
Hannah Russell
Features Writer
1:00 AM 11th January 2025
family
Gun Dog Training With Winston
Every year, as grouse shooting season begins on August 12th Winston and I head out to the moors. Winston is my flat-coated retriever. He's a working dog full of energy; I got him from a gamekeeper friend two years ago, and he’s been a bundle of liveliness ever since.
I'm very much a novice when it comes to gundog training, but I have a huge passion for nurturing the innate talents of gundogs. I also have a springer spaniel called Elvis who has often come out on the moors with me during the grouse season, but this year he’s been on rest due to medical reasons. He's just turned seven and actually, really enjoys being by the fire.
Over the past few months, I've dedicated myself to learning more and enhancing Winston's training to build a strong foundation of trust and communication in the field. Not only does training help new skills, but it’s all about fostering a lifelong partnership with your furry friends.
To get us started on our training journey, I’ve been using the Paws@Brooklyn gun dog equipment. This is a one-stop gun dog shop for all your working dog and pet supplies. The company was founded with a deep passion and dedication to our special working companions.
To get me and Winston started, we have been using their canvas dummies to start our basic retrieves. Winston loves retrieving any items—a big clue in the name of his breed. Flat-coated retrievers are bred to be gun dogs. It’s great to use Winston's instincts in training. Dummies are a great training tool; I chose the bright pink one so I could find it easily in the field.
Living on a 16-acre smallholding, I have plenty of ground to practice on. Once Winston progresses in his training, we will start to add different coloured dummies to our collection. These are invaluable when introducing young dogs to blind retrieves. He might be able to eventually locate a green dummy on the grass with his nose!
After we begin to feel more confident with the different coloured dummies, I’ll move on to the fur and feather kind to help the transition when picking up game in the field.
Slip leads play a crucial role in your training routine. If you're just starting out in the world of gundogs, you might be curious about the importance of leads in a gundog's gear. The reason is simple: slip leads are designed for quick and straightforward use, allowing you to put them on and take them off effortlessly. This feature is particularly useful during training sessions and when you're out working with your dog. You won't have to struggle with metal clips, which can be quite challenging to manage when your hands are cold or wet during the winter.
I’ve been using the green autumn slip lead from the collection; it’s really handy as you can fold it away into your pocket when you're out working the dogs. They have a great collection online to choose from.
A whistle is also a must-have when you begin your dog training journey. I won’t go out without one as it’s great for basic recall, especially when your dog goes that little bit further away; they can find you easily.
My final must-have for training in the field is a training vest! I won’t go out without one now. Since the company launched its own training vests, I have been wearing them with Winston most days. They are great to store all your training supplies and keep everything in one place.
Training isn’t just about teaching your dog to obey commands; it’s essential for their safety and well-being. A well-trained dog is less likely to engage in unwanted behaviours, which reduces the risk of accidents and ensures a harmonious living environment. Moreover, training stimulates your dog mentally, keeping them engaged and happy.
Training also provides access to a diverse range of activities that you can enjoy together. Whether it’s working with your dog, agility courses, or just a well-behaved companion on walks, training enhances your dog’s life and strengthens your relationship.
At the heart of dog training lies the opportunity to create a profound bond with your furry friend. The time spent training your dog fosters trust and understanding, allowing you both to communicate effectively. For me, the joy of training lies not solely in the skills learnt but in the moments shared together.