What Dogs Are Allowed? Let’s Talk About Your Gundog

Ever found yourself watching your dog, maybe a bouncy spaniel, a keen retriever, or even a clever poodle cross, and a little niggle starts? “Is my dog really a gundog? Do we even belong in that world?” You’re absolutely not alone, love. So many of you have had a brilliant time with us recently, getting stuck into the training, but then that little voice pops up, whispering that your dog isn’t “traditional” enough. Well, let me tell you, that voice is talking nonsense! This episode is all about busting those old-fashioned ideas, sharing real stories, and showing you that if you’ve got the heart for it, your dog is absolutely, 100% allowed to be a gundog with us.

More Than Just a Working Dog: What Even Is a Gundog Anymore?

Back in the day, a gundog was pretty straightforward – a dog that worked alongside guns, doing a specific job. Think of Vicki’s golden retriever, bred to bring things back, or my spaniels, who were all about finding and flushing game. They were part of the team, helping to put food on the table or joining in organised shoots. Their instincts, their very DNA, are wired for this kind of work, and that’s what makes them so incredibly special.

But let’s be honest, most of our dogs live a rather different life now, don’t they? They might come from those strong working lines, but they’ll probably never set foot on a traditional shooting estate. And you know what? That’s perfectly alright! The magic of our LWDG community is that we get this. We focus on the training, the connection, and whether you’re out working your dog in a field or just enjoying a lovely, calm walk in the park, it’s all brilliant progress. We never want you sitting at home, looking at your dog, feeling like you can’t learn more because they don’t fit some old-school definition.

Vicki and Tully: From “Ferrari” to Family Dog

Vicki’s journey with her golden retriever, Tully, is such a brilliant example of this. When she first got him, her dream was simple: long, happy walks, off-lead adventures, hiking in the hills – all those lovely things you see on TikTok. But then, as often happens, adolescence hit like a freight train. Tully started ignoring her, bolting off to say hello to every dog he saw, and recall? Forget about it. Vicki felt like she was invisible. She even described him as a “Ferrari in the hands of a Nissan driver,” and honestly, how many of us have felt that exact same way with our high-drive pups?

The real turning point, the one that made her think “right, something has to change,” came when Tully, off-lead, sprinted across a field and jumped up at an older gentleman who’d recently had a hip replacement. Vicki was left running after him, shouting, “He’s friendly, he’s friendly!” while feeling absolutely mortified and completely out of control. It was a terrifying moment, a stark reminder that this isn’t just about having a “perfect” dog; it’s about safety, about building a real connection, and about actually enjoying life with your dog.

The Heart of Training: It’s About Connection, Not Just Commands

When Vicki found us, she dived into our foundation course, “Hot Mess Handler.” And here’s the thing about that course – it’s not just about teaching your dog a bunch of commands. It’s about teaching you, the owner, how to truly understand and work with your dog. It covers all the lovely, happy, obedient stuff that makes everyday life so much easier: a reliable heel, a solid sit, and, most importantly, a whistle recall that makes you the most exciting thing in their world.

But it goes deeper than just obedience. We also show you how to do all sorts of “extra fun stuff” with your dogs. Many of your pups probably already love bringing back tennis balls or sticks, right? That’s their genetic history shining through! Gundog training, in our world, is about gently guiding those natural instincts and turning them into a joyful partnership. It’s about you and your dog working together as a team, whether that’s hiking up a hill or even, like Vicki and Tully, entering a working test and coming second in their novice category! These tests are a fantastic way for pet dogs to show off their natural behaviours without ever needing to work in a traditional field. It’s about celebrating what your dog can do, and the incredible bond you build along the way.

Finding Your Pack: The LWDG Hug

One of the most powerful things about the LWDG, the bit that gives us goosebumps, is our community. Vicki had been in other gundog groups where asking a question felt like walking into a firing squad, making her never want to ask again. But in our group, it’s a whole different kettle of fish. We were built on the simple, rock-solid principle that there’s “no such thing as a stupid question.” Everyone is welcomed with open arms, supported, and genuinely encouraged. We totally get that you don’t know what you don’t know, and we’re here to guide you, without a shred of judgment.

So, whether you’ve got a purebred gundog, a cheeky crossbreed, or even one of those brilliant poodle crosses (yes, poodles have hunting roots!), you and your dog absolutely belong here. We’ve got no time for snobbery. We celebrate every single step of progress, no matter how small. It’s a place where you can truly feel safe, seen, and supported, knowing that other women completely understand the unique challenges and sheer joy of training a gundog.

Final Thoughts

So, if you’re still sitting on the fence, wondering if your dog is “allowed” or if you’ll truly fit in, please, just give us a try. Whether your big dream is to compete in trials, work on a shoot, or simply enjoy a lovely walk with a dog who comes back when you call and walks nicely on the lead, we can help you get there. Remember, it’s all about progress, not perfection! Every little step you take with your gundog is a massive victory. Have a listen to the full episode for even more insights and inspiration, and know that we’re here, ready to help you build that incredible partnership you’ve always dreamed of.