Shooting UK

ShootingUK is the complete shooting resource for the British shooting community. From shotgun licence and shotgun certificate information to gun reviews, game shooting, clay shooting and more.

What qualities should gundog puppies have?

By Mark Whitehouse

Tuesday, 14 April 2009

How can I tell if my gundog puppy is shy or just independent?

Mark Whitehouse says: Even at a young age puppies will start to establish a ‘pecking’ order.

The independent puppy may feel intimidated by the over-excitement of his brothers and sisters, or he could be a puppy that watches and weighs things up before wading in with all fours - a thinker.

Puppies that don’t get involved with playtime do develop into clingy individuals when separated from the other puppies.

These types will always need that bit of extra TLC to overcome their sensitivity and you must continuously give that puppy plenty of attention so it feels secure.

If I am looking for a puppy to compete with at a later stage, I would be looking for one that shows lots of natural ability such as hunting.

And even doing short retrieving exercises with a lightweight dummy or old sock, even at this young age.

I personally like a puppy to be very bold and outgoing and I like to see a puppy in the thick of it at all times.



For more gun dog training advice click here



CompPrevious
Can I train my gundog to stop running-in?

Can I train my gundog to stop running-in?

JEREMY HUNT SAYS: Steadiness is the foundation of ...

CompNext
When gundog training, how do I teach 'get back'?

When gundog training, how do I teach 'get back'?

Gundog training expert JEREMY HUNT The 'get...


Gundogs Events

URC Northern Area gun dog water tests

URC Northern Area gun dog water tests

The Northern Area, the youngest of the URC regional branches, recently... Read more


More in Gundogs Events...


Gundogs Health

Is my gundog schizophrenic?

Is my gundog schizophrenic?

My lab is a sweetie but is often defiant.... Read more


More in Gundogs Health...


Comments

Shooting Gazette Magazine

What's in this issue?

A SPORTING TEAM: Enjoy all of the best shooting commentary with driven shooting's finest journal.

Subscribe to magazine


Latest articles

Ready for the British Shooting Show?

Ready for the British Shooting Show?

British Shooting Show: The British Shooting Show will take place at th... Read more


Game sales could reach £84m, says Mintel report

Game sales could reach £84m, says Mintel report

Game sales: British supermarkets are reporting an increase in game sal... Read more


More in Latest articles...


Subscribe to Shooting Gazette

Shooting Gazette Magazine

Subscribe now from as little as £15.99 & give the perfect gift this Christmas.