Gundog Journal

Ageing is inevitable, but slowing down doesn’t have to mean stopping.

In Volume VIII • Issue II, vet nurse Louisa Lane shares how to keep older gundogs active, comfortable and mobile for longer through weight management, exercise, muscle care and recognising the early signs of arthritis.

Discover the simple steps that can help your dog enjoy more healthy years in the field.

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If a drive is disrupted, most of the line will have dogs down.

New free Countryside Alliance guidance on saboteur disruption names beaters and pickers-up alongside guns: agree the plan before the season, know your role on the day, and let footage and the police do the work while your attention stays on your dogs.

https://gundog-journal.com/news/shoot-disruption-advice-dog-handlers/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=gundog-journal-newsdesk

Forty years of Twelfths, and the dogs that made them

Some Glorious Twelfths live up to the name. Others bring mist, rain, midges, missing dogs and a gamebook entry best forgotten.

After more than 40 seasons on the hill, David Hudson looks back through his records at the days when everything went right, the ones that went badly wrong, and the dogs and Guns who could make or break a day.

What’s your most memorable Twelfth?

Full story: link in bio.

Thirteen nations, ten tests and one unforgettable weekend. In Volume VIII • Issue II, we look back at the Skinner’s World Cup, where the world’s best retriever teams competed at Englefield Estate in a true celebration of skill, teamwork and outstanding dog work.

Discover the highlights from a memorable event.

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Nearly 50 years of early mornings, long drives and dedication in the field have shaped Kevin Doughty’s remarkable career. In our latest issue, we meet the Suffolk trainer, trialler and England Gundog Team captain whose quiet approach and passion for working dogs have delivered more than 36 trial wins.

Discover his training philosophy, journey through the sport and the lessons learned from a lifetime with gundogs.

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How fit is fit enough? In Volume VIII • Issue II, Ben Randall explains why building a successful working dog is about more than speed and stamina. Discover his approach to training, nutrition and recovery, and how to prepare a gundog to perform when it matters most.

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More than 100 gundogs representing 23 breeds brought The Game Fair to a close at Ragley Hall. 🐶

England took the Home International, while Chesapeake Bay retrievers won the Minority Gundog Breed Challenge ahead of the Irish water spaniels and Nova Scotia duck tolling retrievers.

Which minority breed would you like to see more of in the field?

https://gundog-journal.com/news/game-fair-2026-gundog-results/

4am starts, tired dogs and broods of eight and nine.

Grouse counting has been an early-morning job this July, with keepers getting dogs onto the hill before the heat sets in. Mark Osborne says the very warm weather tires dogs quickly, making evening sessions impractical.

On the best-keepered moors, the counts are encouraging, with broods of eight and nine being recorded.

How does your dog cope with working in the heat?

Full story: https://gundog-journal.com/news/grouse-counting-dogs-2026/

Could your GPS tracker be doing more than just finding a lost dog? In our latest issue, we explore how modern technology is helping gundog owners monitor location, fitness, recovery and safety in the field.

Discover how this evolving piece of kit could become an essential tool for working dog owners.

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A gundog that chases sheep is not just a nuisance — it can put livestock at risk, leave owners facing an unlimited fine and, in the worst cases, cost the dog its life.

With more than 33 million sheep across Britain, teaching stock manners is one of the most important jobs for any young gundog owner. Our guide covers introducing a puppy to livestock, correcting unwanted chasing and understanding the law.

Has your dog ever been tested around sheep? Full story: https://gundog-journal.com/training/how-to-make-a-gundog-stock-proof/