A Friendly Guide to Gun Dog Training for Your Pet
Training your dog to be a reliable gun dog isn’t just for working sporting breeds, it’s a fantastic way to build confidence, strengthen your bond, and give your dog purposeful, engaging exercise.
Whether you enjoy field sports or simply want your dog to have excellent recall and focus around distractions, gun dog training can be a rewarding journey for both of you.
Myth debunked: gun dog training for your pet isn’t about hunting or guns! It’s a great training activity for all dogs, and for gundog breeds plays to the instincts they have been selectively bred for.
What Is Gun Dog Training?
Gun dog training refers to conditioning a dog to work with a handler in hunting or field environments, responding to commands, locating game, and handling the sound of gunfire with calm confidence.
But beyond the field, the principles of gun dog training (clear communication, controlled enthusiasm, and structured reward) apply beautifully to all active dogs and can be a brilliant way to train and bond with your pet.
This type of training enhances:
- Control under distraction
- Heel work
- Reliable recall
- Confidence around loud sounds
- Controlled retrieving skills
- Physical and mental exercise
Is gun dog training for you?
Would you like help with these aspects of your dog’s behaviour?
Solid Recall
Your dog must come back when called, whatever the distraction. Gun dog training will help you both to master your recall.
Controlled Walking
A dog that walks politely on lead is easier to train. Calmer walks are in everyone’s ‘wish list’ and this is a central part of Gundog training.
Basic Retrieves
Teach your dog to fetch and deliver a toy or dummy. This discipline will be so useful to you in every day life, from helping your dog to focus in a busy environment, to helping you have fun together.
Finding a good trainer
A strong foundation sets the stage for more advanced training and working with an experience trainer can teach you and your dog how to have fun with purpose
All Round Hound dog training, run by Barnaby offers Gun Dog training to a foundation level over 8 weeks which provides the basics, including retrieving, heel walking, recall, steadiness and other aspects too.
“I also own a Working Line Golden Retriever, Odin, who I have trained to help develop nervous and unconfident dogs. We also love competing in Gundog Working Tests.” Barnaby
> Training Classes at All Round Hound Dog Training Cheltenham | Tailored 1-1, Group & Online Dog Training | Cotswold Hound
Get in touch to find out how All Round Hound can help.
Our Gundog Improver course, develops on the foundation level over 8 weeks and especially brings in additional retrieves and more handling to develop your dog’s abilities.
Contact All Round Hound for more info on these classes - Home - All Round Hound
________________________________________
Using Tug-E-Nuff Toys to Elevate Training
One of the most effective ways to motivate and reward your dog is through play, and that’s where our range of Tug-E-Nuff toys will help you.
Why Tug-E-Nuff Toys Work
Dogs are driven by play instincts. Tug-E-Nuff toys:
- Fuel engagement: perfect for reinforcing behaviours.
- Build drive : ideal for retrievers and high-energy breeds.
- Strengthen bonds: tug play with you increases focus and trust.
How to Use Them in Training
As a Reward
After a successful recall or steady wait, break out a Tug-E-Nuff toy for a brief tug session. This high-value reward teaches your dog exactly what behaviours you want repeated.
During Retrieves
Introduce the toy early in retrieving training. Let your dog chase, grab, and ultimately deliver the toy back to your hand. This makes retrieving meaningful and fun.
For Impulse Control
Use the toy to practice controlled exchanges: hold the toy, ask for a command (like sit or wait), then reward with play. This teaches patience and focus in exciting moments.
To read more about our Tug-e-Nuff range, click here Unleash the Power of Play: Discover Tug-E-Nuff at Be More Bob
________________________________________
Final Thoughts
Gun dog training for your pet isn’t about turning every dog into a field trial champion and it has nothing to do with guns/game or hunting. It’s about building confidence, solid obedience, excellent communication, and joyful engagement by using the skills your pet was bred for.
By combining positive training methods with high-value rewards like the Tug-E-Nuff toy range from Be More Bob, you make every session fun and effective.
Ready to make training the best part of your routine? Explore the Tug-E-Nuff collection and find the perfect toy to spark your dog’s enthusiasm and success.