for Gundog Training?

2011-02-25T01:47:00.000-08:00

Sara Rooney, Stowmarket, Suffolk, February 2011

First and foremost i wanted to say how much we enjoyed our trip to Leicestershire on 12th Feb and how very much worthwhile it was. I think even 10 days on we are still amazed at the difference an hour assessment with you has made to Maggie and we really do wish we lived closer.

I think the the most immediate difference was how you demonstrated the use of the slip lead. We promptly purchased one on the way home and Maggie has now made a big improvement to walking to heel! We have also now managed to conquer her possessiveness and she is now returning a retrieve and after some thought on her part now dropping the retrieve for the handler! A huge improvement to how she was before.

Editors Note* (Dropping a retrieve is not a gundog requirment?, hopefully a more local trainer, can sought this problem out!)

The session with you was very informative and the report you have posted us has given been useful to know which areas to work on and an objective opinion on Maggies's abilities and areas in need of improvement. The way in which you explained things was clear and easy to understand and i do wish we lived closer, so i am extremely grateful to you for passing a number onto us that is more local. However, i shall keep in touch and hope to come and visit you with Maggie again in the future

Grade 4 Gundog Spaniel Training Starts 14th April 2011

2011-02-21T10:34:00.000-08:00

Grade 4 Gundog Spaniel Training starts Thursday 14th April see web site for details

Congratulations to Gundog Max who qualified for Crufts

2011-02-20T02:29:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Caroline Edwards & Labrador Retriever Max who recently qualified for Crufts, Caroline & Max came to Stewart North for gundog training back in April 2008

Max was very much a character 3 years ago, a very confident and wilful Labrador, who at the time was almost too strong for Caroline.

Caroline battled through his training for 8 weeks and received a PASS, which was a great achievement, considering Max was at the bottom of the class at week 1!

He now has qualifications for brains and good looks !

Top 10 Gundog Websites

2011-02-16T05:38:00.000-08:00

Workinggundogs.co.uk maintains its TOP 10 Position over the last 6 months

Previous Data June 2010

Gundog Web Sites________________Alexa Ranking__ Time on Site

1 thekennelclub.org.uk_____________ 212740_________ 2.37
2 shootinguk.co.uk_______________ 426814_________ 2.79
3 ukgundogs.org___________________ 1337709_________ 4.72
4 thefield.co.uk__________________ 1479196_________ 1.32
5 gundogtrainingforum.co.uk_______ 1558253_________ 4.92
6 csjk9.com_______________________ 2021310_________ 8.02
7 dogtraininguk.com_______________ 2391803_________ 2.12
8 thegundogclub.co.uk_____________ 2950121_________ 3.03
9 workinggundogs.co.uk________4069685_________ 4.3
10 felsteadgundogs.com____________ 4126370_________ 2.66
11 turnerrichards.co.uk___________ 5522544_________ 0.81
12 Spanielinthefield.com__________ 5548766_________ 1.97
13 gundog.co.uk___________________ 5620091_________ 10.62
14 gundogfinder.com_______________ 6351245_________ 1.28
15 Gundoggear.co.uk_______________ 6827575_________ 4.15
16 tawnyhillgundogs.co.uk_________ 8495942_________ 6.77
17 gundogkit.co.uk________________ 10043727________ 0
18 dog-n-field.co.uk______________ 10193931________ 1
19 questgundogs.co.uk_____________ 11284784________ 0
20 blackgundog.com________________ 11593941________ 2.59
21 buccleuchgundogs.com___________ 12038522________ 0.42
22 waynnsongundogs.co.uk__________ 12392522________ 6.71
23 gundogsdirect.co.uk____________ 13317528________ 2.77
24 fallowfen.com__________________ 14619985________ 0

This data was extracted from Alexa.com February 2nd 2011

Why Some Men Have Gundogs & Not Wives

2011-02-15T13:53:00.000-08:00

Why Some Men Have Gundogs And Not Wives:

1. The later you are, the more excited your gundogs are to see you.

2. Gundogs don't notice if you call them by another gundog's name.

3. Gundogs like it if you leave a lot of things on the floor.

4. A Gundog's parents never visit.

5. Gundogs agree that you have to raise your voice to get your point across.

6. You never have to wait for a gundog; they're ready to go 24 hours a day.

7. Gundogs find you amusing when you're drunk..

8. Gundogs like to go hunting and fishing.

9. A gundog will not wake you up at night to ask?
"If I died, would you get another dog?"

10. If a gundog has babies, you can put an ad in the paper or give them away.

11. If a gundog smells another dog on you, they don't get mad!
They just think it's interesting.

And last, but certainly not least:

12. If a gundog leaves, it won't take half of your stuff.

German Short Haired Pointer Maisy Gundog Training Assessment

2011-02-15T02:04:00.000-08:00

Mr. Andrew Bullock and German Shorthaired Pointer visited working gundogs for a pre training Assessment prior to starting Group Gundog Course this coming weekend.

Mr. Bullock arrived apprehensive having tried a number of trainers, in the past and not made the progress he had wished for.

Our trainer Stewart North always demonstrates the tasks of each course with one of his own gundogs or a gundog which is currently in for training, he then spends a great deal of time explaining the different methods of achieveing those tasks, depending on the character of the gundog presented. Every situation is different, if your trainer has only one way of training then rest assured they will have problems.

No amount of book reading or time spent watching DVD's will ever transfer that sense of timing or ability to read a dogs body language, that comes with a more hands on approach under the guidance of someone with considerable experience.

Knowing when to push through difficulties and when to take a slower pace to create the desired behaviour, only comes through real experience, you must therefore learn to be both rewarding and assertive at the right time.

Mr. Bullock inadvertently introduced his GSP to some methods of gundog training, ie. "Steadiness to game" at 3 months of age! this is just creating problems rather than solving them ?

Mr. Bullock GSP was a very obedient gundog for its age, we therefore did not recommend our early course of group training, as the client wants to produce a hunting gundog and it was clear to us we need to develop more style drive and consistent hunting pattern.

Maisy was in season during assessment, so we probably did not see her natural flow.

RECOMMENDATION 1:1 Training

Bitch in Season (on heat) Should I train her Yes or No ?

2011-02-15T01:29:00.000-08:00

Should I train my gundog whilst she is in season, is a question regularly asked of our trainer?

The answer is quite simply YES, but do not start introducing new tasks during this period! always be carful where you train, be respectful to others gundog trainers and stay away from other dogs, wherever possible.

As always there can be exceptions to these rules, you may want to train a gundog near a bitch that has been or is in season, It is true that bitches in season can accelerate another bitch cycle and bring on a premature season, which may be desirable?

Gundogs need exercise, which does not mean unfetted freedom! it is not always easy for responsible owners to exercise their gundogs who live in urban areas and normally use public parks.

It can also be difficult in places where there are a number of strays?

It is certainly wrong to confine or lock a dog away during this period and dogs do not get pregnant just by looking at each other!

As most gundog breeders will tell you, most mating's take a lot longer than just a few minutes?

Beware of vets who promote spaying as a solution to this problem?

English Springer Spaniel Culley Gundog Training Assessment

2011-02-14T15:04:00.000-08:00

Sally Harman & English Springer Spaniel visited working gundogs at the weekend to complete a gundog training assessment with the view of joining our group course next week.

Sally made an excellent start with Culley and completed our G1 Assessment with Distinction, Retrieving was excellent.

We started on the G2 program with longer sit and stays, which were quite good, stop whistle on recall work had not been started.

Sally was advised to start with 1:1 training with Peter Wright. They could share the costs and visit alternate weeks.

Excellent pup at 7 months.

English Springer Spaniel Purdey Gundog Training Assessment

2011-02-14T14:13:00.000-08:00

Peter Wright & English Springer Spaniel came to complete a gundog training assessment with the view of joining our group course next week.

Peter has previous experience with training spaniels and demonstrated he had not lost his touch Purdey completed our G1 Assessment with Distinction, just losing the point on repeated commands. Retrieving was excellent.

We started on the G2 program and it was clear Peter has been putting too much of a priority on obedience, this dog needs a bit more freedom to hunt.

Peter was advised to start with 1:1 training. G2 would concentrate on obedience which is not required on this dog.

Excellent pup at 7 months.

English Springer Spaniel Chloe Gundog Training Assessment

2011-02-14T12:54:00.000-08:00

Shaun Donoher & English Springer Spaniel Chloe 7mths came for a Gundog Training Assessment at the weekend. Clever little pup completed all the obedience tasks, but needed the lead line?

Smart Springer new all the commands just choose when to obey them?

Decided to shut down when she could not play her game?

She was more interested in hunting the new training ground than retrieving, would not pick up dummy on the leadline?

Suggest joining G1 Group Training or 1:1 Training.

Shaun prefers Saturday or late Sunday training sessions.

Labrador Cross Jackson Gundog Training Assessment

2011-02-14T09:45:00.000-08:00

Ruth Sheehan & Labrador Cross completed G1 Gundog Training Assessment and just fell short of the required standard, mainly due to a barking problem?

Ruth has been involved with obedience and agility training, which would certainly encourage traits not desirable in a proper gundog work. Barking or any noise from a gundog is regarded as an eliminating fault under kennel club field trial rules.

Fortunately for Jackson our gundog training courses do not excluded non pedigree dogs, therefore Ruth is able encourage Jackson to participate in some working gundog activities. Our trainer is confident that this dog, supported with the correct training could do a better job than some full pedigree gundogs seen on today's shooting grounds!

The standard of G1 obedience was very good apart from the hunting at heel and weakness with the sit command. The only weakness with the retrieve was the delivery and sloppy pick up.

Excluding the barking this dog would have passed a G1 Graded Assessment and is certainly eligible to enter a G2 Group Training Course, it may require the odd 1:1 lesson covering heelwork and delivery, but would certainly not need 8 weeks training to cover these weaknesses.

Ruth has already booked a G2 Group Training Course.

Ruth is solely interested in pursuing a training course which will challenge and stimulate Jackson and our G2 course will certainly do that.

We hope she does well.

Labrador Retriever Maggie Gundog Training Assessment

2011-02-14T03:54:00.000-08:00

Sara & David Rooney and Labrador Retriever Maggie came all the way from Stowmarket, Suffolk for a gundog training assessment with our trainer Stewart North.

Maggie's obedience was reasonable, although showed weakness on the stay command and further polish required on the heelwork.

Maggie was a keen retriever with both a dummy and tennis ball, but did not want recall with the retrieve or delivery to hand - very possessive!

Maggie will respond well to gundog training and is certainly ready for G1 Group Training or 1:1 Training, but owners will need to consider the travelling costs?

Our trainer will try to sort out a local trainer, if 1:1 training is desired by the owners

Hungarian Vizsla Harry Gundog Training Assessment

2011-02-14T03:21:00.000-08:00

Working Gundog Trainer Stewart North had the pleasure of meeting James De Wit and Briony Adams with their Hungarian Vizsla Harry for a gundog training assessment on Saturday.

James & Briony had already put some good obedience work into Harry, with knowledge gained from training books.

Our G1 requirements for Sit, stay and Recall were reasonable but needed some further polish. Heelwork in particular was poor.

James was a very noisy handler!, always continously reminding the dog of the commands, even when the Harry was being obedient.

Heelwork the position of the dog was wrong, no loose lead and Harry was continously hunting at heel. When it came to the retrieving section Harry had a good outrun, but did not retrieve?

James was continously using the dogs name for every command, which is not necessary!

I suggest G1 Group Training or 1:1 Training sessions in particular we need to create a keener interest in retrieving?

Hungarian Vizsla Marvin Gundog Training Assessment

2011-02-14T01:00:00.000-08:00

Working Gundogs was very pleased to welcome a number of new clients this weekend, who came for training assessments, to decide the most suitable training program for their gundogs needs.

Mr. & Mrs. Bennet with Hungarian Vizsla Marvin having already attended pet obedience classes was still having problems with Marvins behaviour and on the odd occasion has even bitten the owners!

When Marvin arrived he exhibited all the classic behaviour of a confident semi dominant dog warning strangers from the vehicle, wanting to play with other dogs and had very little tolerance for basic obedience. The owners were frustrated having already sought guidance from others, which had not work, and lacked confidence in how to deal with such behaviour.

Our trainer Stewart North spent a great deal of time talking about structure, routines, body language, vocal tone, commands, use of slip lead, it was very clear these owners treat this dog more like a human being than a "dog". Mrs Bennet was too emotionally attached with this dog and is much more a rewarder than an assertive handler?

Although this breed of dog requires a lot of exercise, this has been given without any form of control?

Like most caring owners exercise is very important, but unfetted exercise without control leads to a confident dog who is much more self reliant, and when you come to install some rules afterwards? it will be met by resistance!.

If you are not confident about handling this behaviour then the dominance of the dog will prevail, sometimes having disastrous consequences.

Within 10 minutes our trainer Stewart North had this dog under control, walking too heel, with good sit and stay, but as expected recall still poor as dog was resistant to the new regime change, but after a further 10 minutes of encouragement and considerably perseverance on the trainers part the dog started recalling to command.

When the next client arrived with another Vizsla! (2 in one day) Marvin had stopped barking, still remained inquisitive, but was calm and jump back into his own vehicle without fuss.

Our trainer Stewart North had no problems training Marvin, in fact, it responded very well in the short time available, changing the owners attitude, confidence and skills will take much longer, but then human beings are much harder to train than dogs?

Mrs. Bennet had recently given birth to a new baby, no dog training should ever be undertaken until the handler is fit and well!

Mr. & Mrs. Bennett had previous been put off gundog training, having tried it when Marvin was 3 months of age, "the trainer was too aggressive" so they decide pet obedience training was a better route for their needs.

It turns out that pet obedience training did not suit their needs either!

Although we do not provide socialisation classes, we always encourage dog owners to participate in this activity before they take part in our training programs.

3 months of age is much too young for the majority of gundogs to start a structured training program with a set number of tasks to be completed in a set time span.

This is why at Working Gundogs we only accept dogs over 6 months on our group training programs.

Marvin would be suitable to start G1 Group Training or Personal 1:1 Training.

The Terminator of Gundogs

2011-02-11T09:18:00.000-08:00

Here's an interesting (and a little creepy) story and accompanying video discovered on the internet. The US military, it seems, is developing a transport robot called BigDog, and although it's built as a robotic pack mule, the creature's shape and physiology are seemingly based on Man's Best Friend

From this story on Wired.com
The military’s creepily life-like robotic pack mule can now trot along at five miles per hour — and trudge through mud as it goes uphill. Earlier footage of BigDog, the mechanical quadruped built by Boston Dynamics and funded by Darpa, showed the mecha-creature climbing over hills, stomping through snow, surviving swift kicks to the chops, and hiking alongside troops at Ft. Benning . Boston Dynamics’ latest BigDog video is mostly a compilation of those earlier accomplishments, plus some new footage from a quick run and from a muddy march at Quantico.

Any thoughts?, could you build a gundog from this platform? I mean, if they could increase the speed a little, figure out a way to install scent receptors, add a head and jaws for retrieving and a faux-fur you'd have...well, you'd have a creepy fake gundog that might receive a command from Skynet instructing it to eliminate you and your family as part of the machines' worldwide war against humanity.

Second thoughts Maybe we should stick to real gundogs for some things...

Gundog Water Training 24th February

2011-02-10T08:57:00.000-08:00

We are holding a Gundog Water Training Session on 24th February 2001, Grade 1 & 2 from 12 midday for 2 hours and Grades 3 & 4 from 3pm for 2 hours.

workinggundogs.co.uk/gundogwatertraining.aspx

Ex Leicester Tigers Player & Gundog Toby

2011-02-09T13:57:00.000-08:00

9th February 2011 - Rearsby, Leicestershire

Our trainer Stewart North at Workinggundogs.co.uk had the pleasure of meeting Ex Tigers player Neil Fletcher and wife Debbie today together with their 15 week Black Labrador Retriever Puppy Toby on one of our gundog home visits.

Neil was introduced to Stewart and workinggundogs.co.uk through England Rugby International Leon Lloyd and friend Joe Lomas, both have a keen interest in shooting and working gundogs.

Neil & Debbie for many years had a Chocolate Labrador and when they lost him, thought he could never be replaced and decided to go without a dog for a short while. Debbie realised the family was incomplete without a dog and decided to surprise Neil at Christmas with Toby!

Neil has always had a keen interest in shooting and takes up about 6 invitations a year, loves picking up and jumps at the chance of some pigeon shooting when he is not working.

Like most good owners of a new puppy Neil and Debbie want the best start for the dog, don't want to make any mistakes! And lack confidence in starting with a new pup all over again.

Neil starting reading a book Gundog Training Made Easy by Tony Price from Tawnyhill Gundogs, which gives some valuable guidance, but when it comes to putting into practice it's always a lot more difficult. Neil has also seen a number of gundogs, whilst shooting and picking up and knows it's quite easy to go wrong and produce a gundog which is too much of robot or becomes a self employed hunting machine.

As with all our gundog home visits we discuss the dogs breeding, training, management and aspirations of the client. Neil & Debbie are typical gundog owners who are not looking for some field trial machine, but just a family companion, which primarily will be a pet, which will be taken out occasionally shooting or picking up during the season.

What's very important to the Fletchers is that the dog is stimulated and challenged.

After discussing the attributes of the pedigree and any possible health issues covering hips, elbows and eyes, Neil & Debbie are much better informed, although wished they had sought such advice before they bought Toby.

That said Toby looked in great condition and possessed those typical Labrador retriever characteristics being inquisitive, biddable, good looking and trainable.

We discussed all the basic foundations of training a young gundog involving heelwork, sit, stay and recall commands and simple retrieves.

Heelwork position, lead control and reward, was something Neil was particularly interested in. Neil holds Toby's slip lead in a typical obedience style using both hands, we discussed using one hand for lead control, rewarding with the same hand and reinforcement techniques with the slip lead.

Sit and Stay with distance and time can be started in home and garden and be incorporated around feeding time. Recall can also be practiced with hide and seek and the use of treats.

Careful consideration should be given to amount of exercise and lead control, too much freedom will lead to a self assured dog who does not respond well to leadership commands, too much obedience will produce a gundog which cannot think for its self and could lead to less pace and style!

Labradors should always be keen to retrieve, but far too often gundogs come in for training who do not retrieve, there are many reasons for this, they may have been scolded for picking those Jimmy Choo Shoes!, they got bored with the same old dummy grandfather had! Some training aids are left as toys, which should always be avoided.

We use a variety of training aids, shapes, weights, textures etc...

Keep the retrieves interesting with some memory work in a controlled spaced!

Neil is a typical 2nd row lock 6'6" his body language is very important and needs to be used wisely, together with correct vocal tone. Stewart discussed positive reinforcement (punishment) and reward techniques and the importance of having a measured response to behavior good or bad.

Stewart never did get to drink that cup of tea! obviously talks too much! but looks forward to meeting Neil and Debbie on the training ground, when the Toby is 6 months of age.

Working Gundog Home Visits provide the vital introduction and point of contact for those occasions when clients get concerned about the wellbeing and training of their new companion.

“Remember Let them be puppies. Give him just as much as you expect in return. Be in command. But don’t be out of control. And remember, this is your dog, which is merely a reflection of what you’ve taught him. Most of all, have fun—gun dog training is not a race”.

Contact details on the web.

Countryside Alliance view on Firearms Debate

2011-02-08T04:22:00.000-08:00

Thursday, 03 February 2011 Countryside Alliance

As the Government digests the Home Affairs Committee’s report into firearms licensing, nearly 800,000 certificate holders wait patiently for the official reaction. A history of knee jerk reactions to high profile incidents has victimised legitimate firearms holders, whilst doing nothing to combat the increasing amount of crime committed with illegal weapons. Following the tragic events in Cumbria, the Home Affairs Committee announced that it was revisiting firearms controls in this country. Watch this new Countryside Alliance film in which we investigate the implications of some of the Committee’s major proposals.

During this Inquiry, the Countryside Alliance encouraged supporters to lobby members of the Committee and their local MPs, offering personal accounts about why shooting is important to them. Hundreds of letters were received by the Committee. Representatives from the Alliance provided oral evidence to the Committee at Westminster and gave a presentation on game shooting to members of the Committee who visited the National Shooting Centre at Bisley. Prior to the hastily arranged debate in Parliament just before Christmas, the Alliance promptly briefed MPs on shooting. The resulting Commons debate was peppered with sensible contributions from all sides of the house. Despite this, the Committee has put forward some recommendations which would have serious ramifications for all who shoot.

Gundog Training Record Website Stats for January 2011

2011-02-07T08:20:00.000-08:00

Website had a record January with 4000 visitors, we only achieved this level in April 2010, thank you for your support

Gundog Training Graded Assessments February 2011

2011-02-07T06:27:00.000-08:00

Working Gundog Graded Training Assessments
6th February 2001 ~ Covering Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Rutland

Well Done to the 60% who passed! more work required for the other 40%

TOP GUNDOG SAFFY COCKER SPANIEL ~ DISTINCTION

After 7 weeks training a number of students entered their gundogs for an independent assessment covering basic gundog foundation training for Spaniels, Retrievers and HPR's.

We had a variety of gundog breeds from English Springer Spaniels, Show Cocker, Working Cocker Spaniels, Sprockers, Irish Water Spaniel, German Shorthaired Pointers and Retrievers.

Out of the 18 Assessments, 15 of the gundogs had undergone 7 weeks training prior to the assessments, which started back in November 2010. Over the previous 2 1/2 months 17 students who started the course at various grades, 1 decided the travelling from Sheffield was too much! and 1 other Show Spaniel did not complete the course.

All our Training Groups from Rutland, Leicestershire & Northamptonshire met at our new training ground at Houghton on the Hill, Leicestershire and although the day remained dry the wind conditions were very strong.

Students were very nervous not having trained on this ground and having battled with the course requirements in winter conditions and limited light over several weeks some training sessions having been reschedule due to the snow and icy conditions.

The excuses were being formulated before the assessments had began !

That said we had a number of successes and disappointments, which hopefully proves the course structure and requirements are not too easy or too difficult!

It is accepted that the results in winter months are never the same as in the summer months, despite the training methods and course requirements being the same, most students find it difficult to practice in the winter!

Assessments are carried out independently by another professional gundog trainer who has not seen or trained any of the applicants, other than in previous grades, we like to think this gives more reward and credibility to the achievement made.

Assessments on this occasion were conducted by Mr. David Field, who not only is a kennel club B Panel Judge, he has many years experience in training a number of gundogs breeds and like our own trainer wants to see more people enjoy working their gundogs for the purpose, which they were bred for.

Grade 1 Results

Andrea Warren & Show Cocker Mable PASS
Christopher Scarlett & ESS Millie MERIT
Christopher French & Sprocker Ollie MERIT
Mark Howes & Labrador Retriever Ozzie NOT READY
John Fowkes & ESS Wilf NOT READY
Conrad Taggart & Show Cocker X Scoobz NOT READY
Dawn Williamson Cocker Spaniel Saffy DISTINCTION

Grade 2 Results

Polly Underwood & GSP Murphy MERIT
Carole Jackson & Irish Water Spaniel PASS
Karen Marks & ESS Purdy NOT READY
Sandra Jones & Sprocker NOT READY
Dawn Williamson & Cocker Spaniel Saffy NOT READY
James Roote & GSP Arthur MERIT
Wendy Sycamore & Labrador Retriever Ruby PASS
Judith Jex & Labrador retriever Hollie NOT READY

Grade 3 Results

Ian Marshall & Cocker Spaniel Skye PASS
Alan Boon & ESS Murphy MERIT
Ian Marshall & ESS MEG NOT READY

Futher reports and pictures of this event can be found on our facebook and web site.

Crufts Magazine Return of the Sea Dog

2011-02-05T11:53:00.000-08:00

BASC Welocme NI Tail Docking Exemption - Gundogs

2011-02-03T01:08:00.000-08:00

BASC welcomes NI gundog tail docking exemption

The UK’s largest shooting organisation, the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC), has welcomed an exemption for working gundogs from a tail docking ban in Northern Ireland.

The Northern Ireland Assembly passed an amendment to the Welfare of Animals Bill at Stormont today.

The amendment covers the exemption of spaniels, terriers and any other breeds used for hunting, pointing or retrieving. It also covers any combination of these breeds.

Tommy Mayne, BASC Northern Ireland director, said: "BASC would like to thank both the Agriculture and Rural Development Committee and all the other organisations involved in the fight to have an exemption within the Welfare of Animals Bill, which would permit the docking of working dogs tails.

The prophylactic docking of specific breeds of working dog, such as spaniels, terriers and hunt, point retrievers is clearly beneficial to the long term welfare of the animal as it prevents often painful and reoccurring tail injuries which can be distressing for both the dog and the owner.

The Agriculture and Rural Development Committee is to be commended for recognising very early on in the process that there is a clear and genuine need to allow the docking of working dogs tails in order to reduce the risk of tail injury during the dogs working life."

Gamefair Calendar 2011

2011-01-28T13:56:00.000-08:00

Gamefair Calendar 2011

Fernie Hunt will Appeal

2011-01-27T14:08:00.000-08:00

produced by Alice Barnard Countryside Alliance

I am very glad to hear that Fernie huntsman Derek Hopkins and countryman Kevin Allen will be appealing their convictions under the Hunting Act and Badgers Act following the lengthy trial that ended earlier this month. It is worth remembering that the only other contested Hunting Act case involving a foxhound pack saw Tony Wright convicted in the Magistrates' Court and that verdict was emphatically overturned in the Crown Court. The Badgers Act is one of the few pieces of legislation that can rival the Hunting Act for complication and opaqueness so it should be no surprise that the courts can become confused, especially when the trial process is not properly managed and becomes convoluted with irrelevant evidence.

This case ended up taking seven days instead of the scheduled four and many critical questions about the intent of the defendants and the 'current use' of the alleged badger sett were not even addressed when the magistrates ruled. Derek and Kevin's lawyers have advised there is a good chance of success at appeal and we should be grateful to them both that they are ready to go through the whole trial process again to fight the guilty verdicts.

The Fernie Hunt has set up a fund to help cover the legal costs of the appeal and I know that many people will want to support Derek, Kevin and the hunt. Cheques can be sent directly to:

Fernie Appeal Fund
C/o Harrington House
25 High Street
Harrington
Northampton
NN6 9NU

or for queries and details of the Bank Account, please e-mail

ferniehunt@googlemail.com

Graded Group Gundog Training Courses for 2011, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, Warwickshire, Nottinghamshire

2011-01-25T07:37:00.000-08:00

Gundog Training Group Courses Graded to suit various entry levels of Retriever, Spaniels & HPR's start February & March in the East Midlands 2011 Booking Details

Gundog Training Mock Grade Assessments

2011-01-17T00:37:00.000-08:00

Gundog Training Mock Grade Assessments Sunday 16th January 2011

A long day of highs and lows! 16 dogs (12 OK on the day 4 Not Ready)

Grade 3 Spaniels both would pass but further training required for Merits & Distinctions.

ESS Murphy poor heelwork with distraction, lacks confidence on deep ditches, improved pattern, training ground was more suitable for hunting, dog more of a retriever than hunting Spaniel? Stop whistle good. Poor steadiness to fall, you need someone else throwing for you. Major weakness nose not on ground ! this dog needs constant hunting in good cover and a few flushes! Cocker Spaniel Sky hunting much improved, although pattern weak, obedience is slipping, handler too relaxed got caught on your basic stay! retrieves ok if the dog has mark well, poor stop whistle when hunting.

Grade 1 Spaniels. Show Spaniel Satchi will not be ready for assessment both handler & dog need more 1:1 work to progress. Cocker Spaniel would pass massive improvement in retrieving skills but obedience has become weak, especially the recall! ESS Wilf Not Ready this dog will always have you on the edge! if the handler has the patience this will be a great G3 dog, firmer leadership still required, less freedom more control required at this stage, no half way house here! failure or distinction!

Grade 2 HPR's both had good results on the day. Do not over train! practise hunting pattern and obedience.

Grade 2 Retrieves Holly, Ruby and Ella all passed further work required to improve points, hope it continues.

Grade 2 Spaniels ESS Purdey was not ready on the day, sit and stay still a weakness, need to close escape hatch! go back to a thin leadline, this dog would have passed with merit last week, your nearly there! Sprocker Skie not ready but sit and stay much improved, poor stop whistle, good retrieving skills.

Grade 1 Spaniels ESS Mille excellent calm handler please! Cocker Mable Brilliant progress delivery issues remain, Sprocker ollie passed with poor sit and stay this week. Previous weeks has been very good, handler nerves?

Grade 1 Retriever Ozzie, excellent progress considering absense, massive improvement in sit & stay, although recall not consisitent. Still has his silly puppy moments! need to keep him away from sticks! he will be ok if not distracted! Barking needs to be stopped

1 G1 Show Spaniel Not Ready
1 G1 ESS Not Ready
1 G1 ESS Ready
2 G1 Cocker Ready
1 G1 Sprocker Ready
1 G1 Retriever Ready
3 G2 Retrievers Ready
2 G2 HPR's Ready
1 G2 ESS Not Ready
1 G2 Sprocker Not Ready
1 G3 ESS Ready
1 G3 Cocker Ready

Results 12 Ready, 4 Not Ready

Results were encouraging considering all the bad weather and dark nights, assessor has a problem with 23rd January cannot attend. So decided to use it as an extra training day, know doubt most of you will be pleased with the extra training time.

There will be no training on the 30th January, those that wish to take extra lessons may do so in the week.Please email request.

Graded Assessments will now take place on the 6th February at Houghton on the Hill, Leicestershire. Directions will be available on web site shortly.

A Most Dangerous Game Foxhunting or Men

2011-01-14T10:41:00.000-08:00

A Most Dangerous Game: British Resort to Hunting Men Instead of Foxes

Something like this story from the Washington Post:

Six years after hunting with dogs was banned, a pack of black-and-tan hounds is in full cry across this swath of semirural southern England, urged on by a huntsman and riders resplendent in fox-hunting habit. Somewhere up ahead is their quarry - limping slightly and straining every sinew to throw the hounds off the scent. The Hunting Act, which became the law of this land in 2005 following months of protest and parliamentary debate, made it illegal to use dogs to hunt foxes. It also protects some other mammals, such as hare (but not rabbits), mice (but not rats) and mink (but not men). Several pink-cheeked and puffing specimens of which are now scrambling through hedgerows of hawthorn and wild rose, plunging into icy irrigation channels and laboring across plowed fields that are sodden with just-thawed snow from Britain's uncharacteristically cold winter. This is a manhunt.

"... The Coakham Hunt began "hunting men for fun," as its Web site boasts, well before fox hunting became illegal. Hunting foxes can be a dangerous pastime, and not just for the fox. That's because foxes show so little concern for the welfare of their pursuers: They'll dart across major roads and leap over train tracks, with unwitting members of the pack following doggedly along behind. Sometimes to their doom. Which is why some 30 years ago the veteran fox hunter and co-founder of the Coakham, Nigel Budd, decided to develop a sport that "would combine all the arts of venery together with a controllable quarry." A human being. Men, Budd argued, can be instructed to stay away from roads and railway tracks. They also avoid disturbing farmers' livestock. And they can choose to lead the hounds and horsemen on a challenging chase over the highest hedges and the triangular wooden fences known as tiger traps.

Traditional English foxhunts using men instead of foxes. I don’t know if that's brilliant or creepy. Thoughts?

Fernie Result & Hunting Unity

2011-01-14T00:51:00.001-08:00

Fernie result & Hunting Unity by Alice Barnard Countryside Allaince

You may already have heard the disappointing result of a trial of the Huntsman and terrierman of the Fernie Hunt. Huntsman Derek Hopkins and terrierman Keith Allen were yesterday convicted at Market Harborough Magistrates Court of offences under the Hunting Act and the Badger Act. This result marks the third conviction of a registered fox hunt since the Hunting Act came into force in February 2005.

The case, which was heard over seven days (four before Christmas, three after) raises many questions but, whilst unpleasant for those personally involved, it should not be a blow to the hunting community's morale. The case is another example of two men who genuinely thought they were operating within the law, but were found to be outside it. The Fernie has our support if it appeals the judgment, as we hope it does. However, this does not make life any more comfortable for hunt staff up and down the country who struggle daily to comply with an unclear Hunting Act.

We have been here before. Where the recent Sinnington trial saw the huntsman, whip and a supporter cleared, the Fernie trial went the other way. Yet this is by no means proof that the Hunting Act works, as hunting's opponents will claim. In fact, it boosts the campaign for repeal and gives us all cause to lobby for repeal with renewed vigour. We can all see that principle, evidence and legal intentions may count for little when it comes to applying the Hunting Act. And that is because the Act doesn't work.

With widespread Government acknowledgement that the Hunting Act is "unworkable", we can add the names Derek Hopkins and Keith Allen to those who have sharp end experience of the difficulties of trying to work within it. To show our support for those hunt staff who live with the threat the Hunting Act poses, as well as to show our unity and determination, it is important that we all make the case for repeal to our MP. When Parliament revisits this issue, which it will, all supporters of hunting should be able to say they did all they could to communicate their views. You can lobby your MP quickly and easily by clicking here for our e-lobbying campaign.

URC Novice AV Retriever Field Trial Foremark Hall, Derbyshire

2011-01-11T03:33:00.000-08:00

URC 14 dog AV Novice Retriever Field Trial
Foremark Hall, Milton, Derbyshire
10th January 2011

Monday 10th Jan, was the last of the URC Field Trials for season 2010/2011, the stake was provided by the kind permission of the Foremark Shooting Syndicate.

The Judges for the day were Mr. Steve Crookes (A Panel) Mr. David Probert
(B Panel) and Miss Sarah Jaggard & Mr. Tim Brain (Non Panels).

Chief Steward was Mr. Graham Stanley,

Steward of the Beat was Mr. Neil Gee

It was a very special day for the Graham Searle who is retiring from the position of FT Secretary after 12 years of excellent service, he has decided to take a break from the admin duties of the largest gundog club in the UK.

The competitors drawn on the running card came from all over England, some travelling in excess of 4 hours for a 9am start. The field trial attracted some of the best gundogs handlers in the uk, along with both John & Sandra Halsted most famous for the Drakeshead Kennel and Mr. John Stubbs HM Queens Keeper at Windsor.

January field trials see top handlers giving opportunity to their young dogs after having competed in the retriever championships and open qualifiers.

After the usual introductions the field trial started with a drive with all the gundogs inline split equally between the judges Mr. S Crookes & Miss S Jaggard on the left and Mr. D Probert & Mr. T Brain on the right.

Despite the drive producing several birds, they unfortunately decided not to come over the guns and judges had approx 3 retrieves to use.

Mr. R Stone Number 3 was sent on the left for a bird and did not make the area, he was eventually called up. Mr. J Halsted Number 4 picked the bird quickly, his dog was not deterred by the head wind.

Mrs. A Buckley Number 1 and Miss C Wood Number 2 successfully pick their birds on the right.

The field trial proceeded with a walk up with Mr. J Barnes Number 5 & Mr. T Lowe Number 6 on the left and Mr A Hewer Number 7 & Mr. J Stubbs Number 8 on the right.

Number 5 was sent for a runner, when the bird reached the wood, after making a good attempt he was called up and Number 6 was sent, who found the runner. This eleminated number 5. Number 6 would probably have been credited with a good eye wipe on a runner.

On the right hand side Number 7 after picking his first bird was believed to have eye wiped Mr. J Stubbs Number 8 on his first retrieve.

Number 9 was sent to the right and number 10 to the left, who were subsequently joined by Number 11 on the right and Number 12 on the left.

After a considerable wait the line started to move forward and Mr. S North Number 10 was asked to pick a wounded bird on the edge on the wood, which look like it was going to run!

Number 10 was then sent to right ready for the second round, Mrs. S Halsted Number 13 had just failed to pick a bird which landed in some hay bales, which was very unfortunate "it was like a maze".

The walk up continued in the wood with dogs numbers 1, 2, 6, 7, 10, 14 completing 2 retrieves. Mr. J Halsted Number 4 failed on a runner and eliminated as a first dog failure. 9? Numbers 11 & 12 were eye wiped by the judges, the dogs could not locate a bird which had fell into a ditch.

The Third round started with another drive numbers 1, 6, 7, 10, & 14 Number 2 had been dropped after the 2nd round and number 14 still needed to complete the 2nd round.

On completion of the drive, Mrs. S Morewood Number 14 was sent for a partridge and picked the wrong bird.

Number 1 was sent for the partridge under some laurels, a difficult bird considering the dog had mark other birds. the handler Mrs. A Buckley got her dog to hold the area very well and picked the partridge.

Numbers 6 & 7 were sent for pheasants on the top of bank, close to where they sat in the drive, both birds were close to each other, which did not present a problem to Number 6. Number 7 pick the remaining pheasant. Number 10 was asked to pick a partridge out in the field from the wood.

At this stage the 4 remaining dogs had picked 4 retrieves and the judges decided they needed more birds!

The Keeper arrange another drive and the dogs were position such that they could have a long retrieve into the wind!

The drive only produced 4 birds, numbers 1,6 & 7 were sent for pheasants into wind on open ground, number 1 could see her retrieve, numbers 6 & 7 were just out of sight but close together. Number 10 did not have the advantage of a mark retrieve but picked a unseen partridge at some distance into wind after some handling.

Results

1st Websend Zeta
(6yr old Black lab Bitch) handled by Mr. Tom Lowe
2nd Dolesfarm Skye of Scovellsway
(4yr old Black Lab Dog) handled by Mrs. Annie Buckley
3rd Delfleet Cedar of Lundhill
(7yr old Red Fox Lab Bitch) handled by Mr. Arthur Hewer
4th Russlayne Bracken of Northglen
(2yr old Black Lab Bitch) handled by Mr. Stewart North

Guns Choice was present to Mr. T Lowe
Best Yellow was presented to Mr. A Hewer.

More Photo's

The writer is not always in position to see all the retrieves and offers opinions on the successes and failures of dog seen in the field, which will sometimes be different from the views of the judges, who are best placed and have their own views and opinions.

Gundogs Stolen Spaniels

2010-12-29T07:47:00.000-08:00

Two spaniels belonging to Rod Holgate were stolen from their kennels at Pleshy, Essex during the day on 22 Dec.

A black Cocker dog (entire) aged 2 1/2 and a liver and white Springer dog (entire) aged 4. Neither is microchipped but an 18 month old dog which was microchipped was not taken.

Please look out for these dogs or report any suspicious behavior or offers that could be related.

Please circulate this information to anyone who may be able to help.

Rod's phone no.01245 231 352

Weather Fails to dampen hunts determination

2010-12-28T05:04:00.000-08:00

Weather fails to dampen hunts' determination
(Source Countryside Alliance Alice Barnard 28th Dec)

Despite bad weather affecting most of the country, over 250 hunts met for their traditional Boxing Day meets yesterday. Up to half of them were unable to move off afterwards owing to poor conditions, and many met on foot rather than on horseback.

On this, the biggest date in the hunting calendar, supporters across the country braved the conditions to show their solidarity for hunts. Obviously the icy conditions have been a huge factor and many people have been unable to get to their local meet, but hunts have been delighted by those hardy souls who managed to make it.

This support is encouraging, especially when set against the back drop of new independent polling which shows that six out of ten people think the Hunting Act has been a waste of police time and eight out of ten believe animal rights activists should not be allowed take the law into their own hands (click here for our news story on this poll).

Support for hunting this Boxing Day once again extended way beyond the rural community to include all those many thousands of people who see the Hunting Act as a failed law. David Cameron has consistently repeated the Government's commitment to a free vote and his own support for repeal. We cannot expect hunting to be top of the Government's priority list in these dire economic times, but the eventual delivery of a vote on repeal is a matter of trust. Hunts were in a pragmatic mood at Boxing Day meets - repeal remains our goal and we are united in moving towards that.

The Countryside Alliance recently commissioned a short film by Fieldsports Britain explaining the case for repeal. It is required viewing in which Quantock Staghounds Master James Hawthorne leaves the viewer in no doubt that repeal of the Hunting Act is vital to hunting's future. Watch the film here.

Working Gundogs Gordon Setters

2010-12-26T02:42:00.000-08:00

As working dogs, Gordon Setters are at their best when given at least an hour and a half of strenuous exercise every day.

Puppies should never be over-exercised or start agility training until the age of 18 months old to prevent joint problems from occurring later in life.

Due to their hunting instincts, they should never be permitted to roam freely unsupervised, as they tend to wander into potentially dangerous circumstances when trailing a scent.

Temperament

The Gordon Setter is highly loyal to their masters. They thrive in loving and caring surroundings, and make great family pet. Both puppies and adults can be a little rough even though they are naturally patient, they may not be well-suited for families with very young kids. This breed is sensitive, eager to learn, but requires firm but gentle training.

Overview

The Gordon Setter is believed to be the heaviest among the three setter dogs. Primarily bred as a personal bird dog, this breed was also recognized as companion dogs, with exceptional skills in obedience competitions and show rings today. This muscular and sturdy breed as the strength and stamina, but may be a little low on speed. Their distinctive black and tan makes it easily visible in bright fields.

Care

The Gordon Setter requires low-maintenance grooming. Combing and brushing should be done regularly to prevent matting. Owners should always check their ears constantly to prevent ear infection. Bathe them only when needed

Training

The Gordon Setter are natural learners, and along with easily learning good habits, they can easily develop bad ones, as well. They are naturally not an aggressive dog, though. But they can be aloof and stubborn sometimes, so constant, firm but gentle handling is still needed.

As hunting dogs, Gordon Setters do best when working with their masters, not for them. They appreciate a good challenge, being praised and given attention. This breed is not responsive to punishment-based training and harsh-toned corrections
Prior to training the Gordon Setter, owners should ensure they are well exercised. They are energetic breed, especially during puppyhood, and may have difficulty focusing if not given sufficient exercise
Character

The Gordon Setter is generally protective, loyal, and obedient. Relaxed, friendly, and loving, although they make wonderful companions, they are wary of strangers.

Due to this fact, they make great guard and watchdogs. They are tireless workers, and enthusiastic to hunt. Naturally intelligent, affectionate, and fun-loving, this breed makes a great companion dog.

Suffolk Gundog Club Novice Field Trial 14th December

2010-12-15T00:35:00.000-08:00

Suffolk Gundog Club
Novice AV Retriever Field Trial 14th December 2010

The above event was held at Park Farm Estates, Wormgay, Norfolk by kind permission of Mr. I Symington & Mr. R Beckerleg.
Judges for the event Mrs. R Wise,Mr. P Palmer, Mr.S North & Mr. T Lowe.
Chief Steward for the day was Angela Musk.

Running Card Link.

After the usual introductions, the field trial started with a duck drive. All 14 Retrievers were asked to sit the drive where a number of ducks and pheasants were shot. Retrievers 1,2 5,6,9,10,13 were placed on the right hand side under Judges Robin Wise & Stewart North and numbers 3,4 7,8,11,12, 14 were on the left with Judges Phillip Palmer and Tom Lowe.

During the drive number 3 was sent for a wounded bird at quite some distance and successfully picked. Retrievers 4, 8, 11, 12 & 14 were eliminated during the first round under Judges on the left hand side for various reasons.

On the right hand side No.1 Mrs. L Mitchell Dog was sent for a wounded duck and failed to pick, the same bird was picked by No.2 Mrs. G Butcher at the fall.
Miss. S Coby No.5 retriever completed 2 successful retrieves in the first round.
Mr. RW Addingham No.8 was eye wiped on his second retrieve by Mr. G Allen No.9 who went on to successfully complete his 2nd retrieve. Mrs. F Joint No.13 also completed first round retrieves.

Numbers 2,3,5,6,7,9,10 & 13 all cleared the first round picking mostly duck and the odd pheasant from a field of sugar beet.

During the second round retrievers 3,6,7&10 came under Robin Wise & Stewart North Mrs. V Easy No.3 & Mr. V Bleming No.6 completed the 2nd round retrieves with ducks from first drive.

Mr. C Airey No.7 & Mrs. G Thompson No.10 were called into line for a 2nd Drive.

No.7 was sent during the drive to pick a wounded hen bird, and picked a wounded cock bird and picked a wounded hen bird, which was deemed to have been picked from the area of the fall. The dog was credited with a find. Number 10 was then sent to the same area and picked the hen bird.

Retrievers 2,5,9 & 13 came under the watchful eyes of Phil Palmer & Tom Lowe.

Mrs. G Butcher No.2 was dropped on her 2nd round retrieve. After giving No's 5 & 9 the opportunity to pick a bird the left hand Judges offered the retrieve to the right hand Judges.

Judges on the right decided to take the opportunity and tried Mr. V Bleming No.6 which failed to get to the area, which gave No.7 the opportunity and picked the bird!.

No.13 completed her 2nd round retrieve with the judges backing up the dog. No.7 completed his 2nd third round retrieve being backed up by number 10.

At this stage of the field trial after 2 drives the judges only had 3 retrievers remaining No's 7, 10 & 13. No.7 having completed 5 retrieves and No's 10 & 13 only having completed 3 retrieves.

The host decided to walk up some sugar beet and the judges decided to have all 3 remaining retrievers in line, No.7 was brought into line to test heelwork and steadiness. Mrs. G Thompson No.10 was sent for a cock pheasant shot behind the line, which she failed to pick and was eliminated as first dog failure. No.13 was also tried on the same bird, which both the dog and judges could not find. No.7 was not sent having already had 5 retrieves.

We continued walking up with No's 13 & 7, when 2 birds were shot! No.13 picked her bird and No.7 was sent for the 2nd bird and picked.

It was at this stage the judges decided that number 7 had done enough, having completed 6 Retrieves. No.13 had only completed 4 retrieves. Judges decided they needed 1 more bird for No.13 to complete the trial.

A wounded to cock pheasant was then shot, number 13 was sent, the dog never gave up on a very strong runner, which lifted several times! the bird was eventually picked and returned it to the handler, there was some discussion as weather it deserved some credit! for picking a strong runner? Heelwork in the 3rd round and standard of previous retrieves had not been sufficiently good enough to put it a head of number 7, who had been finding game with minimal handling which other retrievers could not pick and delivering it succesfully to hand without any problems.

First was awarded to Number 7 Mr. C Airey with Labrador Bitch Mint so Lucky of Morebar.

Third was awarded to Number 13 Mrs. F Joint with Muddymile Hawfinch.

Best Retrieve was awarded to Number 7 as above.

Steve Polley Chairman of Suffolk Gundog Club gave thanks to the Host, Guns, Judges and Helpers and club secretary Angela Musk, The Judges were presented with a very nice gift from the host.

Winner Chris Airey gave an emotional speech after winning his first novice field trial and gave thanks to the host,judges & helpers and those who had helped him train his retriever.

The day concluded with the Suffolk Gundog Club hosting a meal for the guns and judges.

(NOTE: The writer is not always in a position to see every retrieve and this report was written up from memory, which may not be totally accurate).

Stewart North & Labrador Retriever Rose

2010-12-11T19:02:00.000-08:00

Russlayne Bracken of Northglen Stud Book Entry

2010-12-08T07:52:00.000-08:00

Russlayne Bracken of Northglen qualifies for the kennel Club Stud Book

Hunting Conviction

2010-11-27T10:36:00.001-08:00

Hunting conviction as published by Countryside Alliance

As you know there have been very few prosecutions involving hunts since the Hunting Act came into force and most of those have failed. The Act came into force nearly six years ago yet the guilty verdict delivered on Richard Down, the huntsman of the Quantock Staghounds, on Monday in Taunton Magistrates Court was only the fourth involving a hunt. That verdict may yet be appealed, and we will give our full support to Richard if he chooses to do so, but in the meantime it is worth considering the details of the case.

The Hunting Act was promoted by its supporters as a law which would reduce suffering and improve animal welfare. We argued that the real purpose was something completely different: a vindictive political attack on a misrepresented minority. Richard Down's conviction adds even more weight to our case.

Many of the facts were agreed by the court. An injured stag had been seen in a field of beans by a local farmer a day before the offence was committed in September 2009. The Quantock Staghounds met the next day and boxed to the area it was last seen. Richard took five of the seven hounds he had brought out to search for the stag. It could not be found on the farm so Richard crossed the road and started searching on the edge of the Quantock Hills. After some time a supporter who was ahead of the hounds radioed that he had seen a stag matching the description of the one they were looking for. Richard immediately loaded three hounds into a landrover so he could continue to hunt under the injured stag and put it out of its misery under the conditions of exempt hunting. After about eight minutes the stag was filmed entering a deep valley called Dens Coombe where it disappeared. Richard arrived shortly afterwards and stopped to gather three more hounds to help him find it in the coombe. The stag was relocated but climbed out of the other side before it could be shot. Richard could not follow, but two of the hounds were stopped immediately by hunt supporters whilst three continued to pursue the stag for a short distance before one more was stopped. The stag was killed about half a mile away and when skinned was found to have a broken bone in its pelvis which was likely have been caused by a car.

The court decided that once the stag had been found only two hounds should have been used to complete the hunt and that Richard was in breach of the conditions of exempt hunting by using five to search for it in the coombe. Whether or not that is correct one thing is certain: the limit on the number of hounds that can be used to hunt and kill an injured deer increases the time it takes to deal with any casualty. The Hunting Act caused the suffering of the stag that Richard Down was trying to put out of its misery to be extended, as it has done with many others.

These facts can lead to just one conclusion: it is the politicians who passed the law and the animal rights activists who celebrated this conviction who are really guilty of cruelty, not Richard Down whose primary concern remains the welfare of the deer of the Quantock Hills

Betrayal of an Independent Voice

2010-11-18T11:32:00.000-08:00

Extract from Countryside Alliance grassroots.

You may have read a heavily slanted lead article in Saturday's Independent newspaper, but if not I would like to draw it to your attention. The piece, "The Great Animal Rights Betrayal" was heavily biased, screaming "Millions of hens will have their beaks mutilated; game birds will remain in cages; pigs, sheep and cows in abattoirs will lose crucial protection from abuse; badgers will be culled and lions, tigers and other wild animals will continue to perform in the big top." The article pursued an animal rights agenda that should shame the Independent's alleged liberal sensibilities and contained overtly biased comment such as "Another Conservative proposal - to hold a free vote on overturning the ban on fox hunting - will be fiercely opposed."

Attacking Defra Minister James Paice MP was particularly low. Mr Paice, a farmer, has long been a sound and empathetic champion of rural issues. Within Government he has already had to take tough decisions, often ones which previous urban-based ministers have fought shy of taking. One of the points of attack in the Independent's article was on the 'cage rearing' of game birds, printing accusations of a policy reversal which are simply untrue since no ban was ever in place. As the Countryside Alliance's Rob Gray has subsequently pointed out in a letter to the paper, "James Paice revisited the legislation because the previous government ignored the advice of its own experts". The revised Code of Game Rearing, based on principle and evidence, is now a workable piece of legislation, backed by the Countryside Alliance, the Country Land & Business Association, the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust, the Game Farmers' Association and the National Gamekeepers' Organisation. Read Rob Gray's letter and a letter from James Paice MP himself, here.The language of animal rights is shrill, emotive and deeply flawed, which is why the article's accusation of "animal rights betrayal" is no bad thing. The Government should not give oxygen to animal rights extremists and their illogical demands. We are all strong champions of animal welfare, not animal rights, and in a week where the League Against Cruel Sports declared "The only 'population management' on our land is by Mother Nature," we are glad to have a Minister who can tell the difference.

Alice Barnard, Chief Executive Countryside Alliance
________________________________________

Stewart North Mid Norfolk Novice AV Retriever Field Trial Award

2010-11-11T04:14:00.000-08:00

Stewart North Gundog Trainer East Midlands was presented with a Field Trial Award on a young Labrador Retriever Russlayne Bracken "Poppy" at the Mid Norfolk Gundog Club Novice AV Retriever Field Trial held at Shrublands Farm, Old Buckenham, Norfolk on the 10th November 2011

"Its Fate as some would say" Stewart withdrew a Golden Retriever from the Yorkshire Golden Retriever Novice stake due to training issues, He was then lucky enough to be offered a run in the Mid Norfolk Novice on the same day only having just run 6 days earlier with the same club, that day he was Number 1 and never picked a bird, this time at number 14 completed the trial.

The Winner number 10 Robin Wise was called up from the reserves at 5.30pm the night before "Your number is your luck in field trials"

This award was particularly pleasing as Poppy entered her first 2010 field trial 6 days ago. She gained THIRD PLACE after 5 retrieves in sugar beet, the first retrieve being a partridge on the left of the line and then a pheasant on the right of the line under judges Mr M Jennings & Mr. B Boardman both retreives were straight forward marks, with no handling required.

In the 2nd round under judges Mr R Beckerleg & Miss S Coby, we must have walked for 1 hour or more, before Poppy was asked to pick a partridge, she was in the line when several birds were shot and dropped at close range, the dogs steadiness was well tested, we also had a rabbit bolt in front of us!

In the 3rd round, we never had any difficult birds to pick, just another two striaght forward pheasants both good marks picked without any handling.

Both the winner Robin Wise & second placed Liz Ingram were asked to pick retrieves slightly more challenging than Poppy's, which required a small degree of handling.

Certificate of Merit was awarded to Fiona Joint.

Their were 14 runners overall, 1. Mr P Garton was dropped in the second round on a hare. 2. Ms J van der Dussen failed to pick a bird in the second round, 3. Ms L Ingram awarded 2nd. 4. Mr R Bannock was dropped in the first round on heelwork, 5. Mrs Fiona Joint awarded COM, 6. Ms S Larsson failed to get to the area. 7 Mr S littleboy dog ran in. 8 Mr A Brazier was dropped for heelwork ( This dog later collapsed and needed to be taken to the vet, we hope alls well with the dog)9. Mr P Askew dropped for heelwork. 10. Mrs R Wise Winner 11. Mr P Buckenham failed to pick a bird in the second round.12 Mr P Abbs first dog failure. 13 Mrs J Smith first round dropped for pulling on scent on a straight mark.14. Mr S North awarded 3rd.

Results

1st Mrs R Wise, Muddymile Honeyguide, Sire FTCH Wingsham Tinder of Smithsteads Dam FTCH Muddymile Eider

2nd Ms E Ingram, Garrethall Ouka, Sire FTCH Garrethall Macauley Dam Garrethall Lucky Chance

3rd Mr. S North, Russlayne Bracken Sire FTCH Brindlebay Jude Dam Fernshot Milly

COM Mrs F Joint, Muddymile Hawfinch, Sire FTCH Wingsham Tinder of Smithsteads Dam FTCH Muddymile Eider

My thanks go to Messrs J Alston and J Cracknell for hosting the trial, to the judges and helpers in particular Mark Danson-Hatcher & Graham Symonds and Sponsors Skinners Dog Foods & Sporting Saint

gun dog training: Why is my gun dog puppy so clingy? | Gun dog tests and trials, gundog results, health and training | Shooting UK | Shooting UK

2010-11-11T04:13:00.000-08:00

gun dog training: Why is my gun dog puppy so clingy? | Gun dog tests and trials, gundog results, health and training | Shooting UK | Shooting UK

HPR Working Gundog Training

2010-11-11T02:32:00.000-08:00

Whats required of a good working HPR

Kennel Club AV Novice Field Trial Bowman Estate, Scottish Borders

2010-11-08T12:40:00.000-08:00

It has been said many a time there is no better place to field trial than in Scotland,and I must congratulate the kennel club in organising a first class novice field trial on excellent ground in the scottish borders.

Judges Mr. D Donnelly, Mr. T Loughran, Mr. K Matthews and Mrs. J Greig

Winner Miss K Cousins Jaggybrae Cosmo
2nd Miss N Waddington Inver Jomo
3rd Mr I Hollern Rizzaro Blaze of Brackenbird
4th Mr. J Swindlehurst Maldrake Livie

Having been in the line most of the day with both Labrador Retriever Russlayne Bracken and Golden Retriever Penmeadhowe Tamar, I was a little disspointed not to finish the field trial, but i did have an excellent run with Tamar,who just got too hot towards the end of the trial having made 4 retrieves, 2 of which were extremely difficult one being a runner and the other was a bird deemed not pickable from the other side of the line. Tamar was dismissed for making a noise in the 4th round, the occasion with me double handling 2 dogs and her first field trial was just too much for such a young gundog. More experience required!

My 2nd dog got dismissed for holding onto a bird, more training required!

The Field Trial was hosted by gracious permission of the Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry, Greg Ford and Friends picked up for the day. Thanks to all the Guns.

Gundogs and Dental Care ?

2010-11-08T12:35:00.000-08:00

Dental care for gun dogs:

What is a vet looking for in any dog, healthy or sick, when opening its mouth?

The oral cavity can provide valuable information not only about disease within the mouth area, but it also reflects disease processes occurring in other organ systems.

Examples?

Obviously dental disease is something vets look for, but problems such as kidney or liver failure may also be detected early by changes that are occurring in the mouth. Abnormalities may be as subtle as slight color change of the gums, foul breath or sores.

It's important for gun dog owners to study their own animal, as knowing what's normal is critical for early identification of possible problems.

Vets recommended being familiar with your gundog's gum color in addition to the importance of knowing heart rate, respiratory rate and body temperature at different levels of activity, again in hope that by being better informed, we're able to recognise problems or make the right decision should an emergency occur.

The sooner problems are recognised and brought to the attention of your veterinarian, the greater the chance of successful treatment.

What's normal gum color?

In most breeds, the gums will be bubblegum or coral pink with glistening white teeth. Some darker-colored breeds, however, may have pigmentation along the lips and gums. Brittany owners may recognize an almost orange color to the gums of some like-colored dogs. If you have a young dog, take note so you're able to know what's normal for him.

How serious a problem is it for our gun dogs?

Periodontal disease is an extension of gingivitis, an inflammation or receding of the gums that allows infection to loosen the supporting structures of the teeth.

Like people, tartar and plaque are the usual culprits that start the process. While dry food does scrape away some plaque--helping to lower the incidence slightly--and chew bones or treats also can help, there's no substitute for brushing your dog's teeth!

If brushing is introduced as part of early socialization and training, it's accepted with little hassle.

With older dogs it's more of a problem; yet most well-trained gun dogs soon accept the brushing without too much fuss.

If you have an older dog, start with a trip to your veterinarian, ask him to clean the dog's teeth and show you the best way to brush, and discuss different options of products to use. The frequency will depend on your commitment.

Dental decay can cause a root abscess or possibly develop heart disease brought on by infection from gum disease entering the bloodstream, which can result invalvular endocarditis, inflammation of the membrane of the heart.

Now let's get back to our discussion of gum color. Most of us know to watch gum color as an early sign of heat stress during warm early-season hunting, as the tongue and gums become darker as the body tries to cool through greater blood flow in those areas.

Other examples of problems are the lighter oral most white-colored gums of anemic puppies who might be suffering from severe flea or hookworm infestation. In adult dogs, you may see jaundice or a yellowing of the gums as a result of liver disease.

I would emphasize the importance of distinguishing normal from abnormal and be less concerned in knowing which system is responsible, but if you notice anything abnormal, bring it to your veterinarian's attention.

Tumors can be found inside a dog's mouth?

Although the risk for most tumors increases with age, most veterinarians will advise a biopsy of any mass in the mouth regardless of age.

If you are unable to see the growth, the signs are similar to other diseases of the mouth. Most frequently, those signs would be a loss of appetite, bad breath, pawing at the mouth, excessive or bloody salivation, or difficulty in swallowing.

Cancer is a diagnosis none of us want to hear, yet the advantage of early treatment is obvious and again reinforces your message of the importance in knowing what's normal for your dog, so if something unusual shows up, it will be recognized and brought to the attention of a veterinarian.

Fox hunter with a difference !

2010-11-08T01:43:00.000-08:00

Gun control is getting sloppy in the UK, something needs to change.

Dont let your gundog get affected with Ringworm

2010-11-08T01:30:00.000-08:00

One of the most common skin conditions our hunting dogs suffer with is ringworm.

Ringworm may be caused by parasites or by fungal infections and is typically transmitted by fleas.

Symptoms of Ringworm

Recognising ringworm is key to treating it, and like most infections, the sooner it’s diagnosed, the easier it is to treat. Ringworm is uncomfortable for your dog and can lead to serious complications and infections. Watch for these signs:

1. Hair loss with a circular pattern, particularly on head and legs

2. Crusty-patterned, red circular patches on skin

3. Scratching and itching more than usual

Diagnosis of Ringworm

If any kind of skin infection or problem seems to be apparent on your dog, you should take him to a veterinarian as soon as possible. A vet can quickly diagnose any condition that might be ringworm and will have treatments available to cure it. Blood tests and skin scrapings are the usual method of testing for ringworm. Conditions that can cause a rash or other problem need to be ruled out to be sure it’s ringworm that is the culprit.

Treatment of Ringworm

Once diagnosed, treatment for ringworm will vary depending on the source. Usually, the culprit is fleas so your dog will have to be treated for fleas before the ringworm treatment can begin. The obvious first step will be to clean your home, your dog’s bedding area, and other areas where your dog has been.

A flea treatment can quickly eliminate fleas if the flea infestation gets out of control.

When your dog is rid of all fleas and/or ticks, ringworm will probably go away on their own in just a couple of weeks. However, medication, special baths, and other treatment options may be suggested by your vet for faster recovery.

Prevention

Preventing ringworm is the best way to care for it. If it never happens, it’s much easier to deal with. Since ringworm is usually caused by fleas, preventing fleas from getting to your dog is the best way to prevent ringworm.

Regular bathing, keeping the dog’s area clean, and using anti-flea remedies will keep your dog from getting ringworm.

If you suspect your dog has a skin condition such as ringworm, take your dog to a veterinarian right away. Fast diagnosis means easier treatment and it will be much less stressful on you and your dog if done quickly.