IF you want something done right, do it yourself’—so the saying goes, but I don’t suppose whoever first espoused this (especially if it was Napoleon) ever took it upon themselves to train a gundog. We’ve all been there: it’s the first drive on the opening day of the season and your young, over-zealous dog has—yet again—developed selective hearing and disappeared into the distance, leaving you with a hoarse throat and flushed cheeks, as you reflect glumly on all the hours, blood, sweat and tears that you’ve put in to training him since he was a puppy.
This all-too-familiar scenario is why, for many, buying an older, pre-trained gundog from a respected trainer and breeder is an appealing alternative. An experienced professional not only saves house-training and socialising a puppy, they can also provide a dog that works to a high standard in the field and fits happily into family life.
‘I produce dogs that I like to call the “AGA dog”, the ultimate family companion,’ states award-winning trainer and COUNTRY LIFE contributor Ben Randall. ‘Usually, it will be a working breed—springer, cocker, labrador—who relaxes at home, will heel on and off lead when out on walks, has good recall in any environment and, if you’re invited on a local shoot, will be well mannered enough to do a proficient job and not let you down. The truth is, it’s hard for anyone who works full time to produce a dog of that quality without the experience, time and knowledge.’
This story is from the September 27, 2023 edition of Country Life UK.
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This story is from the September 27, 2023 edition of Country Life UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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