Working The Dogs
Gundogs are so called as they have been developed - through breeding - to find live game and then to retrieve game that has been shot. Generally they are the most intelligent of dogs and their calm temperament makes them a very loyal companion.

All gundogs require daily exercise and anyone thinking of welcoming any of the gundog breeds into their home should be aware that this is a commitment for a minimum of an hour's walk for life - dogs don't understand when it's raining, cold or you're just tired. That said the rewards are worth it and you'll also be fitter.



Shooting is virtually impossible without dogs, and for many people working a dog is an end in itself.

On a shoot, dogs have three main roles:
To find game
To flush game
To retrieve shot game

Different breeds of dog have been bred for different jobs, but many will combine two or more roles. So although a labrador is an ideal wildfowling dog you will often find one in the beaters' line on a game shoot.

The commonest dogs in the shooting field are labradors and spaniels.

Labradors are principally used to retrieve birds and animals which have been shot, but may also be used to flush quarry, though they will not always enter the dense cover that a spaniel would face.

Spaniels will do all three jobs, but their ability to retrieve may be inhibited by their small size - most cockers would find difficulty in bringing back a goose or a hare.

Pointers and setters, when they have found the game, will indicate its presence and only flush the birds on command. Some will also retrieve the shot birds, but they can only be used in open country - such as moorland - where they can cover a large area of ground and be plainly visible when they 'point.'

Because of the skill and commitment required to train gundogs many people who work their dogs on shoots do not themselves shoot and gundog trialling has evolved into a sport in its own right, though it remains firmly rooted in the requirements of the discipline of the shooting field.

Gundogs at the shows
Centred in our arena area, our gundog displays will concentrate on all aspects of the working life, including training and obediance.