When most people think about training a gundog, the first thing that often comes to mind is retrieving. Whether it’s watching a dog dash across a field to bring back a dummy or fetch a bird during a shoot, retrieving can look like the pinnacle of gundog work. But here’s the truth: retrieving is only a small piece of the puzzle, and focusing too much on it can lead to issues that undermine your dog’s training and partnership with you.
In this blog, we’ll explore the essential elements of gundog training beyond retrieving—skills like staying close, heel work, holding drills, and steadiness. We’ll also explain why overemphasizing retrieving can create problems and how to build a well-rounded, obedient dog who’s a joy to work with both in and out of the field.
Why Training is More Than Retrieving
Retrieving is undoubtedly exciting for your dog. It taps into their natural instincts, gets adrenaline pumping, and often becomes the moment when handlers inadvertently lose focus on foundational training. Here’s why: retrieving, when done too soon or too often, teaches your dog that the “fun stuff” happens away from you. Over time, this can result in dogs who:
• Race out without permission.
• Ignore commands.
• Work too far away from the handler.
• Develop bad habits, such as sloppy delivery or self-rewarding with the retrieve.
A well-trained gundog should enjoy retrieving, but not at the cost of critical skills like focus, control, and calmness. Let’s explore these other vital components of training.
1. Keeping Close
One of the most critical aspects of gundog training is teaching your dog to stay within a manageable range. Whether you’re working in a field or walking in the park, a dog that keeps close is much easier to handle and far less likely to develop bad habits like chasing wildlife or ignoring recall.
How to Train It:
• Use directional changes during walks to teach your dog to stay in tune with your movements.
• Reward calm behavior and proximity with food or praise.
• Avoid overexcitement—calm interactions build focus and connection.
2. Heel Work
Heel work is the foundation of control. A dog that walks calmly by your side under various conditions demonstrates discipline, trust, and focus. It’s also invaluable for ensuring safety in busy environments or on shoots.
Tips for Heel Work Training:
• Begin in quiet areas and gradually increase distractions.
• Use food rewards or a toy to reinforce the correct position.
• Practice consistency—heel work is a daily discipline, not an occasional exercise.
3. Holding Drills
A strong, confident hold is essential for retrieving, but it’s also an important exercise in control and patience. Teaching your dog to hold an object properly without mouthing or dropping it requires focus and engagement.
Steps to Practice:
• Start with low-pressure drills, like holding a dummy at home for a few seconds.
• Gradually increase the duration and introduce light movement.
• Praise and reward for a calm, consistent hold.
4. Manners and Steadiness
No gundog training program is complete without teaching manners. Steadiness—staying calm and controlled even when excitement levels are high—is especially important. A steady dog doesn’t rush off at the first sound of a gun or sight of a bird.
How to Build Steadiness:
• Incorporate sit-and-stay exercises into daily routines.
• Practice patience with distractions, such as other dogs retrieving or toys being thrown.
• Reward calmness generously—this reinforces that being steady is a positive behavior.
5. Focus and Engagement
Training is a two-way street. While your dog learns from you, it’s equally important to build their ability to focus on you, even in distracting environments.
Training Focus:
• Use food-based training to reinforce eye contact and engagement.
• Play games like “find it” to encourage your dog to look to you for guidance.
• Keep sessions short and fun to prevent boredom or frustration.
6. Food-Based Training and Play
Food and play are powerful tools in your training arsenal. Food rewards can be used to mark calmness and precision, while play fosters a strong bond and provides an outlet for energy. You can also use food to practise retrieving drills such as back, directionals, stop whistle, recall
Balance is Key:
• Use food rewards for precision work like heel or sit-stay drills.
• Incorporate play sessions to keep training enjoyable and build enthusiasm for work.
• Avoid letting play get out of hand—control should always remain the priority.
Why Retrieving Can Reinforce Bad Habits
Retrieving, while fun, comes with risks if not managed correctly. Overemphasizing retrieves can lead to:
• Overexcitement: Dogs that associate retrieving with adrenaline may struggle to focus or stay steady.
• Chasing: The act of retrieving can reinforce chasing behavior if the dog isn’t under control.
• Independence: Dogs may begin to work too far away or stop responding to commands, believing they are “working on their own.”
The Balanced Approach
To prevent these issues, remember that retrieving is the reward for a job well done—not the entirety of training. Balance is key. Prioritise foundational skills like steadiness, heel work, and focus. Then, introduce retrieving gradually, under controlled conditions, to reinforce your dog’s training rather than undo it.
By taking a more holistic approach, you’ll develop a dog that not only retrieves beautifully but also remains a calm, focused, and reliable companion. Training isn’t just about the retrieve—it’s about building a partnership rooted in trust, control, and mutual respect.
So, the next time you head out for a training session, leave the retrieving dummy at home for a bit. Focus on the fundamentals, and you’ll see the difference in your dog’s behavior and performance.