Better To Give Than Receive

Why shouldn’t our working companions get some Christmas presents too, asks David Tomlinson

- David Tomlinson

A DOG IS FOR LIFE, not just for Christmas, is a that will be familiar to most of us. But I’ve never met a working gundog that was a Christmas present. For most of us the acquisition of a working gundog puppy is carefully planned rather than a surprise present under the Christmas tree.

Though we may not give puppies at Christmas, most of us are likely to give our dog or dogs some sort of gift. A quick look the internet revealed a wide choice of gifts that might make you laugh, but are hardly likely to thrill your canine companion. I don’t think my spaniels would be too pleased with a luxury lined aviator-style black faux-leather and pearl plush dog coat, as sold by the RSPCA, but a quality dog coat is a sound idea.

Barbour offers a waterproof, windproof and thornproof coat that is a practical proposition for a proper gundog — from about £30. I don’t recommend working a dog in such a coat but it’s just the job for putting on to keep it warm and dry when it’s not in action.

Coats for working gundogs have become big business in recent years. I’m all in favour of it because I’m convinced that the better we look after our dogs, the longer they are able to work. Wet dogs suffer from rheumatism in old age; cosset them as much as you can and they will stay fit much longer.