GUNDOG

Every Friday evening between 18:00 – 20:00 and various other dates/times

Gundog@ndtc.org.uk goes to Section Head | Gill Smith | 07952-791-014 | gill.smith@ndtc.org.uk Deputy | Oliver Gillick | 07925-090-688 | oliver.gillick@ndtc.org.uk Four simple steps to join Gundog 1. Click here become a member https://nuneaton-dog-training- club.cademy.co.uk 2. Read Welcome to the Nuneaton Dog Training Club letter 3. Read The Kennel Club Canine Code.

Welcome to the fantastic world of the Nuneaton GunDog Section! We're not just a group; we're a tight-knit family of dog enthusiasts who live for the thrill of training our furry companions. Whether you're looking to prepare your pup for some serious fieldwork or just want to indulge in a delightful hobby with your four-legged friend, we've got you covered. At Nuneaton Gundog Section all gundog and gundog cross breeds are welcome. Other breeds that show aptitude will be accepted by prior agreement. We're here to show you that training isn't just about obedience; it's about having an absolute blast with your dogs. And here's the exciting bit – some of our members take it to the next level and compete like pros! So, if you're ready for a tail-wagging good time and some serious doggy bonding, don't hesitate to give us a call. Join us, and let's embark on this pawsome adventure together!

Meet the Team

Oliver – Deputy head of Section Oliver Gillick| Oliver.gillick@ndtc.org.uk | 07925090688 Oliver joined us from the mainstream section of NDTC where he still helps as an instructor. Since joining he has become well known as our HPR man having training his GSP Lupin.

Kev – Trainer Kev owns and trains 3 (Ziggy, Obi and Neo) Clumber spaniels and has a very successful track record in competing in Minor breed working tests and trials.

Gill – Head of Section Gill Smith | 07952-791-014 | gill.smith@ndtc.org.uk Gill has two yellow labradors, Paddie (everyone’s favourite dog) and Dougal. Both compete in working tests and work enthusiastically picking up during the shooting season.

Josh – Trainer Josh is unique amongst our instructors in that he has both a labrador, Doug, and a spaniel, Dash. Josh competes in working tests and enjoys both beating and picking up on the shoot.

Paula – Trainer Paula has a black labrador called Apollo who competes in working tests and picks up during the shooting season. She now also has a puppy, called Storm, who she is training up.

What is a gundog?

Gundogs are a category of dog breeds that have been bred and trained to assist hunters in various aspects of hunting. These dogs are known for their excellent instincts, intelligence, and trainability. Gundogs typically perform several different roles in the field, depending on their specific breed and training. The main jobs of a gundog include: Pointing: Pointers and setters are breeds that excel at pointing. They use their keen sense of smell to locate game birds like quail or pheasants and then freeze or "point" to indicate the location of the birds to the hunter. This allows the hunter to approach the birds without flushing them prematurely. Flushing: Flushing dogs, such as Springer Spaniels and Cocker Spaniels, are trained to locate game birds and flush them out of their hiding spots, making the birds take flight. This action helps hunters take a shot at the birds in flight. Retrieving: Retrievers like Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are skilled at retrieving game, such as ducks or waterfowl, from water or dense vegetation. They have a gentle mouth and are trained to bring back the shot game to the hunter without damaging it. Companionship: In addition to their hunting roles, gundogs are often cherished as loyal and affectionate companions. Many gundog breeds make excellent family pets due to their friendly and trainable nature.

It's important to note that while these are the traditional roles of gundogs, many people also keep them as beloved pets. In such cases, the dogs may not be used for hunting but still exhibit their natural instincts and intelligence, making them excellent family pets and companions. Training and socialization play a crucial role in determining a gundog's behaviour and capabilities. FAQ’s I don’t shoot, is gundogs for me? Absolutely, very few of members dogs work. This is all about getting the best out of your dog and having fun My dog doesn’t like loud noises, do you use guns? Yes and No, we use starter pistols in training, but only ever with dogs who are comfortable with it. If you don’t want us too, we won’t. If you would like us to, we always do it as a slow introduction to make sure the dog is comfortable before we make it too loud. This can include clapping or using party poppers before we introduce a muffled starter pistol. Will my dog have to retrieve dead animals? As a KC registered club we are not allowed to use dead animals. All retrieving is done on dummies (canvas or fur) Aren’t gundog owners mean to their dogs? Sadly, some are and it is a reputation that persists. At NDTC we use a multitude of methods to train dogs, but we are categorically against causing any harm or suffering to an animal, for all of us they are our pets first and foremost. What equipment do I need? A dog, a whistle, a lead and lots of patience. We can talk to you before or during your first session as to what lead/whistle to buy. We hope to meet you soon!!!

Lewis – Trainer Lewis joined with his springer spaniel named Zuko knowing nothing about the gundog world. He now has two more spaniels, Shadow and Eurydice and is our most accomplished instructor, having competed in the Spaniel Championships.

Sean – Trainer Sean has a chocolate labrador called Zara. She is an experienced picking up dog, and enjoys accompanying Sean whenever he is shooting. They also compete in working tests.

Ian– Trainer Ian has been a member of the gundog section longer than some of our members have been alive! He currently has Mylo his beating and picking up dog and Albie who is his youngster being trained to compete.