Start Right

Puppy training isn’t confined to 10- or 15-minute formal sessions – everything you do will condition the little dog’s mind. Follow Howard’s advice to ensure you instil the right behaviour

- Howard Kirby

Handling an obedient gundog in the shooting field is one of life’s great pleasures. Obedience and a willingness to do as he’s asked will be essential if your dog is to enhance the time that we spend with him. So you’re going to have to put the effort and time into training the dog, ensuring that any time you spend with him ingrains habits and behaviours that you want.

Handlers should understand that even the most dedicated and consistent dog trainers will only spend around half an hour a day engaging the dog in formal training. So ensuring that the other 23½ hours are well planned will have a considerable influence on the development and outcome of your dog.

Here at Mullenscote, our young puppies are raised and nurtured indoors from when they arrive at eight weeks until they are at least six months old when they move out into the kennels. For us, a purpose-bought dog crate is an essential part of being able to manage the fragile, energetic, biting, piddling and pooing bundle of joy.

Teaching your puppy how to happily and quietly spend time away from you in a safe, secure and warm crate will be one of the most important elements of early puppy training that you do.

Crate training

First, you must ensure the puppy is comfortable with spending time in the crate. This can be achieved quickly if you do things correctly. New puppy owners: expect a sleepless night or two.