When to start training a gundog puppy is the million-dollar question. Janet Menzies believes that putting in the groundwork to establish the basics will pay dividends in the field later…
Gundogs
The retrieving instinct in pointers and setters
The retrieving instinct comes naturally to our pointers and setters, but over time we have supressed it, relying instead on our spaniels and labradors. David Tomlinson encourages training pointers and…
Gundog retirement: looking after an old dog
Gundog retirement seems to come far too early, and knowing how to care for an elderly dog is crucial when their working lives come to an end. David Tomlinson shares…
Outbreeding: essential for gundog survival?
Outbreeding could be critical for gundog survival. As accustomed as we are to having springer spaniels, labradors and other such familiar gundogs around, we fail to realise that they are…
Field trials and tribulations
Field trials are unique sporting competitions. What other sport is open to both sexes of any age, professional or amateur, is growing in popularity, requires little personal fitness and receives…
Clumber spaniel: the Bentley of gundogs
Clumber spaniels are not often seen on a shooting day. But when they are they make an impression. If you use your clumber spaniel to pick up make sure you…
Gundog coat colour: does it matter?
Gundog coat colour is crucial to some when it comes to choosing a suitable gundog. Chocolate labradors have only recently rectified their reputation as being lazy and overweight and are…
Etiquette of picking-up on a shoot
The etiquette of picking-up on a shoot can be beset with problems. When should a gun send in their gundog? When should a picker-up keep still? The Field has tips…
Sealyham terrier: a real rat catcher
We want a sealyham terrier. Who doesn’t? These small, white ratters are full of pep, but when ratting with terriers, which terrier is top? The sealyham is definitely in with…
Retrievers. Is it time to change your labrador?
Retrievers don’t have to be labradors. The flatcoat was the Downton Abbey gundog and Edwardian gentleman’s favourite retriever. Every 10 years for the past four decades a friend has bought…