Title: 164. Top Tips Every Gundog Owner Needs to Hear Before 2025!

Listen In On One Of The Above Podcast Players! 

As 2024 comes to a close, it’s time to reflect, refocus, and recharge for the year ahead. Whether you’ve been training your gundog for years or are just starting out, there’s always room to learn and grow. At the Ladies Working Dog Group (LWDG), we’ve spent the year gathering insights, strategies, and expert advice to help you and your gundog thrive.

In this post, we’re sharing the top tips every gundog owner needs to hear before 2025. These tried-and-true strategies will set you and your four-legged partner up for success in the new year. Let’s dive in!

1. Go Back to Basics When Needed

It’s easy to feel discouraged when your dog’s training takes a step back. But sometimes, revisiting the fundamentals is the best way to move forward.

As LWDG expert Claire Denyer explains, “When things go wrong, stepping back to rebuild stronger foundations isn’t failure—it’s smart training.” Whether it’s heelwork, recall, or delivery, a strong foundation ensures long-term success.

2. Celebrate Small Wins

Every milestone matters, no matter how small. Did your gundog finally hold a delivery without dropping it? Did they resist chasing a distraction? These wins deserve to be celebrated!

Recognising progress keeps motivation high and reminds you of how far you’ve come. Your positive energy will also inspire your dog to keep improving.

Continues below….

Subscribe To Found It, Fetched It  Today

3. Prioritise Engagement Through Play

Training doesn’t have to be serious all the time! Incorporating play into your sessions builds engagement, strengthens your bond, and keeps your dog eager to learn.

LWDG expert Samantha Thorneycroft-Taylor shares, “Play equals engagement. Engagement equals a dog that’s not self-employed. It’s that simple.” Make training fun, and you’ll see transformational results.

4. Confidence Is Key

Dogs mirror their handler’s energy. If you exude confidence during training, your gundog is more likely to follow your lead. Even if you’re unsure about a new skill, approach it with positivity and trust in your dog’s ability to learn.

As Samantha reminds us, “Believe in yourself and your dog. That confidence will shine through in your commands and your dog’s responses.”

5. Build a Bubble of Focus

One of the most talked-about strategies this year has been “bubble training.” Creating a “bubble” of engagement around you ensures your dog stays focused and responsive, even in challenging environments.

As expert Jemma Martin explains, “Bubble training gives handlers a clear visualisation of what they’re trying to achieve, making it easier to maintain their dog’s focus and control.”

6. Embrace Positive Reinforcement

Reward-based training has been a game-changer for many handlers. Whether it’s using treats to refine a retrieve or playful praise for a job well done, positive reinforcement keeps your dog motivated and happy.

Shifting away from rigid, traditional methods and embracing rewards fosters a stronger partnership and a more eager learner.

7. Focus on the Journey, Not Just the Destination

It’s natural to set big goals, but don’t lose sight of the joy in the process. Training is a journey, and every session is an opportunity to bond with your dog.

Jemma advises, “Enjoy the little moments and celebrate the progress. The journey itself is what makes the destination so rewarding.”

8. Surround Yourself with Support

Gundog training can be challenging, but you’re never alone. The LWDG community is here to cheer you on, offer advice, and share in your victories.

Our experts and members alike have proven time and again that a supportive network makes all the difference. As one member shared, “The friendships I’ve built through the LWDG have been as valuable as the training itself.”

9. Embrace Emerging Trends

As gundog training evolves, new techniques and ideas are coming to the forefront. From advanced engagement games to innovative reward strategies, there’s always something fresh to explore.

Keep an open mind and don’t be afraid to try new approaches in your training. Who knows? That new idea could be the breakthrough you’ve been looking for!

10. Make 2025 Your Best Training Year Yet

Set realistic goals, embrace the highs and lows, and remember to enjoy every step of the journey. With the right mindset, a supportive community, and these expert tips, 2025 is shaping up to be an incredible year for you and your gundog.

Final Thoughts

Training a gundog is more than just teaching commands—it’s about building trust, enjoying the process, and growing together as a team. As we head into 2025, take these tips to heart and make this your most successful and fulfilling training year yet.

What’s your top training goal for 2025? Share it with us in the comments or join the conversation in the LWDG Society. Let’s keep inspiring and supporting one another—because no woman should have to train her gundog alone.

Ready to take your training to the next level? Join the LWDG Society for expert-led training, a supportive community, and the resources you need to succeed. Let’s make 2025 the year you and your gundog truly shine!

Back To Podcast List