Gun dogs training, exercise and healthcare advice | The Field

Do you speak doglish?

If your efforts at talking to your dog are driving you barking mad, attempt instead to understand what it is trying to communicate to you, advises Janet Menzies.

Restrain yourself for success

Do you practise with your all-rounder all summer but find yourself with a tearaway during the season? If so, says Janet Menzies, you've probably exposed your dog to too much beating and too many birds.

Short and to the point

In the contest for the best 21st-century gundog the hunt, point, retrieve breeds are separated only by a hairs breadth  or length.

Pick up points on retrieving

Picking up points on how to improve your dog's retrieving couldn't be easier. Janet Menzies provides tips on what you and your dog should be looking for.

Every dog has its holiday

Going on holiday should be relaxing, but planning what to do with the dog can be stressful. Janet Menzies packs up your troubles with various suggestions.

Hunt, point and retrieve breeds

A guide to the different types of dog that make up the hunt, point and retrieve section of gun dogs.

Training a gundog – the theory and practice

In theory, you can train a gundog by using a manual. In practice, the dogs behaviour wont be textbook. Be patient and creative with your teaching, suggests Janet Menzies

Be pack leader in your own home

More than one gundog is a pack, it is essential that you keep the upper hand with labradors, spaniels, and everything else

Joining the flat pack

If you want a gundog with a good nose, an independent and intelligent mind and Kate Moss looks, the sharp, sophisticated flatcoat is for you.

Gundog class

Fat is a fitness issue. If your gun dogs are less than lean and lively it may be time to reassess their feeding regime and make a New Year's resolution or two.

Gundogs: what you should know before you start!

Janet Menzies ponders all of the things she wishes she'd known before setting out to train gun dogs.

Gundog Class

Rough-shooting over dogs can be hairy, but with careful planning and precautions it can be one of the great sporting experiences.

Your gundog's first shoot day

After months of training your young gun dog, it is understandable that you want to take it on its first shoot. But beware the pitfalls.

How to get your dog to sit

Teaching your gun dog to sit, stay and drop isn't as easy as the professionals make it out to be.