Off-Season Gundog Training: Stay Sharp with Dog and Field

The shooting season may be over, and your gear might be packed away, but don’t forget about your most important teammate: your gundog! Just like a shooter needs regular practice to stay sharp, your dog needs consistent training to keep their skills fresh.

Without it, they might start ignoring commands, lose focus, or pick up bad habits. And let’s be honest, getting them back into shape just before the season starts is much harder than maintaining their skills year-round.

Whether you’re fine-tuning an experienced retriever or laying the groundwork for a young pup, off-season training is essential. In this guide, we’ll share key training tips and introduce top-quality gear from Dog & Field to help you make the most of your sessions.

Why does Off Season Training Matter?

It’s easy to think your gundog will jump straight back into action when the next season arrives, but that’s rarely the case.

Without consistent training, simple but crucial behaviours, like coming back to heel, stopping on the whistle, or retrieving with precision, can start to fade. The off-season is the perfect time to reinforce these skills, work on any weaknesses, and fine-tune their obedience.

And if you’ve got a young pup in training, this is an invaluable period to build a solid foundation before they hit the field for real.

Benefits of Off-Season Gundog Training

Keeping up with training outside of shooting season comes with plenty of advantages:

• Prevents Bad Habits: Without regular work, unwanted behaviours can start to develop. Training keeps your gundog focused and well-mannered.
• Maintains Fitness: A fit dog is a better-performing dog. Regular exercise keeps their strength, stamina, and agility in top condition.
• Keeps Them Mentally Sharp: Reinforcing commands and drills prevents your dog from getting rusty, making sure they’re responsive when it matters.
• Strengthens Your Bond: Time spent training isn’t just about commands; it’s about trust and teamwork, which leads to a stronger connection in the field.

5 Skills to Focus on 

During the off-season, focus on sharpening essential skills. Here are some key areas to prioritise:

1) Settle

A good gundog needs to know when to switch off and stay calm, whether at home or in the field. Practising “settle” commands will help your dog learn to relax and stay composed when needed.

2) Heel

A well-trained gundog should walk to heel, whether on or off the lead. Regular practice ensures they stay close and under control, ready for action when required.

3) Steadiness

Steadiness is key when working with a gundog; no one wants a dog charging off at the first sign of movement. Reinforce the command by making them hold a position until given the signal to retrieve or move.

4) Back in Touch

Work on off-lead training to get your dog responding to voice or whistle commands even when working at a distance. This is crucial for retrieving over long ranges.

5) Stop Whistle

The stop whistle is one of the most important commands in gundog training. If your dog is running toward game or retrieving, a solid stop whistle ensures they halt immediately, keeping them under control at all times.

Top Tips for Handlers 

Watch for Heat Stroke

Training is important but so is knowing when to stop. If the weather is warm, be mindful of your dog’s limits; keep sessions short, offer plenty of water, and avoid overheating.

Get Them Used to Gunshot Noises

Dogs can become skittish if they aren’t regularly exposed to gunfire. Gradually introduce gunshot sounds during the off-season to keep them comfortable with the noise.

Choosing the Right Pup

If you’re bringing a new pup into training, take the time to choose one that suits your needs and lifestyle. The off-season is the best time to lay the groundwork for a successful gundog.

For more guidance on training a gundog, check out our previous blog.

Gundog Training with Dog & Field

When it comes to gundog training, Dog & Field are the experts. With over three generations of experience, they’ve earned a reputation for designing reliable, high-quality training gear. Whether you’re a seasoned handler or a newcomer, their kit is trusted by professionals and enthusiasts alike.

At John Norris, we stock a range of Dog & Field training essentials to help you and your dog get the most out of every session. Here are some of our top picks:

Dog & Field Original Clone Pheasant Dummy

This award-winning dummy features a realistic game bird feather pattern, helping dogs become accustomed to retrieving game. Made from durable canvas with a sturdy throwing toggle, it’s an essential training tool for any working gundog.

Dog & Field Heritage V2 Training Vest

Designed for all-weather training, this upgraded vest includes breathable mesh for warmer months and can be layered in colder conditions. It features multiple pockets, including a waterproof compartment for your phone, and brass D-rings for attaching leads or game carriers.

Dog & Field Puppy Training Dummy

Perfect for young dogs, this lightweight dummy encourages correct retrieving habits from an early age. Made from durable canvas and featuring a detachable throwing toggle, it’s ideal for early training sessions.

Dog & Field Pro Trialler Slip Lead

This high-quality slip lead is designed for both professional handlers and everyday use. With a smooth-adjusting stainless steel thimble and a button-press sliding stopper, it offers better control while reducing friction and wear.

Dog & Field Game Bag

A versatile and robust bag for carrying dummies, game, or daily essentials. It features two large pockets, a removable liner for easy cleaning, and an adjustable shoulder strap, making it a dependable companion for training sessions.

Off-season training is the key to keeping your gundog fit, focused, and ready for the next shooting season. Regular practice not only maintains essential skills but also strengthens the bond between you and your dog.

With the right approach and quality training gear from Dog & Field, every training session can be productive. From lifelike dummies to reliable leads and training vests, having the right equipment makes all the difference.

So, keep the training going, enjoy the process, and when the season returns, you and your gundog will be ready to hit the ground running!

Shop the Range at John Norris

Check out the full Dog & Field collection in-store or online at John Norris, along with our selection of premium countryside attire and shooting essentials.