The true cost of a part-trained puppy
Shooting Times & Country|June 07, 2023
As more owners seek to buy a dog with the basics already in place, Ellena Swift investigates the work that goes in behind the scenes
Ellena Swift
The true cost of a part-trained puppy

As always, puppy prices continue to fluctuate massively. Currently, prices are on the slide, with even rare breeds selling for much less than they did during lockdown. The harsh reality is that during and after Covid, the dog market was saturated and everyone seemed to breed. What this meant was there were a lot of ‘average’ dogs bred. Dogs with no particular thought going into temperament, health checks or working ability. I am seeing a lot of clients with young dogs that are unsuitable for the home and lifestyle they are providing and for the job they want them to do.

Many people will certainly stick with these young dogs and persist. However, I believe a lot will sadly end up in rescue or being moved on. I have written before how I find it strange that every single person assumes they would make a good dog trainer and suitable dog owner. If I asked a group of people if they think they would be good at riding to hounds or waterskiing, most would say “I don’t know” or “probably not” — and that would be the reality. They would undoubtedly make mistakes, fall a lot and take years to get any good. There would be an extremely small number that would be naturally skilled.

But, for some reason, this is not how people look at dog training. Most look at it as something they can be an expert in by doing an online course or watching a few videos online. As most of us know and see, a lot struggle.

A different approach 

Denne historien er fra June 07, 2023-utgaven av Shooting Times & Country.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra June 07, 2023-utgaven av Shooting Times & Country.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA SHOOTING TIMES & COUNTRYSe alt
United we stand
Shooting Times & Country

United we stand

Following United Utilities' decision to end grouse shooting on its land, Lindsay Waddell asks what will happen if we ignore our vital moors

time-read
5 mins  |
August 02, 2023
Serious matters
Shooting Times & Country

Serious matters

An old gamebook prompts a contemplation on punt-gunning

time-read
3 mins  |
August 02, 2023
They're not always as easy as they seem
Shooting Times & Country

They're not always as easy as they seem

While coneys of the furry variety don't pose a problem for Blue Zulu, he's left frustrated once again by bolting bunnies of the clay sort

time-read
5 mins  |
August 02, 2023
Debutant gundogs
Shooting Times & Country

Debutant gundogs

There's lots to think about when it comes to making the decision about when to introduce your dog to shooting

time-read
4 mins  |
August 02, 2023
When the going gets rough
Shooting Times & Country

When the going gets rough

Al Gabriel returns to the West London Shooting School to brush up on his rough shooting technique

time-read
5 mins  |
August 02, 2023
The Field Guide To British Deer - BDS 60th Anniversary Edition
Shooting Times & Country

The Field Guide To British Deer - BDS 60th Anniversary Edition

In this excerpt from the 60th anniversary edition of the BDS's Field Guide To British Deer, Charles Smith-Jones considers the noise they make

time-read
4 mins  |
August 02, 2023
A step too far?
Shooting Times & Country

A step too far?

Simon Garnham wonders whether a new dog, a new gun and two different fields in need of protection might have been asking too much for one afternoon's work

time-read
6 mins  |
August 02, 2023
Two bucks before breakfast
Shooting Times & Country

Two bucks before breakfast

A journey from old South London to rural Hertfordshire to stalk muntjac suggests that the two aren't as far detached as they might seem

time-read
6 mins  |
August 02, 2023
Stalking Diary
Shooting Times & Country

Stalking Diary

Stalkers can be a sentimental bunch, and they often carry a huge attachment to their hill

time-read
2 mins  |
August 02, 2023
Gamekeeper
Shooting Times & Country

Gamekeeper

Alan Edwards believes unique, private experiences can help keepers become more competent and passionate custodians of the countryside

time-read
3 mins  |
August 02, 2023