Many working dogs have never seen a brush in their life, but regular gundog grooming can help prevent problems, recommends David Tomlinson. For more gundog grooming recommendations, read grooming a…
Gundogs
Gundog photography tips: through the lens
Entries are open for The Field Gundog Awards, in association with Skinner’s Field & Trial. David Tomlinson offers his gundog photography tips for those looking to enter our most popular…
The best gundog: how to choose the ideal shooting companion
The Kennel Club recognises thirty-eight breeds as gundogs, making the choice of shoot day companion a wide ranging and difficult one. Would you prefer a labrador or a spaniel? A…
Gundog working tests: on test or trial?
Field trials have never been more popular, but they can be an expensive and frustrating process. David Tomlinson considers gundog working tests, both more affordable and fairer, and why it’s…
The Field Gundog Awards 2018: the best shoot day companions
The Field Gundog Awards 2018, kindly sponsored by Skinner’s Pet Foods, was hotly contested, with exemplary retrievers, fine family companions, surprising breeds and wicked gundogs. But after much back and…
Gundog collars: when tag is no game
It is a legal requirement for dogs in public places to wear a collar, with the name and address of their owner. David Tomlinson considers the best gundog collars. For…
Best gundog coat colour: colour coding
The best gundog coat colour is a complicated matter. Is your pup chocolate or liver? Yellow or golden? David Tomlinson weighs up showing and working preferences as he consults the…
The pet gundog on the peg: how to train a part-time gundog
Most gundogs are, in fact, part-time workers. The rest of their time is spent as a family companion and pet, but there is no reason that this will make them…
Training with treats: chewing over rewards
Though edible rewards are banned by many professional trainers, or viewed as bribes by others, some advocate the use of gundog training with treats. David Tomlinson decides whether reward-based training…
The best beating dog: in the beating line
Over the years, David Tomlinson has seen just about every sort of dog in the beating line. But what makes the best beating dog? He considers some of the best…