A gun dog isn’t just a pet or a companion, it is also a dog with a job to do. Gun dogs come in all shapes and sizes but they are typically divided into three primary types:
- Retrievers
- Flushing dogs
- Pointing breeds
There is a good reason why a Labrador will happily spend hours chasing and retrieving a ball, and why a spaniel has bundles of energy…they were bred that way. Years of breeding ensured today’s gun dogs had the necessary traits to do their job well…but what makes a good gun dog?
1. Fitting in with their owners
It is a common misconception that working dogs are not shown any love. In fact, there is nothing quite as special as an owner’s relationship with their working dog. A close and fulfilling bond increases the dog’s motivation to do their job well to please their owner, and a good relationship will ensure your gun dog will also enjoy being with you out on a field, and relaxing with you at home. That trust between the owner and dog is vital for a strong working relationship.
2. Your preferred activities
What makes a good gun dog will depend on the type of job you want your dog to do. Different gun dogs will be better in different areas of shooting and hunting. For example, springer spaniels are one of the preferred dog breeds when it comes to pheasant and bird hunting, specifically due to their agility and stamina. On the other hand, for deer hunting, dogs such as Labradors are trained how to hunt deer and be quiet.
3. Training
Ultimately, what makes a good gun dog is good training. Whatever breed of dog you get, training is essential if you want your dog to be efficient and reliable. Training will normally start when your dog is just a pup with fun games like fetch and drop.
4. Exercise and diet
Dogs, like humans, need to stay in good physical shape, and this is especially true for a gun dog. If your dog isn’t in shape, or isn’t eating the right food, then they simply won’t have the energy they need for their activity level whatever the season. They are unlikely to perform to their best, regardless of how well trained they are. As a responsible owner, you need to ensure that your trusted pooch is exercised the right amount and eating the best food possible for their level of activity.
Owning a gun dog doesn’t have to be all work, it’s a pleasure too.
If you would like to contact us for any advice regarding feeding your gun dogs, email us at info@alphafeeds.com or phone us at +44 (0)844 800 2234.
