A dog carrying a bird in its mouth
A dog carrying a bird in its mouth

Where to start

Owning and training a working gundog is a truly rewarding experience and something anyone can learn to do.

The key, though, is to make sure that training sessions are enjoyable for both you and your dog.

Formal training should not begin until a puppy is several months old, but good manners can be taught from the very beginning.

Mixing with other dogs will help steady and ‘socialise’ a young dog and prepare them for gundog training and obedience classes at local clubs that can help you and your dog get ready to go out in the field.

Find a local club

Club membership not only gives you access to a wealth of resources and knowledge but you can also attend training events, gundog tests and field trials.

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Labradors

Tower Bird trophies

The Tower Bird trophies are named in memory of the late Noel M (Tim) Sedgewick, the former editor-in-chief of The Shooting Times and Country Magazine.

Three spaniels sat in the back of a van

Gundog code of practice

BASC strongly recommends that anyone who goes shooting should be accompanied by a trained and competent gundog.