12 Things You Must Teach Your Gundog
Training a gundog requires a blend of basic obedience and specialized field skills. While every trainer has their own nuances, most professionals agree on a "core 12" set of skills that transition a dog from a household pet to a reliable hunting partner.
Here are the 12 essential things you must teach a gundog:
1. The Recall ("Here" or "Come")
This is the most critical safety command. A gundog must return to you immediately, regardless of whether they are on a scent or chasing a bird. In the field, this is often transitioned to a series of short "pips" on a whistle.
2. The Sit (or "Hup")
For spaniels, this is often called "Hup." It is the "parking brake" of the dog. They must sit and stay until given a release command, providing the foundation for steadiness later in training.
3. Heelwork
A gundog that pulls on the lead or ranges too far ahead is a liability. Teaching the dog to walk calmly at your side (on and off-lead) ensures you can navigate cover and move between drives without losing control.
4. The Stop Whistle
One of the most important field commands. On a single sharp blast of the whistle, the dog should stop and look at you for further instruction, even if they are mid-run or mid-hunt.
5. Steadiness
A "steady" dog will watch a bird flush or hear a gun fire and remains sitting until it is sent for the retrieve. This prevents "breaking," which can be dangerous for the dog and frustrating for the handler.
6. Marking
This is the ability of the dog to watch a bird fall and remember exactly where it landed. You teach this by using "marked retrieves" with dummies, encouraging the dog to use its eyes before its nose.
7. The "Hold" and Delivery
A gundog must have a "soft mouth." You must teach them to pick up the game firmly but gently, and most importantly, to hold it until it is taken into your hand. Dropping the bird at your feet (or "spitting" it) is considered a major fault.
8. Directional Commands (Left, Right, and "Back")
When a dog hasn't seen a bird fall, you must "handle" them to it. Using hand signals and verbal cues, you teach the dog to cast out to the left, right, or push further away from you (the "Back" command).
9. Blind Retrieves
Once a dog understands directional commands, they must learn to trust you. A "blind" is when the dog doesn't know there is a retrieve out there; they simply run in a straight line on your command until you whistle them to stop or hunt.
10. Quartering (The Hunting Pattern)
For flushing dogs like spaniels, they must learn to "quarter"—hunting in a zig-zag pattern in front of you within gunshot range. This ensures they cover all the ground and don't miss any game.
11. Gun Conditioning
You must never just take a dog to a shoot and fire a gun. You must gradually introduce the sound of gunfire at a distance, usually during meal times or retrieves, so they associate the "bang" with something positive.
12. Water Work
Many gundogs are naturally good swimmers, but retrieving from water is a specific skill. You must teach them to enter the water confidently, swim straight to the mark, and—crucially—not drop the bird to shake themselves dry until they have delivered it to your hand.
Pro Tip: Always train these in a "distraction-free" environment first. Only move to the field once the dog is 100% reliable in your garden or a quiet park.