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.
Join Our Online Community!
Jump on our email list for free tips and insights delivered to your inbox monthly. No spam - just quick bites of value.
