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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BASC staff standing together in Crufts

BASC at Crufts

BASC has a long history at Crufts and runs the renowned Gamekeepers’ Ring at the show which celebrates the best working gundogs in the country.

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.

Terrier below ground

The use of a dog below ground in England and Wales

The Hunting Act 2004 prohibits all hunting of wild mammals with dogs in England and Wales, except where it is carried out in accordance with one of the tightly drawn exemptions, which allow for certain necessary pest control and other activities to be undertaken, subject to strict conditions.