Puppy Training Must-Haves for Gundog Breeds (Working & Pet)

Bringing home a puppy gundog breed is the start of a rewarding journey. Whether you’ve chosen a Labrador, Spaniel, or another working breed, the early months are crucial. Gundogs are very intelligent, eager to please, and full of potential — but only if you give them the right tools and environment to thrive.

1. A Properly Fitted Slip Lead

A good-quality slip lead is essential from day one. A slip lead encourages clear communication. It’s ideal for early heel work and helps establish calm walking behaviour; a skill that will become critical in the field. Read our blog on the importance of a well-fitted slip lead here.

2. Whistle

Introduce the whistle early – usually it’s recommended a 210.5 for Spaniels or a 211.5 for Labradors, as these are recommended for their pitch. However, you can train with the whistle that is right for you & your dog.

3. Dummies and Puppy-Friendly Retrieving Toys

Gundogs love to carry. Encourage this instinct by offering a Kugae dummy or training balls. Begin with short retrieves in a controlled space, using plenty of praise. Avoid overdoing it — a few quality retrieves are better than hours of play.

4. Crate or Safe Resting Space

A calm, quiet area for your puppy to rest is essential. Crate training not only aids housetraining but also creates a safe, secure environment for your puppy to switch off. Keep in mind, rest is just as important as training.

5. Fur Dummies or Balls

As your puppy matures, introduce a fur dummy or fur ball. This familiarises them with game in a low-pressure environment. Use these tools sparingly and always keep it fun.

6. A Long Line

A long line allows you to build recall while giving your puppy a sense of freedom. It's especially useful in outdoor environments where distractions like birds or scents might tempt a chase.

7. Access to Varied Environments

Exposure to different sights, sounds, and surfaces is one of the most important training elements. A pup that sees livestock, woodland, water, and vehicles early on is far more confident later. Keep experiences positive and low-stress.

8. Puppy Training Dummy Launcher (Optional, for Later Stages)

As your pup matures, consider introducing a dummy launcher to simulate more realistic retrieves. Always start with simple dummy work before introducing noise or distance.

9. A Calm, Consistent Trainer (That’s You)

The most important tool of all is you. Gundog breeds respond best to clear, fair, and consistent training. Keep your tone steady, avoid shouting, and celebrate every small success.

Starting your gundog puppy off right doesn’t mean rushing advanced training. The goal in the first few months is to build a bond, introduce core behaviours like recall and heel work, and keep everything fun. With the right tools and mindset, you’re laying the groundwork for a confident, obedient, and capable working dog.