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Hey everyone, it’s Jo from the Ladies Working Dog Group! This week, we’re tackling a question that hits close to home: “Can I fit into this gundog world?” Joining me for this discussion is our LWDG Mindset Coach, Emma Lidell. It’s a personal topic for me, and I’m sure many of you can relate.

This Week’s Podcast Episode: Can I fit into this gundog world?

Have you ever felt like you didn’t belong in the gundog world? Maybe you’ve had thoughts like, “I don’t have the right background, the right gear, or the right connections.” If so, you’re not alone. In fact, I recently received an email that struck a chord with me, and I want to share a snippet with you:

“I don’t fit into the gundog world. I don’t have the family background, the fancy gear, or the perfect setup. I practice in my trackies and hoodie, using makeshift equipment. My dog and I may not look the part, but we’re putting in the work, and it’s paying off.”

Reading these words broke my heart because they highlight a common struggle many of us face. But here’s the truth: You belong here. Whether you’re practicing in a local park or using homemade equipment, your dedication and love for your dog are what truly matter.

Authenticity Over Glamour

As Emma and I discussed, there’s often a disconnect between perception and reality in the gundog community. We see the glamorous photos on social media and think that’s the standard. But the reality is far from it.

Gundog training is hard work. It’s rainy days, muddy boots, and endless dedication. And while dressing up for a shoot day might be part of the fun for some, it’s just a fraction of what it means to be a gundog trainer. The pressure to present a polished image can sometimes feel overwhelming, but it’s essential to remember that authenticity is what truly connects us.

As I share thias week, the reality of my days out might not involve carefully curated outfits and picture-perfect settings. Instead, it’s about practicality and getting the job done. And that’s something many of us can relate to.

Emma’s story echoes this sentiment. Coming from a non-traditional background in fieldsports, she initially felt like a fish out of water. But her passion and determination led her to pursue her interests, despite feeling like a “fraud” at times.

I remember Emma reaching out to us at LWDG before getting her first gundog, unsure if she belonged in our community. And let me tell you, Emma, you’ve been an invaluable member ever since. Your journey reminds us that it’s not about where you come from; it’s about where you’re going.

Emma’s experience with her first gundog, Scout, paints a picture of the real-life challenges many of us face. From squeezing her dog into a three-door Fiesta to making do with limited resources, Jo’s journey is a testament to resilience and determination.

And as Emma rightly points out, our community is made up of a diverse spectrum of individuals. Some may have access to vast fields and top-of-the-line equipment, while others navigate training in smaller spaces with makeshift tools. But regardless of our circumstances, we all share the same passion for our dogs and the sport.

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Building an Inclusive Community

In a world where appearances often take precedence, it’s crucial to shine a light on the reality behind the facade. By sharing our stories and experiences authentically, we not only make our community more accessible but also inspire others to embrace their own unique journeys.

This weeks episode has been such an engaging conversation, and I love the passion and authenticity we all  bring to the field sports community. It’s clear that our experiences and journey have shaped not just our approach to training dogs, but also our perspective on inclusivity and acceptance within the community.

It’s a testament to the fact that anyone, regardless of background or perceived credentials, can find their place and thrive in field sports.

The emphasis on support and camaraderie within the Ladies Working Dog Group is truly commendable. Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, both online and in-person, is essential for fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment among members and this is something the whole community cares about.

The online presence of LWDG, providing a platform for connection and support, especially for those who may not have access to similar communities locally. The willingness to support each other virtually, regardless of physical distance, highlights the strength of the community and its dedication to uplifting every member.

The LWDG are really passionate about making everyone feel welcome and included in the world of dog training, whether it’s through our membership, on various groups, or individual platforms. Making it authentic is key, right? It’s important we  share real moments, like when your dog messes up or when you’re out there in the rain, because that’s what connects people on a genuine level.

Keep the Conversation Going

Creating that authenticity is what breaks down barriers and makes it accessible for everyone. Offering opportunities for people to try things out, like beating or handling a shotgun, is such a fantastic way to open doors and nurture the next generation of women in this field. Embracing different backgrounds and ideas enriches the entire community and helps us all grow. And leading by example, whether it’s sharing resources or encouraging others, is a powerful way to foster a supportive environment.

I completely agree that keeping these conversations going is crucial. It’s through dialogue and understanding that we can continue to evolve and create an even more diverse and welcoming community.

Thanks for sharing your insights, and I’m looking forward to seeing the incredible community you continue to build. Keep shining your light and empowering others along the way!

In conclusion, remember that the Ladies Working Dog Group is here for you every step of the way. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, our community embraces authenticity, diversity, and inclusivity. So, join us on this journey of empowerment, support, and real-life dog training experiences. Together, we’ll break down barriers, inspire one another, and create a space where every woman feels welcome and valued in the world of gundog training. Let’s train our dogs, support each other, and thrive together. See you on the podcast!

Much Love Jo and Emma xx

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

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In this week’s thought provoking podcast Joanne Perrot (founder of the Ladies Working Dog Group) is joined by LWDG Group Experts Samantha Thorneycroft-Taylor (Languedoc Gundogs) and Claire Denyer (Family Dog Services) as they discuss whether your dog has been correctly labelled a “bad dog” or whether there has been a miscommunication in it’s education.

Podcast Episode:

What is a “bad dog”?

Any dog can be called a “bad dog” and in fact most of them probably hear the words ‘you bad dog’ at some point in their life – when it took the opportunity to eat the unattended sandwich on the kitchen side, after he’s traipsed muddy paw prints across the living room carpet, or when she’s rolled in something unpleasant on her afternoon walk. More often than not, the above phrase is used simply as a passing comment to show interim displeasure.

Some dogs, however, become termed a “bad dog” with more longevity; perhaps you’re struggling with a recall every day in the stubble fields as the pigeon’s take your dogs’ focus, or maybe your dog continually lunges at passing cars as you attempt to walk along the pavement.

Being the owner of an unmannered pooch is exhausting, frustrating, and embarrassing in pretty equal measures. But especially so if you’ve no idea which way to turn, how to get help, or how to turn those scathing looks from passers-by into friendly compliments.

Looking at Your Dogs Genetic Makeup.

When we bring our cute puppy home for the first time, we hopefully have some idea of what our chosen breed is like but that’s not always the case.

It is super important to understand that all dogs need a ‘job role’ of some description, and ideally one that comes naturally to them; Spaniels have an exceptional nose, Collies enthuse drive and determination, Schnauzer’s are phenomenally loyal guardians so we can utilise their natural behaviours when working along their training journey.

Whether your dogs’ parents worked within the job ‘industry’ that they were bred for doesn’t mean that the drive will necessarily have been dampened – if we look at four generations of the same human family for a moment, we will often see recognisable features between a great grandmother and their great granddaughter, as well as the mother and grandmother in between. That’s four whole generations in which specific genetic appearances are the same, and you can almost guarantee that there will be actions, emotions and habits that carry through the family tree as well.

So going back to our beloved canine companions, their breeding was honed over several years and many generations to enhance the behaviours, and the looks, that we required for the work we needed them to do. It’s highly unlikely that within just a few generations of breeding that those genetic, inbuilt behaviours will have diminished, though of course there may be the odd puppy that shows less enthusiasm or drive than their siblings.

Not only is it desirable to know what your chosen breed of dogs is ‘designed’ to do, it’s also worth noting that specific bloodlines within a breed can carry certain traits; some desirable, others not-so, but having knowledge of these bloodlines is extremely beneficial when searching for, and choosing, your next pup.

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Double duck dude!

Our own LWDG Expert Claire Denyer’s dog, Dude, earned himself the nickname of “Double Duck Dude” on his local shoot due to the fact that he would always return with two ducks at a time on the duck drive (well done Dude; great conservation of energy).

It transpires that Dude’s grand sire used to display the exact same behaviour when working so Dude’s ability to problem solve and to realise he could do this was passed down the generations to him.

Is Your Dog Misunderstood?

Should you be tearing your hair out about your dog and wondering where it all went wrong, what turned your dog into a “bad dog”, rest assured you are not alone!

Key questions to ask yourself would be;

Is my dog actually displaying a version of their natural behaviour?

Does my dog understand the rules and boundaries within our family household?

Am I providing my dog with an outlet to perform those natural behaviours?

Sometimes, when we take a dog away from their ‘natural environment’ (think Collie in a field of sheep, or Spaniel hunting a woodland), and place them in an unnatural environment, we have to realise that their innate behaviours need an outlet – the dog must be given opportunities in which to use it’s natural instincts.

If we don’t provide the dog with an outlet in which to perform those instinctual behaviours, the dog will likely become frustrated and over time will probably start to display undesirable behaviours.

In other words, the dog becomes frustrated, and that frustration has to come out somewhere – be that through barking, chewing, chasing, nipping/biting.. All of these are deemed as problem behaviours and sadly earns the dog the title of “bad dog”… But is it truly the dogs fault?

It can become second nature to say ‘no you can’t do that, no you can’t do that either, no that’s off the table’, but we should ensure the dog is given an activity that they can do in its place; don’t chase the cats but play retrieve with me and this ball instead, don’t bark at the window but lay quietly on your bed instead. The replacement behaviour provides us with ample opportunity to reward the dog for doing something right.

With Reward Comes Repetition.

It sounds obvious, when we want a behaviour to be repeated it should be rewarded, when given an appropriate reward the dog is more likely to repeat the behaviour that gained them the reward.

This is absolutely true!

But, is the reward coming from you or is your dog rewarding themself? If your dog finds barking at the window extremely pleasing, they’re self rewarding and are likely to repeat the behaviour of barking at the window over and over again.

Is your dog rewarding itself for displaying a behaviour that you find undesirable?

Final Thoughts…

Ensure your dog has clear, consistent boundaries, that he knows what they are, and that he is rewarded appropriately for adhering to the rules.

Don’t just distract your dog to ‘manage’ the situation – provide clarity to your dog, teach them what is and what isn’t acceptable, and ensure that when telling your dog “you can’t do that” that you fill that void with something they can do instead, then reward them for completing the replacement, desirable, behaviour.

Written By LWDG Group expert Samantha Thorneycroft-Taylor

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

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This week’s epic podcast focuses on a couple of myths about gundog breeds. Joanne Perrot, founder of The Ladies Working Dog Group, is joined by Claire Denyer of Family Dog Services, Jemma Martin of Whistle and Wag Dog Training and Samantha Thorneycroft-Taylor of Languedoc Gundogs.

There’s a very commonplace saying in the gundog world; “Labrador’s are born half trained, and Spaniel’s leave the world half trained”. If you’re the proud owner of either of these fabulous breeds I’m almost sure that you’ll be nodding along.. or will you..?

How it started.

When the saying came about, and even up until 10-15 years ago, the saying held a lot of truth – Labrador’s, certainly from working stock, were incredibly biddable, reliable, focused and eager to both learn and please.

There were three distinctive ‘types’ of Labrador; the show line, the working line and the trialling line, each bred for a specific purpose and job role.

Spaniel’s were generally higher energy, leaning towards fizzy, always on the go but they too had a willingness to do the job – just at 100 miles an hour!

A spaniel’s ‘type’ was fairly easily discernible by their stature; if we look at the Springer Spaniel for a moment, those from working stock tended to look stockier and well built across the shoulder with a fairly heavy set hind quarters giving them the stamina to easily work a full day on the beating line. The trialling Springer was often a leaner and leggier looking dog, built for speed and flashiness, often working in shorter bursts.

A Cocker Spaniel, of working pedigree, was not too dissimilar in stature from that of a working Springer, just a little smaller – let’s not forget that originally, the way to distinguish a Cocker and a Springer was the overall size (the Cocker was smaller).

Let’s delve a bit deeper..

In recent years those ‘types’ and the lines in the pedigrees have somewhat merged. The working and trialling line Labrador have, for a large part, become one which has led to a leaner looking dog with a much finer head and body structure.

There are still dogs available that are more like their predecessors but it can be a tricky task to find them at times.

The original ‘heavy set, solid’ Springer Spaniel are very few and far between now, with the majority being more akin to an ice skater than a rugby player. They usually have slightly longer legs, a finer waistline and a more delicate looking head (believe it or not, especially when you’ve witnessed them crashing through heavy undergrowth with eagerness to locate and flush, or retrieve, game).

When looking at the working lines of the Cocker Spaniel we have witnessed several changes, the most noticeable being when they became much much smaller – some almost the same size as a large pheasant. More recently still they have seemingly increased in size again but not to anywhere near the same degree as before.

And it doesn’t stop there. It’s not only the appearance of our dog’s that has changed – their mentality has too and many of our beloved companions these days are more spritely, highly driven, more hard-wired to perform a job role and to perform it well.

If we believed Spaniel’s to be fizzy in previous generations, nowadays they can be like a crate of champagne that’s just experienced an earthquake!

The first thing to consider is your ‘end goal’ for your puppy; are you looking for

Podcast Episode:

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So what should we consider when looking for a puppy?

a family pet that may accompany you on a handful of days during the shooting season, or are you needing a full time shoot companion working several days a week for almost half of the year?

Next should be being totally honest about your own experience and abilities when it comes to training your new puppy through its first formative weeks/months right through to it’s adult life.

If you are looking for the former then a puppy with a very red five generation pedigree (the red depicting Field Trial Winners and Field Trial Champions), is unfortunately probably not the right fit. A calmer, home bred puppy is far more likely to fulfill your dreams and bring you a better partnership.

A more experienced owner with a desire to work their dog frequently, or to bring them on to trial standard may find a home bred dog a little lacking in the that special ‘something’ and so should understandably be seeking out that aforementioned red pedigree – this, more often than not, brings a pacey, flashy dog that will compliment the job role well.

Wrong dog in the wrong home?

Some of, what are frequently deemed as, ‘behavioural problems’ in dogs nowadays can be attributed to the dog in question not getting adequate fulfilment of it’s genetic instincts. An ‘out of control’ spaniel that never settles, shreds everything in sight, and does laps of the living room furniture could well be frustrated and lacking in purpose.

That’s not to say that an owner is purposefully doing a disservice to their family member, but perhaps that an initial lack of understanding about what the breed, and the lines within that breed, actually need to keep them sane, sensible, and satiated.

Final Thoughts…

Be sure to research your breed of choice thoroughly, and the varying lineages within that breed before falling in love with your potential next puppy.

Consider your own experience, along with your support network, your access to trainer’s, and how much time you’re going to be able to dedicate to the training of your puppy, your adolescent dog, and your adult dog.

Do remember however that every dog is unique and there will always be exceptions to the rule; not every Collie will be driven to work livestock, just as there may be a pup in a field trial bred litter who is unexpectedly laid back and more than happy to slouch in-front of the log fire for several hours a day, rather than join his siblings out in the working environment.

Whatever you get, have fun and enjoy your time together; learning, working, and nurturing the most rewarding partnership.

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

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This week Jo Perrott, Claire Denyer, Jemma Martin and Samantha Thorneycroft-Taylor discuss the importance of putting your dog first. But possibly not in the way you’re expecting! 

It’s our obligation as dog owners to ensure that our dogs basic welfare needs are fulfilled; food, water, shelter, warmth and appropriate exercise. More than that, we all agree that we should strive to go further, much further; every person thinking about purchasing or adopting a dog ought to have a basic understanding of that breed and be willing to undertake appropriate training in order to fulfil that dogs’ genetic traits. 

We’re not suggesting that every collie on the planet should work livestock or that every spaniel should work the beating line. But, as Jemma explains so well, the majority of pet spaniel owners are constantly battling against their dogs desire (and need) to use their nose and get hunting! Instead of getting frustrated by something that is ever-so natural, it’s much more beneficial for everyone to work with those innate behaviours.

Podcast Episode:

Where did the dog – human relationship go?

Going back several years the majority of dogs were working dogs and many of them were housed in a kennel. They didn’t reside in the house, and to be honest most probably wouldn’t have enjoyed it anyway. 

It was much easier to keep the structure of the relationship, there were less boundaries to be blurred, and both parties knew where they stood. 

Fast forward to now and most dogs live in the house with their owners. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this, but it does make it a lot easier to slip up and lose sight of the fact that our best friend is in fact, still a dog. There are many more interactions with the dog and therefore many more chances to ‘let it go just this once’ when the dog pushes the rules, or doesn’t do as we asked. 

Then there’s the rise of social media platforms which, combined with a seeming lack of understanding the body language of a dog is, in our opinion, becoming a dangerous place – remember the ‘ice bucket challenge’, or the ‘blackout challenge’? Given that humans are social beings it’s easy to get caught up in the newest trends and to attempt to copy them. 

The trouble comes when people attempt to copy something they’ve seen on social media with their dog; a living animal with a mind of its own, a unique individual.. What was seen on that reel online is with a different, equally as unique, dog so there’s no guarantee that your dog will behave or react in the same way as their dog did – be careful that you’re not confusing your own dog or inadvertently putting yourself in a place of potential danger.

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What style of training should I follow with my dog?

There’s so much conflicting information out there that it’s hard to know where to start – should I offer likimats, or shouldn’t I? Does my dog need to be focused on me at all times, or should he get some ‘downtime’ on walks to do exactly as he pleases? Do I give corrections, or don’t I?

Our experts advice on this one is pretty clear;

• Set your rules and boundaries from day one (and if you haven’t, introduce them now).
• Be clear, kind, and consistent.
• Reward the good behaviour and correct the wrong behaviour.

Never, ever, be harsh or abusive towards your dog – this will not equal a happy partnership.

Today’s takeaway

Remember that your dog is a dog; he doesn’t need to be treated like a human, or to be dressed up like one (though there are obviously benefits to some dog coats such as drying coats, neoprene vests for protection, waterproof coats (especially for dogs with a thin coat of their own)).

If you wish your dog to share the sofa, that’s absolutely fine but please ensure it’s under your instruction and not because they launched themselves at you before you’d even sat down.

A dog with boundaries is actually a far happier individual, than one who is constantly trying to figure out where he ‘sits’ within your family unit.

As always, we are here to help you; if you have any questions or are in need of advice, you’re welcome to contact any of us.

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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In this week’s podcast we talk to Samantha Thorneycroft-Taylor of K9 Foundation in Gloucestershire about how we can inadvertently turn a habit into a repetitive behaviour that needs change.

Have you ever wondered “how did we get here?” or “why is my dog showing this behaviour?”

Chances are that somewhere along the way you have mistakenly allowed or rewarded an incorrect behaviour. Whilst it may need not have been a big mistake at the time, dogs are very clever and can easily turn that ‘mistake’ into a displeasing behaviour.

That ‘thing’ that started as cute has now become a problem.

I’m sure we’ve all been there at some point in our dog’s life; as a puppy, something they did seemed funny so everyone laughed and the puppy repeated that behaviour. As the dog grows older and gets bigger, it’s no longer funny and is quite frankly rather an irritant, but now it’s become a habit that we need to change but where do we start and how do we fix this?

That photo you have of your dog with your partner’s glasses in his mouth? When it happened you probably tried to think of reasons as to why he picked them up; he’s a ‘naughty’ puppy, he’s trying to be ‘helpful’, they smell of your partner so obviously the puppy adores him very much! The truth however is that puppies are inquisitive – maybe he did pick up the glasses on an excitable whim, but the way you dealt with it afterwards determines whether he’s likely to repeat that behaviour in the same way, in an escalated way, or in a better way.

How long does it take to create a habit?

A habit, or new behaviour, is not often created in just one repetition – it takes many repetitions of the same behaviour to then become a habit. This works in terms of teaching a new skill to your dog too; teach, repeat, practice, proof, repeat and proof some more and you ultimately have a dog who understands what you are asking of it.

When a dog displays an undesirable behaviour, it needs to be rewarding (either inadvertently rewarded by you or self-rewarding) in order for the dog to keep repeating the behaviour, and therefore forming a habit.

Every dog is different and so one dog may only need to repeat a behaviour a handful of times in order for it to become a habit, and another may need to repeat it a hundred times. Either way, if it causes you stress, worry, or frustration, then change is needed.

One thing we do need to keep in mind is that habits are difficult to kick to the curb so consistency and repetition are two of the most important ingredients here.

Every interaction with your dog is a training opportunity!

We’ve said it before and we’ll likely say it again, but we really mean it – every single time you do anything with your dog should be viewed as a training opportunity of some kind. With that in mind, is what you are doing right now beneficial or detrimental to your relationship moving forwards?

Podcast Episode:

What is your end goal for training your dog?

Are you aiming for a fulfilling partnership in the shooting field, or do you have a dog from working breeding and wish to nurture its genetic traits?

This is something to always have in mind when training your dog – is what you are doing now going to help you achieve your future goals?

Even if your dog is still a very young puppy you can start to build those foundational skills that will be expanded upon for the remainder of your dog’s life – teaching him to wait politely whilst you tie your boot laces, and to not bowl you over as soon as you reach for the door handle. This impulse control skill can later be transferred out to the training field and utilised when teaching your dog to be steady to thrown dummies.

When is it training, and when is it behaviour modification?

Samantha and I look at what could be resolved by re-training or adapting the training that you are doing, and when you should consider behavioural modification as your plan of action.

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In conclusion..

There’s a whole host of behavioural issues that a dog can display if we don’t ensure the foundations are properly laid and many of these, whilst it might not seem like it, can interfere with our training successes. A dog that shows lack of focus when out in the field, will likely not appreciate the rules and boundaries at home.

By and large, Samantha recommends seeking the help of a behavioural trainer when dealing with any reactivity or aggressive behaviours – it’s too ‘easy’ to make these behaviours much worse and pretty quickly too, which could lead to dire consequences.

Training a gundog is a journey, one filled with opportunities for growth, bonding, and yes, occasional frustrations. The heart of this journey lies in understanding and shaping the habits of our canine companions. Whether we’re talking about an eager Labrador Retriever or a tenacious English Springer Spaniel, each breed is a creature of habit. These behaviours, learned over time, become deeply ingrained in their character, defining their reliability and competence as working dogs.

In this podcast and blog post, our goal is to equip you, the gundog handler, with an understanding of the principles and techniques involved in shaping your gundog’s habits. We will tackle the thorny issue of time commitment and set realistic expectations for training schedules. We will also delve into the potential for unintended consequences in training and offer effective strategies to correct and prevent these.

It’s important to remember that every gundog is unique, with its personality, strengths, and challenges. While training techniques can be broadly applied, they need to be tailored to your dog’s individual needs for the most effective results. So, strap in and prepare to delve into some of the intricacies of gundog training.

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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Today, we’re diving into an incredibly important topic that affects us all as dog owners in the UK. The government’s recent breed-specific ban on XL bullies has stirred a whirlpool of debates about effective dog control and left many of us questioning whether this is the best route to take. To unpack this issue, we’ve spoken to a leading expert in the field Rob Allyne, and LWDG Experts Claire Denyer and John Denyer. This blog accompanies our latest podcast episode, and we’re going to explore why a more educational approach to dog control could serve us all better.

Podcast Episode:

The Breed-Specific Legislation: What It Is and Its Implications

First off, let’s talk about what this legislation really is and what it means for us. The UK government has recently taken the route of banning XL bullies in an effort to solve issues related to public safety. On the surface, this might look like a quick fix, but let’s delve a little deeper. This law once again categorically stigmatises specific breeds, making it harder for them to find loving homes, irrespective of their individual behaviour or upbringing. It doesn’t stop there. For those who already own an XL bully, this law has put them in a challenging position, leaving them grappling with what to do with their cherished pets. Most importantly, the legislation takes a superficial approach. It fails to address a multitude of factors that contribute to a dog’s behaviour, like training, which we all know can make a world of difference.

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The Flaws in Targeting Specific Breeds

Now, why is targeting specific breeds such a problematic strategy? Well, for starters, the breed isn’t always an accurate indicator of a dog’s temperament or its potential for aggression. Those of us who have spent time training our gundogs understand that each dog is a unique individual with its own set of behaviours. So, it’s incredibly unfair to penalise responsible owners based solely on the breed of their dogs. Furthermore, this narrow focus distracts from the real issues at hand, such as the lack of adequate training resources and community support that are essential for responsible dog ownership.

Alternative Approaches to Dog Control

Instead of zeroing in on specific breeds, there are far more effective and inclusive ways to improve dog control across the board. The first alternative is comprehensive training. We know the power of good training. A well-trained dog, regardless of its breed, can be a safe and loving member of any community.

Secondly, public awareness needs a significant boost. Educating the general population on the importance of responsible dog ownership can have a ripple effect that benefits us all. Lastly, instead of breed-specific laws, regulations could focus on the responsibility of the dog owner. This kind of strategy would take into account a multitude of factors that contribute to a dog’s behaviour, shifting the focus where it truly belongs: on proper training and responsible ownership.

Final Thoughts…

In this week’s podcast, we’ve unpacked the government’s breed-specific legislation, pointed out its shortcomings, and explored more equitable and effective alternatives. Legislation like this doesn’t just impact those who own the targeted breeds; it sets a precedent that could extend to all dog owners.

Tune into our podcast for deeper insights from our expert guests, Rob Allyne, Claire Denyer, and John Denyer, and make sure to share your thoughts and concerns with us. Your voice matters!

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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Introduction

Training a gundog that originally belonged to your partner, or vice versa, can be a very delicate dance. Whether you’re following your partner’s well-established training plan,  or inviting them into yours, this blog will be your ultimate guide to working with your partner’s gundog. We’ll walk you through aligning your training methods, building both your own and your gundog’s confidence, and creating a hopefully joyful training journey for all.

Sue Lister of Field and Fireside and Claire Denyer of Family Dog Services will have you in giggles as we chat through this canine challenge.

Podcast Episode:

Different Training Approaches

Training a gundog together works best with open dialogue. But reaching this isn’t always easy. Start with a heart-to-heart chat to understand your partner’s approach to training. While you don’t have to adopt their methods, it’s crucial to discuss each other’s thoughts and find a middle ground. Watching each other’s training sessions and sharing insights without judgment is our suggested plan here. Open communication is key—after all, you’re in this as a team. However, when you listen to this week’s podcast you may find yourself laughing at how difficult this can sometimes be 🙂

Building a Bond with Your Partner’s Gundog

Trust is always your foundation for successful training with any gundog. If you’re stepping into the role of trainer for your partner’s gundog, spend quality time bonding before diving into the actual training. Walks, playtime, and consistent feeding times are excellent ways to establish trust. A strong bond not only makes your gundog more responsive but also boosts your own self-confidence.

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Balancing Teamwork and Individual Responsibilities

The key to pain-free training is setting clear roles from the get-go. Whether your partner focuses on physical exercises while you manage care, or you split training days, make sure the arrangement works for everyone involved, including the gundog. Roles aren’t set in stone; maintain an open dialogue to adjust as you progress, becoming more confident and in tune with your gundog’s needs.

Acknowledging Initial Ownership

Recognising who was the gundog’s initial owner sets the tone for your shared training journey. If you’re stepping into a routine your partner established, your task is to blend in your own methods without causing upheaval. Conversely, if your partner is joining you, it’s about making room for their input without feeling your tried-and-true methods are being overturned. Emotional intelligence and open conversations are crucial to these dynamics successfully being implemented.

Final Thoughts

Whether the gundog was originally yours or your partner’s, this shared training journey is rewarding in multiple ways, from fostering stronger relationships to achieving a well-trained gundog and individual growth. With clear communication, trust, and defined roles, you’re well on your way to creating a harmonious training environment for all involved…hopefully…

Call to Action

Feeling encouraged? Ready to make a change? Join the Ladies Working Dog Group today to harness top-notch tools and a supportive community, helping you excel in your gundog training journey. We’re excited to be part of your adventure!

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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