Gundogs

Gundogs are often used as part of a team to help find and collect game whilst out shooting. Retrievers, spaniels, pointers and setters are the most popular sorts of gundogs for shooting, although other breeds can be used too.

If you have one of the breeds of gundogs as a pet, then you might want to train it so that it uses its natural instincts. Working gundogs are not pets, and are trained to assist those who are out shooting.

Retrievers are trained to bring back game that has been shot, and so these gundogs are extremely useful. They are taught to only retrieve on command, and this command is usually given from a distance away.

Spaniels find the game, and flush it out so that it can be shot. These gundogs have an incredible sense of smell, and so are ideal for this role. It also means that there is less time spent foraging for game in woodlands.

Pointers and setters are the gundogs used to hunt on open moorlands and heaths. These fast dogs make it much easier for the game to be shot, and so are a huge help to those spending a day out in the field shooting.

Books and DVDs for training gundogs help you and your dog to work better together. Even if your dog isn't going to be a working dog, the right training will still help make it more obedient.

If you want to train your dog yourself, you won't need much to get started. Typically, you'll only require the relevant training books or DVDs, a training dummy and a sliplead designed for gundogs. The dummy will represent the game, and get the dog used to the size and weight of the game it will be carrying back to you. A sliplead will be useful too, but should never be used when the dog is actually training, as it can get caught and hurt your dog.

For some people, professional training sessions for gundogs can be the best way to get a dog trained quickly and efficiently. If you're not confident about training your dog, or want it to learn to be more effective, then why not see how lessons can help?

If you want accessories designed specifically for gundogs, or just want to know how one of the breeds of gundogs could make a day shooting better for you, then why not see how John Norris can help you?