Podcast Episode No: 204. The Van, the GunDog, and All of Europe

What does campervanning with a gundog really look like — not the Instagram version, but the actual chaos and joy of it? Karen Shepherd, LWDG Society member, has taken her Springer Spaniel McCoy all over Europe and she’s sharing everything — from Brexit pet passports to Croatia and beyond.

The Van, the Dog, and All of Europe – LWDG

Listen to this episode

I want to tell you something. The dog doesn’t have to stay home. The van, the open road, your best mate — it can all go together. All the way to Croatia, if you want.

This week on Found It, Fetched It I sat down with Karen Shepherd — one of our brilliant Society members — who has been taking her Spaniel McCoy all over Europe in her motor home. And I mean all over. Belgium. Croatia. Italy. Czech Republic. Hungary. Slovenia. The dog has a better travel record than most people I know.

I’ll be honest with you. This conversation was partly research. You know about Ali the campervan. You probably know that my husband Matt and I have been dreaming about taking Arthur across Europe — once we’ve fully made our peace with the fact that he has grown to the size of a small Shetland pony. So Karen was, frankly, exactly the right person to talk to.

And she delivered. This is the conversation I wish I’d had before we started planning.

What campervanning with a gundog is actually like

Let’s not pretend this is all golden-hour photos on Instagram. Karen was wonderfully honest. Every time you pull onto a new pitch, you’re walking the perimeter before you even open the van door — checking for gaps in fencing, checking where the road is, working out where McCoy can safely stretch his legs.

You’re figuring out the wifi, the nearby walks, which direction the wind is coming from. You’re doing that in a country where the road signs might be in Hungarian and the nearest vet might be forty minutes away.

And then you look over and the dog is standing at the van door, tail going ten to the dozen, absolutely beside himself with joy.

You finish up, you’ve been out for the day, the dog’s seen and done and sniffed all the smells — and they retire happy. They’ve done a lot.

That’s Karen. And that’s the Two Minds truth right there, just lived out on a campsite in Croatia. A dog whose brain has been properly used. A dog that has genuinely lived his day. Not a dog who’s been physically hammered into the ground on a two-hour walk and still won’t settle. A dog that was employed.

They’ve been doing this since McCoy was twelve weeks old. Crate trained at home, crate trained in the car, crate trained in the van — so that when the van door opens somewhere in Austria, he just steps into a world that smells different, with the same sense of ‘I know this, I know what comes next.’ Routine is his anchor. The environment can change. The routine is what holds.

The Brexit bit nobody tells you about clearly enough

Right. This is important. If you’re planning on taking your dog into Europe from the UK, you need to know this.

Since Brexit, UK-issued pet passports are no longer valid for EU travel. Instead, every time you leave the country, you need an Animal Health Certificate — issued by an Official Veterinarian, valid for ten days from issue. That means you need to know your exact travel dates weeks in advance, which rather defeats the spirit of jumping in a campervan and going wherever the road takes you.

Karen’s solution — and the one that made complete sense to me when we talked about it — is to get a European pet passport. Which you can do. You take your dog abroad on the AHC, find a European vet, and have them issue a proper EU passport. McCoy’s was issued in Bruges — and we actually chatted about this because Matt and I were in Bruges not long ago. It’s an easy crossing from South Wales, almost no time at all via the tunnel.

Once you have that passport, you don’t need a new certificate every trip. You just keep the rabies vaccination up to date — which has to be done by a European vet — and off you go.

There is a small note of good news here too: as of May 2025 the UK and EU agreed in principle to reinstate a UK pet passport. Nothing confirmed yet, no timeline locked in — but watch this space, because when that comes through it will change everything for our members who travel.

Up to 5 pets

Up to five animals can travel on a single Animal Health Certificate, so if you’re travelling with more than one dog, it does get more manageable on cost.

AHC cost varies wildly

Karen’s first one cost £50. Her second was £75. Other vets charge £250–350. It pays to shop around for an Official Veterinarian before you book.

Worming on the way home

Your dog must be wormed by a vet between 24 and 120 hours before re-entering the UK. This was the rule before Brexit too — it hasn’t changed.

Scandinavian countries

If you’re heading to Norway or Finland, the worming has to be done in the UK before you go. That’s the one exception to the rule.

The countries worth knowing about

Germany, Karen says, is extraordinarily dog-friendly. Almost everywhere welcomes dogs. Austria has enormous amounts of open space and woodland — McCoy’s ideal, though the cattle roam loose in the forests so you’ll need to keep him on lead.

The UK is actually one of the easier countries to travel in now — lockdown changed things and most cafes, pubs and restaurants have caught up with the reality that we are not leaving our dogs at home.

A note on muzzles: some countries require certain breeds to be muzzled on public transport, or sometimes in public spaces entirely. Some countries won’t allow dogs over 10kg on public transport at all unless they’re in a carrier. Karen’s advice is to look up the specific regulations for every country on your route before you go. Don’t assume.

And Karen’s favourite place she’s taken McCoy? Croatia. He had an absolute ball. And an honourable mention for a small lake in Italy — Lake Ro — where she walked, McCoy swam, her husband paddleboarded, and they met in the middle for coffee. That’s it. That’s the dream.

Before you go — Karen’s checklist

Have these in place before your first trip

A dog that is comfortable in a crate and travels well — this is the single most important thing
A long line — non-negotiable, never leave home without it
A whistle — same
A harness as backup — never rely on just a collar
Your Animal Health Certificate booked well in advance — you need an appointment with an Official Vet and you need to know your travel dates
Rabies vaccination confirmed as current — your dog must be microchipped before or on the same day as the first jab, and you must wait 21 days before travelling
Country-specific rules checked for every country on your route — muzzle laws and tapeworm requirements vary
Your dog’s food sorted — if they’re raw fed, plan this one carefully; you cannot take meat products into the EU

Useful links

Animal Health Certificate

GOV.UK — Getting an Animal Health Certificate

The official guidance. Start here. Valid for 10 days from issue, up to 5 pets per certificate.

Full UK pet travel overview

GOV.UK — Taking your pet abroad

The main hub for everything — documentation, vaccinations, returning to the UK.

AHC explained in plain English

PassPets — Animal Health Certificates explained

If the GOV.UK page makes your eyes go square, this one is much kinder.

European Pet Passport

PetAbroad — EU Pet Passport guide

How it works, where to get one, and why it makes the whole thing so much easier once you have it.

Channel Tunnel with your dog

Eurotunnel LeShuttle — Pet travel

35 minutes, Folkestone to Calais, and you stay in your vehicle the whole way. The easiest crossing for a dog.

Country-by-country rules (muzzles, tapeworm etc.)

Europa.eu — Travelling with pets in the EU

Check this for every country on your route, not just your destination.

Finding dog-friendly campsites

ACSI Eurocampings

Filter by dog-friendly, motorhome pitches, and facilities across 9,500+ campsites. Available as an app on iOS and Android.

I hope this has got you dreaming a little. That’s what it’s for.

If you’ve taken your dog abroad — or you’re planning to — come and tell us about it in the community. And if you enjoyed this episode, a review on your podcast platform of choice goes a long way. It helps more women find us, and right now there are a lot of women out there who need to find us.

See you in two weeks.

Jo x

Bruin the Clumber Spaniel’s Crufts Win Isn’t the Problem. It Might Be the Solution.

A historic Crufts win… and an overdue conversation

For the first time since 1991, a Clumber Spaniel has been crowned Best in Show at Crufts. Bruin, officially registered as Sh Ch Vanitonia Soloist and handled by Lee Cox, beat nearly 18,600 dogs at Birmingham’s NEC to take the most prestigious title in the dog show world. His lap of honour was a genuinely joyful moment, and Lee Cox was barely able to string a sentence together in the aftermath. Hard not to smile at that.

But with the spotlight comes an uncomfortable conversation — one that honestly needed to be had. Because while Bruin’s win is a wonderful thing for Clumber Spaniel visibility, it also shines a light on a problem that has been quietly growing for decades: the widening gap between the show Clumber Spaniel and the dog it was actually bred to be.

What the Clumber Spaniel was always meant to be

Originally developed as a flushing and retrieving spaniel renowned for stealth and silence in the field, the Clumber Spaniel’s sturdy, low body was purpose-built for dense terrain — earning it the nickname the “retired gentleman’s shooting dog.” Solidly built, with stamina, a keen nose, drive, and steadiness, this was a working dog in every sense of the word. The Kennel Club’s own breed standard still describes the ideal Clumber Spaniel as “firm, fit, and capable of a day’s work of beating in heavy cover.” That’s the benchmark. Worth remembering.

It’s also worth knowing that the working Clumber Spaniel is very much alive — and thriving. The Working Clumber Spaniel Society (WCSS), founded in 1984, exists specifically to maintain the Clumber Spaniel as a natural working gundog, and has been doing exactly that for over 40 years. With HRH The Princess Royal serving as President, the WCSS runs field trials, training events, and working displays. Their mission is straightforward: promote working use, encourage selective breeding from sound, work-proven dogs, and restore and maintain the breed’s physical soundness and functional qualities. If you want to see what a Clumber Spaniel looks like when form follows function, their website is a very good place to start.

The health picture( what the data actually tells us)

The WCSS recently published a comprehensive Health Report, compiled from a survey of 277 dogs, 51 registered litters, and a DNA project in partnership with Embark — and it makes for fascinating, if at times sobering, reading.

The good news first

Not all of it is cause for alarm. The Clumber Spaniel’s cancer rate in the survey came in at just 4.3% — well below the expected figure of around 27% for pedigree dogs in the UK. Heart problems affected only 4% of dogs surveyed. And the five-year median hip score has improved significantly, sitting at 10, indicating real progress from responsible breeders making better breeding decisions. These are genuinely encouraging signs.

Where the concerns lie

However, the report also reveals a breed carrying a significant health load. Some 31% of Clumber Spaniels in the survey had experienced an ear infection during their lifetime. Eye problems affected 31% — yet only 21% had ever had a BVA eye test, with entropion (eyelids rolling inward) recorded in 9.7% of the survey population. Skin conditions affected 29% of dogs, slightly above the UK canine average of 15–25%.

The spinal picture is nuanced but important. Every single Clumber Spaniel tested, 100%, carries the IVDD Type 1 gene associated with increased risk of slipped discs, a direct consequence of the breed’s long-backed body shape. Only 14% showed clinical signs, which is a testament to responsible weight management among working breeders, but it underlines how much the breed’s conformation already asks of its skeleton.

The inbreeding crisis hiding in plain sight

Perhaps the most alarming finding concerns the Clumber Spaniel’s genetic diversity. The WCSS Embark project revealed an average genetic coefficient of inbreeding (COI) of 39.8% — more than double the Kennel Club’s own figure of 18.3% for the same dogs. To put that in perspective, a father-to-daughter mating produces a COI of around 25%. The Kennel Club’s calculations, based on incomplete pedigree records, are significantly underestimating the true scale of inbreeding in both show and working lines. This is a breed-wide problem, and one that urgently needs addressing through strategic outcrossing and genetic testing before breeding.

A vulnerable breed that needs this attention

Clumber Spaniel registrations tell their own story. According to the WCSS Health Report, only 223 puppies were registered in 2023, down from a post-pandemic peak of 285, with the five-year rolling average sitting at just 220. This is a breed already classified as a vulnerable native breed by the Kennel Club. Without visibility, those numbers don’t improve. Without public interest, breed standards don’t get scrutinised or reformed.

Why Bruin’s win is a catalyst, not the problem

Here’s where I’ll push back against the loudest critics piling onto this Crufts result. A Best in Show for the Clumber Spaniel is not the enemy of progress, it may actually be its catalyst.

Before Sunday, how many people outside the spaniel world were seriously asking questions about Clumber Spaniel health, conformation, or the divergence between show and working lines? Almost none. Now thousands are. That’s the uncomfortable gift that a high-profile win delivers, a national platform for a conversation that the WCSS and others have been trying to start for years, largely to an empty room. A wave of newly curious people now have the chance to find the Working Clumber Spaniel Society, read the health data, and ask better questions of breeders.

Change follows scrutiny, and the evidence proves it

The history of canine welfare tells us clearly that meaningful reform tends to follow public pressure. The Kennel Club’s recent decision to reclassify the French Bulldog and Basset Hound to Category 3 of their Breed Watch system, requiring best-of-breed winners to pass veterinary health checks at championship shows including Crufts, came after years of mounting pressure from researchers, vets, and an increasingly informed public. The Royal Veterinary College’s research into English Bulldogs explicitly called on the public to demand dogs with more moderate, healthier conformations, arguing that the real power for change rests with public awareness. These reforms didn’t come from closed show circles. They came from noise.

The verdict — use the moment

So yes, show Clumber Spaniels and their working counterparts can look like entirely different animals. The health data confirms that the breed carries real burdens — some rooted in conformation, some in genetics, some in a gene pool that is far narrower than most people realise. These are genuine problems worth confronting head-on.

But dismissing Bruin’s win, or retreating into cynicism, helps no one, least of all the Clumber Spaniel. Follow the Working Clumber Spaniel Society. Read their Health Report. Ask breeders the difficult questions about hip scores, elbow grades, EIC status, and genetic COI before you commit to a puppy. Demand that “Best in Show” actually means something for the long-term health and working ability of the dog, not just how it moves around a ring on one Sunday evening in Birmingham.

Bruin didn’t create these problems. But his moment in the spotlight might just be what finally starts fixing them.

193. Why Force Free Fails High Drive Dogs

Why Force Free Fails High Drive Dogs

There is a moment every dog owner recognises, where you look at your pup doing something utterly ridiculous and you think what on earth possessed you to do that.

Arthur eating the cork doormat like it was a Michelin star snack, Genie deciding that strangers were obviously made of danger, Rex flat out in front of the fire pretending he is the picture of innocence.

Every dog has their thing. And every owner has had that moment of wondering am I doing this wrong because I told my dog no.

If you have ever felt that tiny stab of guilt for correcting your dog this one is for you.

Because the truth is this. Force free sounds lovely on paper but it crumbles the minute you bring home a high drive working breed. The minute your dog meets real life. And the minute they start making their own decisions that put themselves or you at risk.

And before we dive in let us get one thing clear. None of this is about harshness. None of this is about fear. None of this is about going backwards to old school hard handed training.

This is about real life dogs real women and the real world you both live in.

Everything in this blog is taken from the conversation with LWDG Group Expert Claire Denyer on episode 193 of Found It Fetched It.

Where the force free myth begins

Force free says you must never apply any physical pressure never interrupt a behaviour never use a verbal correction and never do anything the dog might find aversive. It is a wonderful idea in theory. It is also entirely impossible from the minute a puppy is born.

A breeder puts boundaries in from day one.
Mum sets boundaries from day one.
Life sets boundaries from day one.

Puppies are licked shoved nudged and corrected by their mother long before they ever meet a human. They are handled chipped weighed wormed and vaccinated by people long before they come home. They learn pressure before they understand anything else. They learn that the world is full of experiences they may not love but must tolerate. It is normal. It is natural. And it is necessary.

So the idea that your eight week old pup should suddenly be raised in a world where nothing feels uncomfortable nothing is interrupted and nothing is guided is not just unrealistic it is unkind.

These dogs arrive in our homes already shaped by rules they did not choose. And thank goodness for that because boundaries are part of how they survive.

Why high drive dogs need direction more than anything

If you own a working Cocker Spaniel a Labrador an HPR or any dog bred to hunt or retrieve then you already know the truth. These dogs are wired for action. They come out the womb with opinions. And left to their own devices they will run their own show and it will not be a show you enjoy watching.

Claire said it perfectly during our conversation. When dogs are given no structure no rules and no guidance they end up either anxious confused reactive overexcited or simply running wild. And it is not their fault. If we do not step in to steady them they will try to steady themselves and that usually comes out sideways.

We are not trying to dominate our dogs. We are not trying to squash their spirit. We are trying to help them live safely and sanely in a world that does not understand what high drive actually means.

And if you have ever met a high drive dog raised with no boundaries you know exactly what that looks like. Dogs biting owners. Dogs refusing to be handled. Dogs who cannot be groomed muzzled collared or examined at the vet. Dogs who cannot leave the house because their arousal is so high they cannot cope. Dogs who scatter feed for two years because a trainer told the owner that anything more exciting was too much pressure.

These are not dogs who have been treated kindly. These are dogs who have been left without leadership.

Kindness is not the same as permissiveness

Every good dog owner leads with kindness. Of course we do. These animals are our hearts with legs. But kindness without boundaries becomes permissiveness. And permissiveness creates uncertainty. And uncertainty fuels unwanted behaviour.

Arthur putting his paws on the sofa is not a tragedy. But if I never said no he would be on my head within a week. If I never redirected him he would believe the sofa was his rightful throne. If I never taught him how to switch off he would still be doing laps of the living room at 10pm.

Kindness is me gently putting my hand on his collar and guiding him down.
Permissiveness is letting him practise behaviours that will make his life harder later on.

A dog who cannot settle is not happy.
A dog who cannot cope with being held is not happy.
A dog who cannot be examined by a vet is not safe.
A dog who makes all the choices is not free. They are overwhelmed.

Why never say no harms the relationship not helps it

One of the biggest myths pushed by extreme force free voices is that telling your dog no will damage the bond. That corrections make you unsafe. That boundaries weaken trust.

This simply is not true.

The only thing that ruins trust is fear or pain. Not guidance. Not structure. Not a calm ah ah to interrupt a behaviour. Not a slip lead teaching a dog how to move with pressure rather than fight it.

Your dog does not need perfection. They need clarity. They need to know what is allowed and what is not. They need to know you will steady them when they wobble. They need to know you will step in so they do not have to escalate.

If you have ever worked with dogs who were raised with zero boundaries you will know exactly what we mean. These are not confident dogs. These are dogs spiralling. Because when nobody leads they must lead. And leading terrifies them.

The myth of the force free miracle

Let us circle back to the definition one more time. According to force free extremism you must never interrupt a choice. Never apply pressure. Never say no. Never do anything the dog dislikes.

And yet these same trainers will proudly show a perfectly behaved dog and say look we did it all without correction. We shaped everything. We never said no.

I call absolute nonsense.

If you have high drive gun dogs in your life you know it is impossible to achieve real world steadiness without stepping in. You know it is impossible to teach safe behaviour without interrupting dangerous choices. You know you must meet a dog’s nature not pretend it is not there.

If you have ever tried to stop a spaniel chasing a pheasant with positive reinforcement only you already know how that ends.

What real kindness looks like

Real kindness is not refusing to say no.
Real kindness is teaching your dog how to cope with pressure before the world throws pressure at them.
Real kindness is helping them feel safe in your leadership.
Real kindness is creating a dog who can settle in front of the fire, handle the excitement of a shoot, stay grounded during fireworks, and trust you to guide them through the messy bits of life.

Real kindness is what Claire did with the spaniel who had not left the garden for two years. She used gentle correction to bring his arousal down, structured play to build connection, and boundaries to teach him how to cope again. Now that dog is walking on a slip lead, taking food calmly, and soon coming to her field for a proper session. That dog has a life again. That is kindness.

The question every owner must ask

When you are training your dog ask yourself this one simple thing

Am I being kind or am I being permissive.

Because those two things feel similar in the moment but lead to very different futures.

A kind owner steps in
A permissive owner steps back

A kind owner says no when it matters
A permissive owner hopes the dog will figure it out

A kind owner sets boundaries
A permissive owner lets the dog carry the weight of all the decisions

One of these produces a steady dog who feels safe
The other produces a dog who feels lost and overwhelmed

Trust yourself more than the labels

This is the heart of it. Trust your instinct. Trust what you can see in front of you. Trust that stepping in does not make you harsh. Trust that guiding your dog makes you the safe place they need. Trust that real life dog training is messy funny frustrating and deeply rewarding all at once.

High drive dogs need steady women.
Steady women need confidence not labels.
And you already know far more than you think.

If this blog has made you exhale and think so I am not doing it wrong then good. You are allowed to guide your dog. You are allowed to interrupt poor choices. You are allowed to say no with love. You are allowed to create boundaries that protect your wellbeing and theirs.

Force free sounds gentle but without leadership it creates chaos.
Real kindness sounds firm sometimes but it creates safety.

And safety is the most loving thing you can ever give a dog.

Why Your Gundog Training Feels Different in Winter (And Why That’s Okay)

That feeling when the alarm goes off and it’s still pitch black. The thought of pulling on layers of waterproofs, wrestling a keen dog into the car, and facing the wind/rain/mud feels… heavy. If your energy has dipped and your dog seems to have forgotten everything they learned in the summer, I want you to hear this: There is nothing wrong with you. And there is nothing wrong with your dog. The season has changed, and you are both allowed to change with it. Let’s talk about how to work with winter, not against it.

Your Dog Is a Seasonal Creature, Too

Just like the landscape, your dog changes in the winter. It’s not them being disobedient or regressing; it’s a natural response to a completely different environment. The way they experience the world shifts dramatically, and when we understand that, we can handle them with more steadiness and a lot less panic.

It’s Not Naughtiness, It’s Physics

Ever notice your dog becomes a “truffle pig on a mission” as soon as the cold hits? That’s because cold, damp air holds and carries scent differently, making the world intensely more interesting for their nose. The darker mornings and evenings also increase their alertness. They’re relying more heavily on scent and hearing to figure out what’s going on, which can make them seem a bit fizzy or distracted. They aren’t ignoring you; they are simply processing a world that has become louder and more vivid to their senses.

Give Yourself Permission to Be a Winter Handler

Now, let’s talk about you. Are you tired? Is your motivation hiding under a pile of wet towels by the back door? Good. You’re normal. We are not built for year-round consistency, no matter what modern life pretends. Shorter days, family responsibilities ramping up towards the holidays, and a biological need for warmth and comfort mean you are carrying so much more than you notice. Of course training feels heavier some days. You are not lazy; you’re living in winter.

How to Train With the Season, Not Against It

Winter doesn’t have to be a battle to be endured until spring. It offers us a unique gift: the chance to build a truly resilient partnership with our dogs. This is the season for calm, connected, foundational work. Forget long, complex sessions. Winter training is about short, sharp, meaningful moments. Focus on your heel work, your recall, and your settle. Five to ten minutes of focused connection is more than enough. This is the work that builds the handler more than the dog, teaching us to be present, efficient, and determined.

Final Thoughts

Imagine you stopped trying to push through the winter. Imagine you let yourself and your dog adjust without guilt. What would shift if you trained with winter’s pace: slow, steady, and short? You might just find that by February, the dog in front of you is steadier, simply because you are. Listen to the full episode for more ways to find your winter training flow.

191. Why You Train Differently To Everyone

Do you train your dog like a ‘Fixer’ or a ‘Nurturer’? LWDG Mindset Coach Emma Liddell unveils The Dog Handler Archetypes, a powerful framework to help you understand your core training style, work with your strengths, and achieve calmer, more confident results without the comparison trap. This is self-awareness that changes everything.

191. Why You Train Differently To Everyone

Have you ever watched a friend train their gundog and thought, “Why am I reacting like this, and they’re so calm about the exact same thing?” It’s easy to fall into the comparison trap, feeling like you’re doing it all wrong simply because your approach is different. But what if that difference wasn’t a weakness, but a key to unlocking your most effective training style?

We recently sat down with our brilliant LWDG mindset coach, Emma Liddell, a trained psychotherapistwho has noticed powerful patterns in the way we women handle and train our dogs. Her new framework, The Dog Handler Archetype, is a self-awareness tool designed to help you understand your core drivers, work with your strengths, and finally soften the edges that might be holding you back. It’s a game-changer that goes beyond obedience and straight to the heart of why you train the way you do.

The Five Archetypes: Understanding Your Core Driver

Emma’s research comes from a simple, yet profound observation: we all fall into certain behavioural patterns when problems arise. In dog training, these patterns become crystal clear, helping us see whether we are building a supportive partnership or accidentally creating resistance. Understanding your core driver is the first step towards feeling seen and supported on your gundog journey.

Here are the five Handler Archetypes Emma has identified:

The Fixer: Driven by the mantra, “I must solve it.” You are analytical, persistent, and research-driven, but you risk micromanaging your dog, jumping in too early, and not allowing them time to think for themselves.
The Protector: Driven by, “I don’t want the dog to fail.” You are empathetic, gentle, and patient. This is beautiful, but it can lead to over-sheltering your dog, avoiding new challenges, and holding back your (and your dog’s) growth out of fear of upsetting them.
The Achiever: Driven by, “I want progress and results.” You are focused, resilient, and put in the work. Ribbons and certificates are your measure. The danger here is becoming outcome-obsessed, impatient, and losing track of the fun and the relationship with your dog.
The Nurturer: Driven by, “The connection comes first.” You are compassionate, calm, and intuitive. The relationship is everything, but you may struggle with boundaries, having a stern tone, or saying ‘no’—often excusing behaviours because “they’re just a baby.”
The Competitor: Driven by, “I want to be the best.” You are incredibly determined and brave, willing to push out of your comfort zone for the goal. The downside is a high likelihood of comparing your dog to others, strong emotional swings after failure, and a mentality that views the dog as a changeable partnership if the goal isn’t met.

Why Knowing Your Type Changes Everything

It’s important to remember that you are not one-dimensional. You might be a Fixer with your working Spaniel but lean Nurturer with your cuddly pet dog at home, and that’s completely normal!

The true power of this framework lies in self-awareness. When you understand your natural leanings, you can intentionally work on the ‘negative’ edges. For example, a natural Fixer can learn to hold back their corrections, allowing the dog that critical one-and-a-half seconds to process and learn. A Protector can gently push themselves out of their comfort zone, knowing a small challenge won’t break their dog’s spirit.

This knowledge also helps you understand why certain training situations trigger you. You might find yourself adopting an archetype you were trained with (like a father’s Competitor drive) even if it doesn’t align with your own goals or personality. When you name the pattern, you can choose to step out of it.

Finding a Compatible Trainer

The Handler Archetypes are not just about your dog; they’re about how you solve problems in life. And they are particularly useful when you are looking for outside help.

Imagine you are a natural Nurturer, connection comes first, and you go to a trainer who is a dedicated Competitor. You might feel instant resistance to their methods, believing they are too harsh or focused solely on outcomes. Conversely, if two Nurturers train together, they might have a lovely time but find that the progression they seek is frustratingly slow.

The Power of Intentional Balance

The key, as Emma points out, is not to find a trainer who is exactly like you, but one who is different but compatible.

If you are a Fixer and go to a Protector trainer, you might get frustrated by their slow, gentle approach, feeling they are holding you back. However, if you are an anxious Nurturer and find a supportive Protector trainer, the fit might be perfect, giving you the safety and gentleness you need to build confidence.

Understanding your archetype means you can be more articulate about what you need from a trainer. It shifts the blame from “That trainer wasn’t good for me” to “That trainer wasn’t the right fit for my current needs and natural style.” This is powerful stuff for building self-confidence in the demanding world of gundog training.

Conclusion

If you’ve been nodding along, recognising these traits in yourself, your training friends, or even your family, this is your chance to deepen that understanding. Every one of these archetypes has fantastic strengths, and knowing them is the ultimate tool for progress. Remember, you’re not behind; you’re just learning.

To take the next step, join Emma’s free live masterclass on Tuesday, 18th November at 7:00 PM where you’ll take a short self-assessment, discover your dominant archetype, and get specific guides on how to use your strengths.

Save your spot now at ladiesworkingdoggroup.com/archetypes

Why Do Gundogs Always Have Something in Their Mouth?

Imagine settling down with a nice cuppa only to have your gundog prance over proudly with your slipper (again) clutched in his mouth. Sound familiar? If you’re nodding along, you’re not alone – many of us gundog owners have been there. Gundogs (like Labradors, Spaniels, Retrievers, and their kin) seem born to carry stuff, from toys and training dummies to the random shoe they swear you left out just for them. It’s a quirky, often endearing habit that can leave us scratching our heads. Why on earth do they love this so much?

Well, retrieve that slobbery toy from your pup (or at least pause the game of keep-away) and let’s chat. There are a few key reasons behind this mouthy obsession and it’s not just to redecorate your living room with drool. From hardwired instincts to a flair for the dramatic, here are four big reasons your gundog lives to carry things around.

1. It’s in Their DNA

The simplest answer? They were bred for this! Gundog breeds have retrieving in their blood. Historically, these dogs were developed to fetch game for hunters, meaning picking things up and carrying them gently is second nature. In fact, many gundogs genuinely enjoy holding things in their mouth (and our experts say we shouldn’t discourage it). That drive to retrieve runs deep. Even if your pup’s “prey” these days is a plush duck or the TV remote, the instinct is similar.

If you have a Retriever or Spaniel, you’ve probably witnessed this instinct in full force. They parade around with toys like it’s their job (more on that in a moment). Don’t be surprised it’s literally in their genes. Generations of selective breeding have hard-wired them to carry items with a soft mouth and bring them back to their humans. So next time you see your Lab proudly holding your sock, remember: he can’t help it – he’s practically born to fetch!

2. It Gives Them a Job

Ever notice how proud your dog looks when he’s carrying that gigantic stick on your walk? Chest out, tail wagging, he’s clearly thinking, “Look mum, I’m helping!” Carrying objects often makes gundogs feel like they have an important job to do. And boy, do these working breeds love having a job. In the field, their role was to retrieve birds or game; in the living room, retrieving the morning newspaper (or yes, your slippers) scratches that same itch.

Gundogs thrive on purpose and mental stimulation. Holding onto something – whether it’s a training dummy or a random toy, can give them a satisfying sense of duty. Dogs, especially working breeds, are happiest when they have a task. Even herding breeds, not traditional retrievers, will carry objects simply to fulfill an innate duty – bringing you an object becomes their “job,” and jobs make them happy. Your gundog is no different. If there’s no duck to fetch, carrying the nearest available item is the next best thing!

On the flip side, if you don’t channel that work ethic, a bored gundog might invent their own job (like “professional sock thief” or “cushion re-arranger”). So it’s actually a great idea to harness this trait in positive ways – let them fetch on walks, do retrieve games, or carry a toy when guests arrive. It makes them feel useful and keeps them out of mischief (mostly!).

3. It’s Soothing

Believe it or not, that raggedy toy your dog lugs around everywhere might be the canine equivalent of a security blanket. Carrying objects can have a calming, soothing effect on gundogs. When they’re excited, anxious, or feeling a tad insecure, holding something in their mouth helps them settle. It’s like us clutching a stress ball or a cup of tea when we need to calm our nerves.

For example, many dogs grab a toy the minute you walk in the door from work – not only are they thrilled to see you, but holding that toy helps channel their excitement and take the edge off. Rather than jumping up or barking their head off, they’ve learned that greeting you with a “gift” (be it their favorite teddy or the nearest shoe) is a calmer way to say “welcome home!”. Similarly, if loud noises or sudden changes at home make your gundog nervous, you might see them instinctively pick up a chew or toy. Experts note that having something in their mouth can boost a dog’s confidence and help them self-soothe during stressful moments. It’s pretty sweet when you think about it – your tough little hunting dog carries his teddy when he’s unsure, like a kid with a comfort blanket.

So next time you catch your dog doing zoomies with a toy in her mouth only to flop down contentedly gnawing on it, you’re witnessing a self-calming strategy in action. Gundogs often manage their big feelings by mouthing an object. It’s one of the reasons we encourage positive outlets like chew toys or supervised retrieving games – it gives them a healthy way to unwind and feel secure.

4. It’s Attention-Getting (and They Know It)

Ah, the classic attention-seeker! Gundogs are clever clogs, and they quickly learn that nothing gets a human’s attention faster than a dog trotting by with something they “shouldn’t” have. From puppyhood, many dogs figure out that if they grab a forbidden item (sock, TV remote, the odd underwear from the laundry basket), suddenly all eyes are on them. You laugh, you chase them around, you drop what you’re doing – mission accomplished!

Even innocent object-carrying can be a bid for interaction. Your dog bringing you his squeaky toy and poking you with it is basically saying, “Hey, look at me! Wanna play?” And let’s be honest, it’s hard to ignore those hopeful eyes and tail wags. In the case of “forbidden treasures,” dogs often think any reaction is better than none. If you jump up and chase them, in your pup’s mind that’s a fantastic game. If you scold them, well, you’re still talking to them! As trainers like to joke, attention is attention, whether you meant it as praise or not

So yes, sometimes that victory lap with your slipper is pure theatre. Your gundog knows you’re going to engage and they’re loving every second. It doesn’t make them naughty; it makes them smart and social. They crave your interaction and have figured out a surefire way to get it. (Note: If it’s something dangerous or precious they’ve swiped, you’ll want to work on a solid “leave” cue. But if it’s just an old sock, maybe have a little chuckle before calmly retrieving it.)

Tip: Try to give your dog plenty of legitimate attention and play throughout the day, so they don’t feel the need to resort to sock-stealing dramas. And when they do bring you toys appropriately, reward that with a fun tug or a bit of fetch. They’ll soon learn that is an even better way to get your focus.

Embrace the Quirk!

At the end of the day, a gundog with something in his mouth is a happy, fulfilled dog. That quirky habit of parading around with toys (or random “found” objects) is part of what makes our dogs who they are. It’s rooted in their history and instincts, it gives them purpose, it soothes them, and yes – it often makes us smile and pay attention. All wins in your dog’s book!

Rather than fighting this natural behavior, it’s usually best to channel it. Play structured retrieve games to satisfy their urges, teach them what’s okay to carry (the toy or dummy) versus what’s not (your brand-new shoes), and enjoy the goofy, loving way they express themselves. After all, life with a gundog is never boring and who couldn’t use a little extra surprise gift (or slobbery sock) now and then?

Before we wrap up, if you’re looking at your dog right now, toy in mouth, eyes shining – and wondering how to make the most of those instincts, we’ve got your back. Check out our online training library for fun retrieving games and tips. Or come join us in the LWDG community, where we swap stories (and solutions) about all these lovable quirks. We’re a friendly bunch and love helping you turn natural behaviors into positive outlets.

Next time your gundog brings you the TV remote with that proud gait, give them a grin and a pat. They’re not being “naughty” – they’re speaking their love language! Embrace it, work with it, and you’ll both be happier. And hey, you’ll never lose your slippers again with your four-legged butler on duty.

Happy training and happy carrying!

Why Gundog Training Is The Best Enrichment

If you have ever felt guilty that your gundog does not have enough enrichment toys, breathe easy. You are already giving them something far better. Real, instinct-based training meets their needs, builds your bond, and creates the calm, content dog every owner wants.

Why Gundog Training Is The Best Enrichment

If you have ever stood in a pet shop surrounded by squeaky gadgets and colourful enrichment toys, wondering whether you are failing your gundog, you are not alone. That quiet guilt creeps in when you see everyone online talking about lick mats, puzzle boxes, and frozen Kongs. You start to wonder if your dog’s life looks a bit too ordinary.

We have all been there, so before you reach for your wallet, take a breath. You can let that feeling go. You are not doing anything wrong if your dog’s life does not revolve around the latest enrichment trend. If you are training a gundog, even a pet one who sleeps on the sofa, you are already giving them some of the best and most satisfying enrichment there is. It speaks to who they are, deep down in their bones, and gives them what they truly crave.

Forget the guilt. Let us talk about what enrichment really means when your dog was bred to work, not just to be entertained.

What Enrichment Really Means

Enrichment has become a bit of a buzzword. It often looks like an endless list of ideas to keep your dog busy. You are told they need snuffle mats, puzzle feeders, scent boxes, and an ever-rotating collection of toys. Those things can be fun and they can fill ten minutes on a rainy day, but true enrichment is not about busyness or novelty. It is about fulfilment.

At its heart, enrichment means allowing your dog to express natural behaviours in a way that is safe and satisfying. It is about letting a dog be a dog. Think about what your dog was bred for. Spaniels thrive when they can quarter a field, sweeping their nose through cover and following scent with purpose. Retrievers find joy in carrying something calmly and proudly back to hand. Hunt-point-retrieve breeds live for that quiet moment of stillness when they pause and point, their whole body tuned to scent.

These are not tricks or games. They are instinct. They are the behaviours that make gundogs who they are. And here is the secret. Gundog training is not separate from enrichment. It is enrichment.

The Three Pillars Of Meaningful Enrichment

People often treat training as the serious stuff and enrichment as the fun. For gundogs, those two worlds are the same. Their work is their joy, their purpose is their play, and when we train them thoughtfully, we give them everything they need to feel fulfilled. Here are three ways that happens.

Training Engages The Brain With Clarity And Purpose

A ten-minute session on recall or steadiness can do more for your dog’s brain than an hour spent with a puzzle toy, because training gives them structure and direction. Puzzle toys are exciting, but they often lead to a burst of frustration or chaos. Training requires focus. It asks your dog to think, to listen, and to make choices. It is a partnership.

Every time your dog works with you, their brain lights up. They are solving problems, using memory, and managing anticipation. That is proper mental stimulation. It is like giving them a crossword rather than a packet of crisps. You can almost see it when they switch into working mode. The ears lift, the eyes lock in, and there is that quiet hum of concentration. It is not just tiring, it is deeply satisfying.

Training Builds Emotional Balance And The Off Switch

Real enrichment is not about constant excitement. It is about balance and control, and gundog training naturally teaches calmness and patience. These are not fancy extras. They are life skills that help dogs handle the ups and downs of daily life.

Take steadiness. When your dog learns to sit beside you and wait for a cue, they are practising emotional regulation. They are learning that they can feel excitement without acting on it. That skill carries into everything they do. The ability to switch from action to calm is the foundation of a happy, stable gundog. It is what separates a frantic dog from a focused one.

And here is something people forget. Calmness itself is enriching. A dog who can settle peacefully after a training session is not bored. They are content. Their brain has done its work.

Training Strengthens Your Connection And Teamwork

The more you train, the stronger your bond becomes. Every session is a conversation. You learn to read your dog’s small signals, and they learn to trust your guidance. That teamwork is powerful. It is what gundogs live for. They want to work with you, not just for the next treat or the next toy.

No gadget or puzzle can replace the joy of that shared understanding. When you and your dog are tuned into each other, that is enrichment in its purest form. It is connection through purpose, and it lasts long after the session ends.

The Guilt Trap

Many owners feel pressured to keep their dogs entertained all day, as if a quiet afternoon means neglect. But calm is not neglect. It is security. Dogs, especially working breeds, need rest as much as activity. They need time for their bodies and brains to recover.

As Amanda once said after one of our sessions on enrichment; it can feel like social media conditions us to believe our dogs always “need stuff.” She compared it to how children are constantly entertained and forget how to simply be. That really stuck with me, because it is true. We have all been taught that boredom is bad, when in fact it is the space where calm lives.

Lavinia felt the same relief when she realised she was not being cruel for skipping the toy box. She said she had started to think her dogs were “deprived” without endless toys, but actually they were perfectly content.

And Samantha shared that once she stopped trying to keep her dog’s head “busy” all the time, her dog relaxed too. “The toys are going in the bin,” she laughed, “and she’ll probably thank me for it.”

These are the light-bulb moments that change how we see our dogs. When we stop entertaining and start connecting, everything settles. If your gundog gets regular, thoughtful training and time to relax afterwards, you are already doing exactly what they need. You are helping them find that healthy rhythm between doing and being.

When we keep throwing excitement at them, we create dogs who cannot settle. They start to crave constant novelty, and when that novelty stops, they struggle to switch off. If your gundog gets regular, thoughtful training and time to relax afterwards, you are doing exactly what they need. You are helping them find that healthy rhythm between doing and being.

The Power Of A Simple Retrieve

Let us take one of the simplest exercises, a straightforward seen retrieve, and look at everything it gives your dog. They watch the dummy fall, remember where it landed, and map the path in their head. That is a serious bit of mental work. Before you send them, they have to stay steady. That is impulse control and emotional maturity in action. Running straight and true keeps them connected to you, even when excitement tempts them off course. They use their nose to confirm what their eyes saw, engaging those powerful scenting instincts. Bringing the dummy back to hand completes the story. It is a moment of shared pride and understanding.

In one short retrieve, your dog has used their mind, their instincts, and their self-control. They have worked with you and earned genuine fulfilment. That is enrichment from start to finish.

What About Pet Gundogs

Even if your gundog never sets foot on a shoot, their instincts remain the same. They still need the chance to use them. You can give that through simple, thoughtful training at home or on walks. Practise retrieves in the park, teach them to hunt a bit of ground in the garden, or hide a dummy in the long grass and let them find it.

You do not need fields, game, or fancy kit. You only need curiosity and consistency. When you train with purpose, you are giving your dog the same satisfaction they would find in their traditional work. You are speaking their language.

Ease Up On The Guilt

Your dog does not need a mountain of enrichment toys. They need you. They need time, patience, and meaningful work that honours what they were bred to do. Gundog training is real enrichment. It is the kind that leaves you both tired, content, and covered in a bit of mud. It builds focus, confidence, and connection.

So the next time you see a new toy advertised as the key to a happy dog, smile and carry on training. You are already giving your gundog the most powerful enrichment of all.

Final Thought

If calm and connection are what you are craving, start small. Ten minutes of focused training and a quiet settle afterwards will do more for your dog’s wellbeing than any new gadget. Your gundog does not need constant entertainment. They need a purpose. And they already have one. It is you.

Get Your Free 'LWDG Calm Dog Blueprint'

5 simple steps to help your dog focus, reduce overexcitement, and make training feel easier — without shouting, stressing, or second-guessing yourself.

Surviving the Teenage Phase: Managing Adolescent Gundog Behaviour

If you’ve ever looked at your once-lovely, obedient puppy and thought, who on earth swapped my dog for this hooligan?, welcome to adolescent gundog behaviour.

This is the stage that makes even experienced handlers question everything. One minute they’re walking nicely, the next they’re off chasing a bird, ignoring your recall like they’ve never heard the word before. It’s not just you, every gundog owner goes through it.

Adolescence is a phase of big feelings and bigger impulses. Your dog’s hormones are up, their focus is down, and their confidence is all over the shop. It’s like living with a teenager who’s just discovered energy drinks.

But here’s the thing: this isn’t bad behaviour, it’s normal development. And how you handle this stage determines what sort of adult dog you’ll end up with. So rather than losing your cool (or your lead), let’s look at three proven ways to manage this phase with kindness, structure, and a bit of humour.

If you’d like a step-by-step foundation to rebuild focus during this stage, the the Hot Mess Handler course walks you through everything you need to know to reconnect with your dog calmly and confidently

Strategy One: Managing Adolescent Gundog Behaviour in Real Life

You can’t reason with teenage hormones… trust me, I’ve tried. But you can manage the situations that bring out your dog’s worst decisions.

Adolescence is when you stop assuming they’ll make good choices and start setting them up so they can’t make disastrous ones. Think of yourself as their “behavioural safety net.”

Here’s how:

Spot patterns. Notice when and where chaos happens. Is it always at the park gate? When other dogs appear? Around certain smells or sounds?
Pre-empt the chaos. Clip on the long line before they lose their recall. Change direction before they get overstimulated. Step in early, not after the damage is done.
Interrupt, don’t punish. A friendly “this way!” or recall cue will do more good than shouting once they’ve disappeared into the hedgerow.

The aim here isn’t control, it’s prevention. The less your dog rehearses unwanted behaviour, the faster they grow out of it. You’re protecting their learning, not stifling their freedom.

And yes, it means you might be on the long line for a few months, but think of it as a seatbelt… inconvenient, sure, but it keeps everyone safe while the brain catches up with the body.

Strategy Two: Channel the Chaos for Better Gundog Behaviour

A bored adolescent gundog is basically a four-legged demolition expert. They’ve got drive, energy, and instincts and if you don’t give those instincts a job, they’ll find one. Usually it involves runnning off, being a bum hole, or stealing your socks.

The trick with adolescent gundog behaviour is not to take it personally. When your dog ignores you, it’s not rebellion, it’s biology. Their working instincts are firing on all cylinders, and they’re learning how to handle them.

Instead of trying to suppress that energy, redirect it. Give their natural drives something productive to do.

Here’s what that looks like:

Controlled retrieves. Keep them short and purposeful. Ask for focus before each one, so it’s not just a game of fetch, it’s a thinking exercise.
Search and find games. Hide treats or dummies in easy spots and encourage them to hunt with their nose. It satisfies their working brain and burns mental energy.
“Parkour” walks. Ask for sits on logs, waits at gates, or heelwork around obstacles. Keeps them engaged and thinking, without overdoing the physical side.

These activities teach your dog that working with you is rewarding, not restrictive.

Because the truth is, a gundog’s instinct isn’t the enemy, it’s their superpower. When you give it a job to do, that’s when you start to see maturity grow through the madness.

Strategy Three: Pick Your Battles (and Win the Important Ones)

When you’re living with an adolescent dog, it can feel like every day’s a test. You’ll catch yourself saying “no” more than you breathe. But not every battle needs fighting.

If you try to tackle everything at once, you’ll both burn out. Instead, focus on the foundations (the few things that keep life calm and safe) and let the rest go for now.

Here’s what that means:

Prioritise recall, lead walking, and calm settling. These three will carry you through most situations. Everything else can wait.
Stick to predictable routines. Adolescents thrive on structure. Keep meal times, walks, and training sessions roughly the same each day.
Reset rather than react. When they mess up (and they will), take a breath, guide them back to calm, and move on. Frustration teaches nothing; steadiness teaches everything.

This isn’t about being soft. It’s about being strategic. You’re saving your energy for the lessons that actually matter, so you both come out of this phase stronger.

Because honestly, the goal isn’t perfection, it’s keeping your relationship intact while their brain’s temporarily out to lunch

Why These Three Work

Together, these three strategies do more than just get you through adolescence — they build the kind of foundation every future working or companion gundog needs:

Managing moments of madness protects your progress.
Channelling chaos into purpose meets their instinctive needs.
Picking your battles strengthens your bond and builds trust.

They’re not quick fixes, but they’re the difference between surviving adolescence and thriving through it.

If you’d love to learn how to bring more calm into your dog’s daily life, our Calm Dog Blueprint offers practical, gentle guidance that fits real life.

The Bit Nobody Tells You

There’ll be days when it all feels like too much. When the recall fails, the lead’s covered in mud, and you’re questioning why you ever thought this was a good idea. Those are the moments that make handlers, not the perfect training sessions, but the messy, real, human ones.

Adolescence is temporary. Your patience, your consistency, and your calm are what carry your dog through it.

And one day, maybe when you’re standing in a field with your dog sitting steady beside you, you’ll realise that all those small, steady choices added up to something solid.

So pour yourself a cuppa, take a deep breath, and remember: you’re not alone in this. Every handler with mud on her boots and a lead in her pocket has been right where you are.

And the fact you’re still showing up? That’s what makes you a great one.

Quick Recap:

Manage the moments of madness. Prevention over punishment.
Channel the chaos into purpose. Give energy direction.
Pick your battles. Focus on what really matters right now.

Is My Dog Really a Gundog? Let’s Talk About YOUR Working Dog

You know those moments when you’re watching your lovely dog – maybe a bouncy spaniel, a keen retriever, or even a clever poodle cross, and a little niggle starts? A whisper in your ear asking, “Is my dog a gundog? Do we even belong in that world?” If that sounds familiar, please know you’re not alone in feeling that way.

So many of you have been having a brilliant time with us, getting stuck into the training, but then that little voice pipes up, suggesting your dog isn’t “traditional” enough. Well, let me tell you, that voice is talking complete nonsense!

This episode is all about kicking those old-fashioned ideas to the kerb, sharing some real-life 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 here at LWDG.

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 gorgeous golden retriever, Tully, 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 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 dusty, 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 social media. 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

Get Your Free 'LWDG Calm Dog Blueprint'

5 simple steps to help your dog focus, reduce overexcitement, and make training feel easier — without shouting, stressing, or second-guessing yourself.

Get Your Free 'LWDG Calm Dog Blueprint'

5 simple steps to help your dog focus, reduce overexcitement, and make training feel easier — without shouting, stressing, or second-guessing yourself.

The Ancient Story Behind Your Gundog’s Instinct – Severn Lenses Series ( Podcast 181)

The Ancient Story Behind Your Gundog’s Instinct

Ever wonder why your gundog sometimes seems caught between wild instincts and home comforts? It’s not just you, this tug of war goes back thousands of years. In this episode of Found It, Fetched It, we dive deep into the incredible journey from wolves to the dogs we know and love today. Understanding this evolution and our gundog’s instinct helps us be more patient, compassionate, and realistic about what our dogs can and can’t do. So, let’s explore how thousands of years of domestication shaped their brains, behaviours, and bonds with us.

The Origins of Domestication: Wolves Meet Humans

The story begins 15,000 to 30,000 years ago when wolves started hanging around human settlements. It wasn’t a one-time event but likely happened in different places independently. Some wolves scavenged leftovers near campsites, while others may have been taken in by children who found wolf pups and brought them home. This early relationship was mutually beneficial, wolves got food and safety, and humans gained early warning systems and hunting partners.

How Domestication Changed Dogs’ Brains and Behaviour

Over time, friendlier, less fearful wolves survived better near humans. This “self-selection” led to changes we call domestication syndrome, floppy ears, curled tails, and longer playful puppy phases. Unlike wolves, dogs learned to read human expressions, follow pointing fingers, and seek our guidance. They became social partners, not just independent hunters. But despite these changes, many ancient instincts remain, scent marking, guarding, and chasing prey are still hardwired.

The Shift In Our Gundog’s Instinct – From Working Tools To Companions

For thousands of years, dogs were tools , hunting helpers, herders, guards. Selective breeding started around 10,000 years ago with agriculture, intensifying in the last 300 years. Breeds became more specialised for jobs, but recently, the focus has shifted to companionship. Now, many dogs are bred for looks and temperament rather than purpose. This shift creates a tricky balance: we want dogs with working instincts but also calm pets who lounge on the sofa.

Why Understanding Evolution Helps Us Train and Love Our Dogs Better

Knowing your dog’s evolutionary background helps you see their behaviour with fresh eyes. That yappy terrier or chasing spaniel isn’t just being difficult, they’re wired for a job that might not fit your home life. Training works best when we respect these instincts and work as a team with our dogs. Remember, they’re not wolves, but they carry that legacy. Compassion and realistic expectations go a long way in building a happy, balanced relationship.

Conclusion

Our dogs are living history, a beautiful blend of wild ancestors and loving companions. By understanding their evolution, we can be kinder, clearer, and more confident in our training. Every chase, bark, and cuddle connects us to thousands of years of partnership. For more insights, listen to the full episode and join us next time as we explore genetics and how it shapes our working dogs today. Remember, progress over perfection, your dog is learning just like you.

You may want to look at

https://ladiesworkingdoggroup.com/surviving-the-teenage-phase-managing-adolescent-gundog-behaviour/ – For advice on managing common gundog behaviours

Get Your Free 'LWDG Calm Dog Blueprint'

5 simple steps to help your dog focus, reduce overexcitement, and make training feel easier — without shouting, stressing, or second-guessing yourself.

Think Your Dog’s Just Being Awkward? You’re Not Alone.

🎧 Listen to this episode now

Ever stood in the middle of a field, treats ready, lead in hand, shouting yourself hoarse—while your dog blissfully ignores you?

Yep, me too.

One minute they’re your shadow, perfectly behaved and attentive. The next, they’re off chasing something you can’t even see, leaving you feeling like you’re failing at this whole training thing.

It’s easy to fall into thinking: “I must be getting it all wrong.”

But here’s something I wish someone had told me sooner:

It’s not that simple. In fact, it’s rarely even about you.

Understanding Your Dog’s Behaviour—Beyond “Good” and “Bad”

This week on the podcast, I sat down with Emma Liddell, psychotherapist, mindset coach, and someone deeply fascinated with brains—whether they belong to humans or our four-legged friends.

Emma said something that really hit home—that she’s interested in brains regardless of who they belong to, humans or dogs alike.

That’s exactly why this podcast series exists—to give you fresh ways to understand your dog’s behaviour, beyond the usual “just train harder” advice.

Introducing: The Seven Lenses of Dog Behaviour

In our first episode, Emma introduces seven lenses that help us better understand why our dogs behave the way they do:

Evolution and Domestication

Dogs are wired first and foremost to survive—not necessarily to cooperate. Even your beloved sofa-hogging pup carries survival instincts shaped over thousands of years.

Emma explained that behaviour happens for survival, meaning even if your dog appears like they’d never survive five minutes in the wild, those instincts remain strong.

Genetics

Did you know up to 40% of your dog’s behaviour could be driven by genetics? Emma herself learned this lesson with her own dog, Scout. Initially, she just saw him as a dog, overlooking his breed and underestimating the significant role genetics play in shaping behaviour.

Neurobiology and Hormones

Your dog’s “naughty” habits—like obsessively chasing birds—aren’t acts of rebellion. They’re driven by brain chemicals, particularly dopamine, which gives your dog a rewarding rush each time they engage in instinctive behaviours.

Emma pointed out that predation provides dogs with a dopamine hit. When your Spaniel fixates on a bird, they’re literally getting a dose of feel-good chemicals.

Physiology, Cognition and Emotion, Sociology and Body Language

From how your dog’s physical senses shape their world, to why dogs in different cultures behave differently, these lenses help us understand behaviour from angles we often overlook.

You’re Not Alone—and You’re Definitely Not Failing

One of the most powerful moments for me was when Emma shared her own experience of walking away in tears, unsure what to do next with her dog.

If you’ve ever felt the same way, this conversation will remind you that you’re not alone. More importantly, you’re not failing. Understanding is the first step toward real progress.

Why This Matters to You and Your Dog

Too many of us dog owners feel stuck, thinking we just need to “train harder” or “try more techniques.”

But imagine what could happen if you shifted your perspective:

“Maybe this isn’t about me getting it wrong.”

“Maybe there’s something deeper going on.”

That simple shift can remove so much pressure, helping you move forward with confidence.

Listen to the Full Episode

Dive deeper into these insights with our full conversation—it’s like having a coffee chat that might just change your relationship with your dog forever.

Share Your Story

Did this conversation resonate with you? Did you experience an “Ah-ha” moment?

Leave a comment below or tag us on social media. Your story helps others see they’re not alone either.

Because you and your dog deserve understanding—not judgement.

Tired of Feeling Lost With Your Dog’s Behaviour?

You don’t have to feel like you’re guessing your way through training. The Calm Dog Blueprint gives you clear, gentle, step-by-step guidance—so you can finally understand your dog’s actions, build a better connection, and feel confident again.

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5 simple steps to help your dog focus, reduce overexcitement, and make training feel easier — without shouting, stressing, or second-guessing yourself.

Aversives…The Word That Everyone Loves to Hate (But Almost Nobody Actually Understands)

There are few words in dog training that spark as much debate, and as much confusion, as aversives. It’s a word that’s become a lightning rod, a badge of honour to avoid at all costs, or a label to fling across social media as proof someone is “doing it wrong.” But for all the noise, it’s astonishing how few people can clearly explain what an aversive actually is.

Let’s strip this back to basics. An aversive isn’t a secret category of tools or techniques reserved for harsh trainers. It isn’t automatically abuse. It isn’t defined by hashtags or the tone of your voice. It’s simply a behavioural science term: anything the dog finds unpleasant enough that it reduces the chance of that behaviour happening again.

That’s it. Clear, factual, and dare I say it, unremarkable. But somehow, this neutral definition has become a moral battleground.

A Convenient Confusion

The truth is, many of us, professional trainers and everyday owners alike, have been led to believe that aversives are a special class of punishments used only by people who “don’t know better.” This is a comforting idea. It creates a simple storyline: some people are enlightened and only use “positive methods,” while others have yet to see the light.

Yet in practice, most people who claim never to use aversives are, in fact, using them all the time, just without realising it. If you’ve ever ignored a dog who was jumping up, withheld a treat when a dog barked, closed a door to prevent escape, or said “No” in a firm tone, you’ve used an aversive. Because if the dog experienced it as unpleasant and it reduced the behaviour, that’s what it was.

This isn’t a condemnation, it’s reality.

And it’s a reality that can feel uncomfortable at first, because it means none of us get to claim moral purity. But there’s freedom in that honesty, too. When we accept that all learning involves consequences, some pleasant and some less so, we can finally have open conversations about how to guide dogs with skill, fairness, and compassion.

A Word That Became a Weapon

One reason this confusion persists is that the word aversive has been weaponised. Scroll through your favourite training forums or social feeds, and you’ll see the same patterns again and again:

A video of a dog wearing a slip lead is captioned as evidence of cruelty.
A trainer using a head collar is praised as humane, despite the fact that many dogs find them deeply aversive at first.
An owner who ignores unwanted jumping is applauded for being “force-free,” even though that’s negative punishment, removing attention to decrease behaviour.

This isn’t an argument for abandoning thoughtful restraint. But it is an argument for intellectual honesty. Because when we decide that some tools are always “bad” and some are always “good,” we lose sight of what matters most: how the dog experiences them.

No tool or method is inherently ethical or unethical in isolation. It’s how it’s applied, the clarity it provides, and the impact it has on the dog’s welfare and learning.

The Real-Life Complexity We Don’t Like to Admit

Here’s a real story. A woman I worked with had a Labrador who’d perfected the art of counter-surfing. She tried management, redirection, high-value rewards. She tried more supervision. But one day, after the dog stole an entire roast chicken, she lost her patience and yelled. The dog startled, dropped the chicken, and for the first time hesitated before leaping up again.

Was that yell an aversive? Yes. Was it abusive? No. It was an unplanned, perfectly human moment. And it was effective, at least in that situation.

These are the kinds of stories that get left out of online debates. Because they don’t fit neatly into slogans. They remind us that training doesn’t happen in a vacuum, and that people, and dogs, are complex.

The Spectrum Nobody Talks About

Too often, the word aversive is used as if it means “extreme punishment.” In reality, aversives exist on a spectrum:

At one end: mild, momentary things like withholding a reward or gently guiding a dog away.
In the middle: clear, corrective interventions that momentarily interrupt behaviour.
At the far end: harsh methods that deliberately inflict pain or fear.

Lumping all of these together is intellectually lazy. More importantly, it does a disservice to owners who need help understanding what these techniques really are, and what their dog is experiencing.

A slip lead, used with skill and fairness, can be far less aversive than a no-pull harness used with constant tension. A calm “No” can be clearer and less stressful than an owner frantically luring and redirecting, creating confusion. Context matters. Skill matters. Intention matters.

The Human Side of the Debate

I want to be clear: most trainers and owners who believe they never use aversives are not bad people. They are, in most cases, deeply committed to doing right by their dogs. They care, often to the point of anxiety, about being kind and gentle. But good intentions are not the same as clear understanding. And when we aren’t honest about what learning science tells us, we end up stuck.

We create confusion for owners who are already overwhelmed. We create guilt in people who are trying their best. And we shut down curiosity, the very thing that helps us all grow.

Moving Past the Labels

It’s easy to get swept up in the marketing. Positive sounds nice. Negative sounds nasty. But in behavioural terms, those words don’t mean good or bad. They simply describe whether something was added or removed. Positive reinforcement means adding something the dog wants to encourage behaviour. Positive punishment means adding something the dog dislikes to reduce behaviour. Negative reinforcement means removing something the dog dislikes to strengthen behaviour. Negative punishment means taking away something the dog wants to weaken behaviour.

This is not a system of ethics, it’s a system of describing how learning works. It’s our responsibility to use that system honestly, so we can make thoughtful decisions.

Why This Matters

Imagine you’re a new owner. Your dog is lunging at other dogs. You’ve read everything online, and all you’ve found is conflicting absolutes:

“Never use aversives—they’ll destroy your bond.”
“Positive methods are the only ethical choice.”
“If you don’t correct it, you’re reinforcing it.”

No wonder so many people feel paralysed. And when they finally reach out for help, they deserve clarity, not dogma. They deserve trainers who can explain the spectrum of options with nuance, who won’t shame them for being human, and who will guide them toward solutions that are as kind and effective as possible.

An Invitation to Curiosity

If you take nothing else from this, take this: aversive is not a dirty word. It’s simply a descriptor. It doesn’t tell you how harsh, how fair, or how effective something is. It doesn’t tell you whether it’s being used thoughtfully or carelessly. It only tells you that the dog found it unpleasant enough that the behaviour decreased.

Instead of declaring blanket absolutes, let’s ask better questions:

What is the dog experiencing?
Is this the least intrusive, most effective intervention I can use?
Is my timing and clarity making this easier for the dog to learn?
Am I aware of what I’m adding or removing, and why?

These are the questions that build skill and confidence. They create space for owners to grow, instead of feeling trapped by guilt or confusion.

In the End, We All Want the Same Thing

Whether you call yourself force-free, balanced, positive reinforcement-based, or something else entirely, we all have the same hope: to help dogs live safely and happily with us. To build trust and understanding. To give them the freedom to succeed, and the gentle guidance to know where the boundaries are.

When we let go of moral purity contests, we can have real conversations about how to do that. We can stop hiding behind labels and start focusing on learning. We can respect each other, and the dogs, enough to be honest.

Feeling ready to explore dog training with real clarity (and none of the confusing labels)?
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5 simple steps to help your dog focus, reduce overexcitement, and make training feel easier — without shouting, stressing, or second-guessing yourself.

The Hidden Danger in Your Car: Why TV Vet Dr Scott Miller and Behaviourist Adem Fehmi Want Every Dog Owner to Rethink Travel Safety

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Can My Gundog Also Do Agility?

Guest Blog By Emma Dufty

One of the questions I get asked a lot is, “Can my gundog also do agility?”
And the short answer is yes, absolutely.
I work my gundogs on shoots, compete in agility, and dabble in scent work and mantrailing too. I believe wholeheartedly that your gundog can enjoy more than one activity and that doing so can bring benefits for both of you.
In fact, many of the foundation skills in gundog work and agility are remarkably similar and easily transferable. If you take a moment to compare them, it becomes clear:
In agility, we rely on a reliable start-line wait- a solid sit-stay with forward focus.

In gundog work, we ask for exactly the same when sending for a retrieve or stopping at a distance.

In agility, dogs must focus on the equipment while staying tuned in to our body language.

In gundog work, dogs must mark a dummy while remaining aware of our cues.

Both disciplines ask the dog to think, listen, respond- and most importantly, to do so in high-arousal environments. Whether you’re on a busy showground or in the beating line of a large shoot, the ability to listen when excited is crucial. Training across both disciplines has strengthened that skill in my own dogs immensely.

The Power of Cross-Training

Training in multiple disciplines isn’t just about versatility- it’s about joy, mental stimulation, and depth of connection. It keeps things fresh and fun, for both handler and dog.

For example, in the summer months when my dogs aren’t working shoots, agility gives us something constructive and fun to do together. The change in setting challenges me as a handler and enriches them as learners.And no, it doesn’t confuse them.

My dogs are excellent at reading context. They know the difference between the agility ring and the shooting field. In fact, switching between activities has made them more adaptable, more focused, and more connected to me.

Agility Sharpens Your Skills as a Trainer

Agility has pushed me to become a more thoughtful trainer. Unlike gundog work, where our dogs often come with genetic wiring and natural drive, agility requires us to build desire from scratch.

This means asking:

What motivates my dog?
How can I shape this behaviour clearly?
What does reinforcement look like for them?
It’s made me more aware of learning styles, emotional regulation, and frustration tolerance, all of which apply back into gundog training too. Agility makes you a better communicator and helps you better understand how your dog ticks.

So, Will It Interfere with Gundog Work?

No. In my experience, it’s only enhanced my dogs’ abilities. Their self-control, focus, and responsiveness have all improved, not in spite of agility, but because of it.

That said, there’s no pressure. If your dog’s needs are being met, through rest, enrichment, and quality downtime, you don’t have to add another activity to your plate.

But if you’re curious?
If you’re looking for something new, something fun, something that will challenge and grow both of you?

Then yes! Definitely give it a go.

Agility is addictive. It’s rewarding. And it might just deepen your relationship in ways you didn’t expect.

One Final Thought...

There’s research in the human world that shows when people who are experts in one field take up a hobby in something completely different, they often experience greater life satisfaction and even better results in their primary area of expertise.

The same can be true for our dogs, and for us as handlers.

So if you’ve been wondering whether your gundog can also be an agility dog?
The answer is yes. They can. And they might just love it.

Emma is an experienced gundog & agility trainer in Devon who has her own working labradors & cockers, she competes in agility with them too. You can learn more about Emma here.

176. The Energy You Bring Is the Behaviour You Get

Why mindset matters more than we think in dog training

There’s a moment I’ll never forget—Arthur was doing so well with visitors. Calm. Steady. Not a puddle in sight. And then… my husband walked in. Full of love. Full of excitement. Full of energy.

Cue: fountain.

Now, I adore that my husband is thrilled to see Arthur. It’s gorgeous. But what that moment reminded me is this—our dogs are always watching. Always learning. Always reacting. And often, they’re responding more to our energy than our actual instructions.

This week on the Found It, Fetched It podcast, I sat down with our wonderful LWDG Expert Claire Denyer to talk all about this. How our behaviour, emotions, tone of voice—even a little laugh—can shape our dogs’ choices in ways we don’t always realise.

Because here’s the truth:
🐾 That cheeky moment you giggle at today?
Might just become tomorrow’s frustration.

🐾 That subtle shift in your dog’s energy during training?
Could be them telling you something’s not quite right.

🐾 That tension you’re carrying after a tough day?
Might be the very thing your dog is reacting to.

Claire shared stories from her classes and from her own dogs—like Rose, who recently showed signs something was off long before a vet confirmed a back injury. And we talked about how crucial it is to read the room—not just the dog’s, but our own emotional one too.

Because when you bring calm, connection follows.

So what can we do differently?

Here are a few gentle takeaways we covered:

💡 Be mindful of what you’re reinforcing.
That laugh, that excited greeting, that “oh he’s so cute!” moment—your dog sees it as feedback.

💡 Know your dog’s emotional “normal”.
The more you understand what calm, focused behaviour looks like, the easier it is to spot when something’s off—physically or emotionally.

💡 Use play to shift the mood.
Claire reminded us that play isn’t just fun—it’s a brilliant tool to reset both your energy and your dog’s.

💡 Take a break if you need one.
Some days, training just isn’t the right move. And that’s okay. A connection walk or some snuffle time might serve you both better.

Final thought…

If your dog’s being “difficult”, ask yourself—
“What energy am I bringing into this moment?”
It’s not about blame. It’s about awareness.
Because when you show up calm and clear, your dog feels it. And they often respond in kind.

🧡 They don’t need you to be perfect. They need you to be present.

And if you’re ready to explore this further, our Calm Dog Blueprint is a beautiful next step. It’s full of steady, supportive guidance to help both you and your dog find a little more peace—together. You can find the link at the bottom of this post.

Let’s keep showing up. One steady step at a time.

Much love,
Jo x

LWDG Scurry Training Day

What Makes a Scurry Training Day Unforgettable

It is not just about the dummies thrown or the retrieves completed. It is also about everything that happens in between.

Maybe it starts with someone stepping nervously out of their car, wondering what on earth they have signed up for. But by the end of the day, they are climbing back in with muddy boots, a rosette in hand, and a quiet pride they never expected to feel.

Then there is the laughter. It spreads across the field when someone says
My dog cannot do any of this, I just came to get away from the kids
only to watch that same dog nail a perfect retrieve like it had been training in secret.

And sometimes, there are tears. The kind that come from relief. From the joy of proving to yourself that you can do more than doubt said you could. These are the moments when someone who nearly stayed home leaves with confidence, new friendships, and the belief that they really can do this after all.

Expert Guidance With Heart

Samantha Thorneycroft-Taylor and Alex Thorneycroft-Taylor led the day with the kind of calm, clear guidance that makes all the difference when you are out of your comfort zone. They brought not just experience, but empathy, humour, and a deep understanding of how it feels to be learning something new in front of others.

There were no silly questions. No pressure to perform. No one-size-fits-all advice. Just practical support, expert insight, and the kind of encouragement that helps handlers feel seen, capable, and completely welcome.

HPRs Stealing the Show

Let us take a moment for the HPRs.

Apparently they do not retrieve. Except they did. And they did it beautifully.

They picked up dummies with speed and style. Gave the spaniels a run for their money.

We saw dogs and handlers growing in confidence with every run. We saw partnerships come alive. And we saw that with the right support anything is possible.

This Is What Community Looks Like

One member shared that she nearly did not come. In fact, she had booked in a moment of courage and then spent the next few weeks wondering why. She had never done anything like this. Did not know anyone. Was not sure she would fit in.

And yet she showed up.
She trained.
She laughed.
She placed in a scurry.
And she left with a heart full of joy.

We Are Not Just About Dogs

Yes, the dogs were brilliant.
But the women were braver.

From nervous first timers to those looking to sharpen their skills, every single person walked away with something more than they came with.

Our trainers are handpicked because they are not just talented. They are fabulous. They make people feel seen, supported, and strong.

These days are not about perfect dogs or polished performances.
They are about showing up. Trying something new. And realising you are more capable than you thought.

Want to Join Us Next Time

If you have ever wondered if you and your dog could do something like this
The answer is yes

👉 Members, check out our Events Page for what is coming next. Basc Scurry dates can be found here .
👉 Or join the LWDG Society to be the first to hear when bookings open

Come for the training. Stay for the laughter.
Leave with a whole new level of confidence.

We are the LWDG. We do not clique. We do not criticise.
We cheer. We support. We rise together.

The Dirty Truth About Dog Teeth… What Every Gundog Owner Needs To Know

The Overlooked Side of Working Dog Health: Why Their Teeth Deserve More Attention

We invest time and energy into our gundogs’ training—nailing that recall, refining heelwork, and building trust step by step. But there’s one part of their health that rarely gets the same focus: their teeth.

In our latest episode of Founded Fetch It, I sat down with canine dental expert Anastasia Wolf—founder of Dog Tooth Fairy—to talk about the hidden impact of poor dental health in dogs, especially working breeds.

This conversation is a must-listen for every gundog owner who wants to prevent silent pain, avoid costly vet bills, and protect their dog’s long-term wellbeing. You can listen to the full episode here.

Why Dental Health in Dogs Is More Serious Than You Think

Dogs, especially working breeds, are excellent at hiding pain. A cracked molar, infected gum, or rotting buildup may cause no obvious symptoms—until the damage is severe. Anastasia shared stories of dogs with teeth literally falling out of their mouths, and yet, they never showed signs of distress.

Left untreated, poor dental hygiene in dogs can lead to infection, organ strain, digestive issues, and even a shortened lifespan. It’s not just about bad breath—it’s about whole-body health.

Common Dental Issues in Working Dogs

Working dogs face unique risks. Picking up game, running through tough terrain, and constant outdoor exposure puts more wear on their teeth than the average pet dog.

Plaque and tartar: Soft food residue becomes plaque, which hardens into tartar if not removed.
Gum disease: Inflammation and infection can lead to tooth loss and bacterial spread through the bloodstream.
Tooth fractures: Common in gundogs due to retrieving hard or awkward objects.

Can You Really Start Dental Care with an Older Dog?

Yes—though it takes patience and the right tools. Anastasia recommends gradually desensitising older dogs using positive reinforcement. If brushing isn’t an option, there are effective alternatives:

Seaweed-based plaque powders added to meals
Natural dental chews (such as dried fish skins or yak milk blocks)
Ultrasonic toothbrushes like the Emmy Pet, which clean without vibration or noise

For dogs with severe tartar build-up or infected gums, a professional veterinary dental may be the only safe starting point. That’s why it’s essential to check your dog’s mouth regularly and catch problems early.

What About Raw-Fed Dogs—Aren’t Their Teeth Naturally Cleaner?

Not necessarily. While raw bones may help scrape some plaque away, even raw-fed dogs can suffer from dental issues. Breed genetics, jaw structure, and how the dog chews all play a role. As Anastasia explained, it’s common for one dog in a litter to have perfect teeth, while its sibling struggles with buildup and inflammation.

Spot the Early Signs of Dental Problems

Get into the habit of gently inspecting your dog’s teeth each week. Look for:

Yellow film or brown buildup around the gum line
Red or inflamed gums
Unusually bad breath
Reluctance to chew or favouring one side of the mouth

If your dog won’t let you near their mouth, it may be time to revisit calm handling and steady confidence building. That’s where our Calm Dog Blueprint comes in.

A Practical Approach to Dog Tooth Cleaning

Whether you’re using a finger brush, a traditional toothbrush, or investing in an ultrasonic dog toothbrush like the Emmy Pet, the key is consistency. Anastasia recommends brushing at least once a week—and more often for smaller or older dogs prone to buildup.

It’s also important to note that results with ultrasonic brushes can take several sessions. They’re silent and don’t move like a human toothbrush, but they work deeply, cleaning below the gum line and reducing plaque at a cellular level.

A Transformation That Changed Everything

One of the most powerful stories Anastasia shared was of an elderly spaniel whose owners couldn’t risk anaesthesia. With patience, regular sessions, and the right tools, she was able to safely restore the dog’s dental health over time—likely extending his quality of life.

That story stuck with me. Because we often dismiss dental care as “optional”. It’s not.

Your Next Step: Start With Awareness

If this post has made you pause and think, “When did I last check my dog’s teeth?”—you’re not alone. That moment of awareness is where change begins. Whether your dog is young, aging, or somewhere in between, it’s never too late to start paying attention to their mouth.

Click here to listen to the full podcast episode with Anastasia Wolf on Apple.

It’s packed with expert tips, product recommendations, and real stories that could change how you care for your dog—starting today.

Download the Calm Dog Blueprint

If your dog won’t sit still long enough to examine their teeth, help is at hand. Our Calm Dog Blueprint includes easy, stress-free ways to train your dog to settle, accept handling, and build trust—essential foundations for grooming, vet visits, and daily care.

Because when our dogs feel safe, we can do more for their health.

Predictably Unpredictable: The Secret to Reading Your Gundog Like a Book

Wait, Did She Just Say Gundogs Are Predictable?

I can practically hear the collective snort of laughter echoing from muddy fields across the countryside. “Predictable? My spaniel who decided last Tuesday that puddles are actually portals to another dimension? My pointer who suddenly forgot the meaning of ‘stay’ the moment a pheasant appeared three fields away?”

Trust me, I get it. Most gundog owners feel like they’re living with four-legged tornadoes wrapped in fur coats, powered by an inexplicable combination of selective hearing and an uncanny ability to find the one patch of fox poo you covered with bog roll then forgot to pick up from last weekend’s training session.

But here’s the thing that might make you pause mid-eye-roll: What if the chaos isn’t random? What if it’s a pattern… you just haven’t spotted it yet?

What if I told you that your “unpredictable” gundog is actually following a script they’ve written themselves – and they’re not misbehaving for the drama, they’re behaving exactly as they’ve been allowed to. Or trained to. Or misunderstood to.

The Core Idea: Predictability Lies in Patterns

Every gundog, from the most angelic golden retriever to the most mischievous cocker spaniel, operates on a surprisingly logical system. Their behaviour – even the stuff that makes you want to hide behind the nearest oak tree – follows patterns. We just need to become better detectives.

Think of it this way: your dog’s breed traits are like the foundation of a house, but their individual habits and learned behaviours are the rooms, the furniture, the quirky little additions that make it uniquely theirs.

Together, they create what we like to call a “behavioural fingerprint” – as unique as your dog’s nose print, and infinitely more useful for predicting what they’ll do next.

The beautiful truth is that predictability isn’t about perfection. It’s about possibility. If you can predict it, you can plan for it. And if you can plan for it, you can work with it instead of constantly fighting against it.

Cocker Spaniel Puppy Sitting

Expect the Unexpected… And Then Prepare For It

Let me tell you about Bramble, a working cocker who had her owner convinced she was possessed by the spirit of a particularly rebellious teenager. Every single walk, without fail, Bramble would transform from an obedient angel into a four-legged hurricane at exactly the same spot – a sharp bend in the woodland path where the brambles (yes, the irony wasn’t lost on anyone) grew thick on both sides.

Her owner spent months muttering about “typical cocker behaviour” until one day, during a particularly patient observation session, she noticed something. Just before reaching that bend, Bramble’s ears would prick forward, her nose would lift slightly, and her tail would start that telltale quiver. Three seconds later: madness.

The “unexpected” bolting wasn’t unexpected at all. It was as predictable as the morning alarm. Bramble had been telling her owner exactly what she was about to do – her owner just hadn’t learned to read the signs yet.

Here’s a little reality check: three “unexpected” things that become entirely predictable once you start paying attention:

The Pre-Dinner Zoomies: That sudden burst of energy exactly 45 minutes before meal time isn’t random excitement – it’s learnt behaviour. Your dog has worked out your routine better than you have.

The Selective Deafness at the Cricket Pitch: Your normally obedient dog “forgetting” their recall isn’t defiance – it’s environmental overwhelm. Too many scents, sounds, and stimuli create a predictable pattern of distraction.

The Sunday Morning Stubbornness: If your dog seems particularly wilful on weekend mornings, check your energy levels. Dogs are mirrors – if you’re moving slower and feeling less decisive, they’ll reflect that right back at you.

The Body Language Bit – Your Dog’s Personal Morse Code

If your dog had a diary, their body would be it. You just need to learn the language.

Every gundog develops their own unique vocabulary of signals – little tells that broadcast their intentions louder than a starting pistol. The trick is learning to spot them before they become actions.

Take lip licking, for instance. Most people think it means a dog is hungry or thirsty, but in the gundog world, it’s often a stress signal. That quick tongue flick before a retrieve? Your dog might be telling you they’re not quite confident about what you’re asking. The solution isn’t to push harder – it’s to step back and rebuild that confidence.

Eye shape is another fascinating one. A dog’s eyes literally change shape depending on their emotional state. Soft, almond-shaped eyes signal contentment and focus. Wide, round eyes? That can be stress or overstimulation talking. Squinty eyes often mean your dog is trying to avoid conflict or pressure.

And don’t get me started on tail language – it’s like learning to read semaphore flags. A high, stiff tail isn’t always happy excitement; it can signal arousal and potential reactivity. A low, loose wag might look less enthusiastic, but it often indicates a much more balanced, trainable state of mind.

The magic happens when you start noticing your dog’s personal variations. Maybe your spaniel’s left ear twitches slightly before they’re about to break their stay. Perhaps your retriever’s shoulders tense in a particular way when they’re about to make a dash for freedom. These aren’t random quirks – they’re your dog’s way of writing tomorrow’s headlines.

reluctant gundog retrieving

Breed Matters – But It’s Only Part of the Story

Here’s where things get really interesting. Your spaniel isn’t being “naughty” when she zigzags through the undergrowth like she’s following an invisible treasure map – she’s just following generations of genetic programming that says “quarter the ground, find the game, flush it out.”

Understanding breed traits isn’t about making excuses for behaviour; it’s about working with natural instincts instead of constantly battling against them. A pointer who freezes mid-stride isn’t being stubborn – they’re doing exactly what centuries of selective breeding designed them to do. A retriever who wants to carry everything in their mouth isn’t being annoying – they’re literally hardwired to have something between their teeth.

The secret sauce lies in channeling these instincts rather than suppressing them. That spaniel’s tendency to zigzag? Teach her to quarter systematically within boundaries. That retriever’s need to carry things? Give them appropriate items and make it part of their training routine.

But here’s the crucial bit: breed traits are just the starting point. Your individual dog’s personality, experiences, and learned behaviours layer on top of those genetic foundations to create something entirely unique. Two labradors from the same litter can have completely different behavioural patterns because they’ve learned different things about the world.

This is why cookie-cutter training approaches often fall flat. You’re not just training a breed – you’re training an individual who happens to belong to that breed.

The LWDG Approach

How We Help You Make the Unpredictable… Predictable

At Ladies Working Dogs Group, we don’t train dogs to be robots. We train women to be readers of behaviour, leaders of progress, and lovers of the little wins that add up to big transformations.

Our training philosophy is built around the idea that every dog is already communicating with you, they’re just using a language you might not speak fluently yet. Through our masterclasses, one-on-one sessions, and incredible community support, we help you become bilingual in dog.

We teach you to spot the patterns before they become problems, to read the signals before they become actions, and to work with your dog’s natural instincts instead of constantly swimming against the current. Because when you understand the “why” behind the behaviour, the “how to change it” becomes so much clearer.

Our approach isn’t about domination or submission, it’s about communication and collaboration. We help you build a partnership where your dog feels heard and understood, and you feel confident and capable of guiding them toward better choices.

It’s Not Magic, It’s Mindset

The truth is, learning to read your gundog like a book isn’t about having some mystical connection or being a “natural” dog person. It’s simply about paying attention – really paying attention – to the small details that most of us rush past in our busy lives.

It’s about noticing that your dog always sniffs the same gatepost for exactly seven seconds before deciding whether to behave on the walk. It’s about spotting the slight shift in their posture that happens three seconds before they spot that distant squirrel. It’s about recognising that their “difficult” behaviour on Thursday afternoons might correlate perfectly with bin day, when the air is full of distracting scents.

This isn’t about becoming perfect, it’s about becoming present. The joy isn’t in having a flawless gundog (though that’s a lovely bonus when it happens). The joy is in those moments when you suddenly realise you saw it coming, when you catch that telltale signal and respond with exactly the right guidance at exactly the right moment.

It’s in the quiet satisfaction of thinking, “I knew she was going to do that,” and having a plan ready. It’s in the growing confidence that comes from understanding your dog’s personal language and watching your relationship deepen as a result.

So here’s our challenge to you: spend the next week becoming a detective of your own dog’s behaviour. Notice the patterns. Spot the signals. Pay attention to the tiny details that might be trying to tell you something important.

And then come back and tell us about it. Share your “aha!” moments in our community. Celebrate those little revelations when something you thought was random suddenly makes perfect sense. Because the truth is, every single one of us has been exactly where you are – standing in a muddy field, whistle in hand, wondering if our dog is actually part-alien.

The good news? They’re not. They’re just speaking a language we haven’t learned to understand yet. And once you crack that code, the unpredictable becomes beautifully, wonderfully predictable.

Your gundog isn’t a tazmanian devil wrapped in fur. They’re a book waiting to be read. And trust me it’s going to be your new favourite page-turner.

Ready to Turn Chaos into Calm?

If you’ve ever stood in a muddy field wondering if your dog is secretly training you — you’re not alone. But you don’t have to keep second-guessing what comes next.

The Calm Dog Blueprint is your free step-by-step guide to spotting the signs, planning ahead, and building a calmer, more connected training routine — no matter how unpredictable your dog may feel right now.

👉 Download your free copy here and start making sense of the signals today.

Because calm isn’t just possible — it’s predictable.

LWDG at Crufts 2025 – A Fantastic Meetup with Our Amazing Community!

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169. Can New Gear Really Change Your Gundog Training

Can New Gear Really Change Your Gundog Training?

The Impact of Modern Gundog Equipment

Does upgrading your gundog’s gear really make a difference in training and performance? If you’ve ever wondered whether new equipment is worth the investment, this episode of Found It, Fetched It explores how high-quality gear can enhance your gundog’s abilities. We’re joined by Sue Lister from Field and Fireside and Georgie from Non-Stop Dog Wear to discuss the evolving world of gundog training gear.

The Evolution of Gundog Equipment

Traditionally, a slip lead was considered the only necessary piece of gear for a gundog. But as dog training has evolved, so has the equipment available. Many owners now incorporate harnesses, protective vests, and performance gear to improve their dog’s comfort and safety. While some hesitate to move away from tradition, others see the benefits of advanced materials and tailored designs.

The Benefits of a Well-Fitted Harness

One of the key topics in our discussion was the benefits and misconceptions of dog harnesses. Georgie explained that Non-Stop Dog Wear was founded in Norway with a focus on preserving a dog’s natural movement. Their Free Motion harness was designed to allow dogs to move freely without restriction, something that traditional harnesses often fail to achieve.

For gundog owners, the idea of using a harness can be divisive. However, properly designed harnesses can provide:

Reduced strain on the neck, particularly for young or injured dogs.
Better control and stability for training and everyday walking.
Clear differentiation between work and leisure gear, helping dogs understand their role.

Protective Gear for Performance and Safety

Beyond harnesses, high-quality protective gear is becoming more common in the working dog world. Non Stop Dog Wear’s protector vests use Kevlar chest panels, providing essential protection for dogs working in rough terrain. These vests, originally developed for hunting dogs in Norway, are gaining traction among gundog handlers who want to prevent injuries from brambles, barbed wire, and rough landscapes.

Another key piece of equipment discussed was weatherproof dog jackets. Many working dogs are no longer kennel-based and instead live in the home, meaning they may not develop the same thick coat as outdoor-raised gundogs. Windproof and waterproof jackets help keep dogs comfortable between drives, preventing muscle stiffness and fatigue.

Debunking Myths About Training Gear

A common concern among traditionalists is that adding gear might negatively impact training. However, as Georgie pointed out, dogs are highly adaptable. Much like guide dogs understand the difference between work mode and downtime, gundogs can learn to distinguish between training and casual wear.

Sue highlighted how quality over quantity matters. The key is choosing durable, well-fitted equipment rather than opting for poorly designed harnesses or jackets that restrict movement. Non Stop Dog Wear’s products are made with high-performance materials—the same used in human outdoor gear like La Sportiva and Patagonia—ensuring durability and effectiveness.

Continues below….

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Expanding into Other Dog Sports

Many gundog owners enjoy cross-training their dogs in other sports, such as agility, canicross, and scent work. A versatile approach to training keeps dogs engaged and mentally stimulated. Harnesses and other equipment designed for these activities can be a valuable addition to a working dog’s toolkit.

Should You Invest in New Gear?

While traditional methods remain effective, modern advancements in gear can offer greater comfort, safety, and performance for both you and your dog. If you’re considering upgrading your gundog’s kit, here are some key questions to ask:

Does it improve my dog’s comfort and safety?
Does it support my training goals?
Is it made from durable, high-quality materials?
Is it designed specifically for my dog’s needs?

Where to Find Quality Gundog Gear

If you’re curious about high-performance gundog equipment, visit Sue Lister at Field and Fireside for expert guidance. You can also explore Non Stop Dog Wear’s full range of products, including harnesses, protective vests, and waterproof jackets, at their Crufts stand in Hall 1, Stand 114.

Final Thoughts

Investing in your dog’s well-being with the right equipment can enhance their training, performance, and overall quality of life. Whether it’s a harness, a protective vest, or a lightweight jacket, finding the right gear can make all the difference.

💡 Want more training insights? Join the conversation in the LWDG community and let us know how gear has impacted your gundog’s training journey!

What’s Your Gundog Goddess Style?

Who’s ready for some extra fun? Discover your unique approach to training with our “Which Gundog Goddess Are You?” quiz. You don’t want to miss this one

Click Here To Take The Quiz

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