How Do You Know if Your Gundog is Ready to Take Shooting?

For many owners, the main objective of gundog training is to enjoy time out in the shooting field with their dog. A well-trained gundog breed is not only a skilled working companion but also a trusted family pet. In fact, the majority of gundog owners in the UK today are pet gundog owners - people who want a steady, obedient family dog that can also join them on shoot days during the season.

For most of us, that might only mean five to ten days a year, if we’re lucky. That makes preparation even more important. You want your dog to add to the day, not take away from it. Unfortunately, one of the most common mistakes people make is taking their gundog out shooting too soon.

Owners get excited about the day for themselves, rather than thinking about whether the dog is truly ready. If your dog isn’t prepared, they’re being set up to fail.

So how do you know when the time is right? Let’s break down the key signs that your gundog is ready to take shooting.

1. Mastering Life’s Key Commands

Before anything else, your dog must have reliable obedience in all environments. This is the foundation of all gun dog obedience training.

Ask yourself:

• Will your dog always return when called, even with distractions?

• Will they stay steady at heel, no matter the environment?

• Can they ignore other dogs, wildlife, or even vehicles and stay focused on you?

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If your gundog struggles to recall in the local park when a ball rolls past, imagine what will happen on a shoot day when hundreds of pheasants flush overhead. Steadiness and responsiveness are non-negotiable.

Before heading into the field, pressure-test your dog’s obedience. Only when they respond instantly and consistently should you move on to the next stage of gun dog training for beginners or more advanced work.

2. Correct Introduction to the Shot

Every year, thousands of dogs become gun-shy because they’re introduced to gunfire incorrectly. It’s not just about the loud bang - the whole experience can be overwhelming. To a dog, seeing someone in a heavy coat suddenly raising a stick-like object into the air and producing a deafening noise is completely alien.

If that experience isn’t managed properly, it can cause long-term problems. This is why a careful, structured introduction to gunfire is essential in advanced gundog training.

Inside The Gundog App, we cover this in depth, showing you step by step how to desensitize your dog to gunfire safely and confidently. Done correctly, your dog will associate the sound of the shot with the excitement of the retrieve, not with fear.

3. Understanding Your Dog’s Role in the Shooting Field

Finally, you need to educate yourself on what you should realistically expect from your gundog on a shoot day. If you’re not an experienced shot, it can be confusing knowing exactly what role your dog should play, and when.

Your understanding of this role is just as important as your dog’s training. Clear expectations and clear commands are what keep both you and your dog calm, safe, and effective in the field.

The Gundog App provides live-action examples of champion trainer Ben Randall's gundogs working in the field, so you can see exactly what to aim for.

Final Thoughts

Taking your gundog out shooting is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have as a handler. But rushing the process almost always leads to problems. The keys to success are:

1. Reliable obedience in all situations.

2. Careful introduction to gunfire to prevent gun-shyness.

3. A clear understanding of your dog’s role on the day.
   

Don’t fall into the trap of thinking your dog can “learn on the job.” Proper preparation is the difference between a stressful day and a truly enjoyable one.

With the right gun dog training tools, consistency, and patience, your dog will be ready to take the field with confidence — and you’ll be ready to enjoy every moment of the shooting season together.