Double trouble
I am getting my first cocker spaniel pup next week and the breeder has suggested that I should get two at the same time so they will keep each other company and make training easier. Is this the right thing to do?
Fran Ardley says: Many professional trainers may well keep a couple of pups from a litter so they can 'run them on' to see what their potential may be, but for the novice owner I would strongly advise against it. The main problem is that if you get litter siblings, they will tend to bond to each other rather than you, and this can certainly make training far more problematic. Training one dog can take a lot of time and there are many pitfalls that you will experience along the way, so I would just buy the one and get some expert advice so that you can concentrate on producing the best dog you can.
Best in line
I recently read an article that argued cross-bred dogs are better than pedigree gundogs in that they are less prone to suffer hereditary illnesses and are generally fitter. Does this mean we no longer need to follow selective breeding regimes anymore?
Fran Ardley says: The fact is the best way to avoid hereditary illnesses is to be able to trace back and check that a dog's ancestors have been tested for different illnesses and shown to be clear. With a cross-breed there is no way you can verify that what you are told is truthful. For example, if you breed a labrador bitch with very poor hips to a springer dog, there is a more than average chance the pups will have poor hips too.
Tapeworm terror
Why are dogs returning from Europe required to be treated for tapeworms?
Denne historien er fra August 2023-utgaven av Sporting Gun.
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Denne historien er fra August 2023-utgaven av Sporting Gun.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Thermal spectrum
Paul Austin explores both ends of the thermal market with latest high-end release from Zeiss alongside a surprising entry-level offering from Xinfrared
Roe, rucks and new ground
Jon Snowdon and his team have much to keep them busy and a new tool to help them
Tales from a lifetime of foxing
Join Mike Powell as he explores the evolving world of fox shooting, drawing from a career that spans seven decades
Fox rot about Charlie
Patrick Hook responds to claims that fox numbers are dangerously on the wane
The sniff of success
Join Ryan Kay as he navigates the fascinating dynamic between a handler and their canine companion
Adventures of Nick & Ted
A new chapter in the histories of Sporting Gun and Sporting Shooter has Nick Ridley reflecting on the dogs he has trained over the years he has been associated with the magazines
The problem: Inflammation in the nervous system
Vet's advice
Gundogs Q&A
No problem goes unsolved as Sporting Gun puts your questions to the gundog experts
Stop-start!
Fran Ardley continues her training tips on disciplining your dog to the stop whistle and the exercises you need to do
Gundogs at the Game Fair
Organising the Game Fair's prestigious gundog competitions: behind-the-scenes with Francesca Prentice