Growing up I was utterly dog-mad. I had all of the books and knew all of the breeds. My favourite dog book was ‘The Ultimate Dog Book’ by David Taylor. It covers the six main groups that dog breeds have been gathered into throughout the years. My favourite grouping was always the Gundogs. I would read all about what they had been bred for and the important roll in which they have played in field sports. I dreamt of having my very own one day, but understood that if I were going to own one, I would have to commit to providing them a worthwhile role and put in both time and effort to keep up with their training.
I’m now the proud owner of six dogs: one sprocker spaniel; two working cocker spaniels; two beautiful black labradors; and the new addition, a cocker from a recent litter. All of them are working dogs but, above all, my pets. The joy I get from watching them work is like no other. It gives me such a boost and the dogs are so happy and fulfilled at the end of a shoot day.
Training and working my dogs is also therapy for me. It’s my time to switch off and only focus on the task in hand. I really believe that training and working together – in activities that align with your dog’s instincts – strengthen the bond between us as handlers and dogs. Whether it’s being on peg with your dog, beating, picking up or just training exercises that simulate fieldwork, these shared experiences help build trust and understanding between my dogs and I. This in turn enhances the dog’s performance and creates a more rewarding relationship.
Last week whilst on the final drive of the day at my local shoot there was a strong runner which Sprout (working cocker) spotted so I sent him on it, this bird was a good 300 meters away. Sprout ran as fast as he could but the bird shot through the hedge. Now, I knew the way around this hedge, but did Sprout? He figured it out for himself and ran off up the hedge and through a hole. I waited and waited and then out of the woods to the left Sprouty appears with the runner in mouth proud as punch! Myself and the other picker-uppers were so proud of him for figuring it out, something that only instinct can teach. You can put hours of work into your dogs but sometimes instinct is key.
This is why I believe breed fulfillment in gundogs and any other group of dogs is vital for maintaining their physical, mental, and behavioral well-being. I see so many dogs with behavioral problems and I wholeheartedly believe this is mainly because they are not given the stimulation their breed requires.
Sheep dogs for instance are bred for herding sheep so why are people surprised when they find their dog trying to herd their children/grandchildren? Or the classic Beagle, a great compact, lovely-natured dog but take them into the woods and once they get the scent, nose down and off they go for sometimes hours! This is because they are pack-hunting hounds bred to sniff out animals and different scents.
So my number one piece of advice to anyone wanting to own a dog is to do your research on the breed. Will you be able to give it a life aimed at what it’s bred for? Will you have the time to fulfill its needs? Do you have local Gundog/agility/scent work/bite work classes or clubs in your area?
Breed fulfillment in dogs is not just about keeping them active—it’s about respecting their historical and natural instinctual drives. By engaging with your dogs in ways that meet with their breeding and purpose, we can ensure our dogs remain healthy, balanced, and content. This not only improves their performance in the field but also enriches their overall quality of life. Dogs are our best friends and they only have short lives so give them a life worth living.
Written by Alice Einchcomb of Blackfae Gundogs
