Bringing your gun dog puppy home - 10 essential commandments for a future field star

Bringing home your gun dog puppy is one of the most exciting milestones for any shooting enthusiast, but it’s also when the real work begins. This little bundle of fur is destined to be your partner in the field, but only if you lay the right foundations from day one.

Here are the 10 commandments of gun dog Training, plus expert tips to make those crucial first months count.

The 10 commandments of gundog training

1. Be masterful

Never repeat a command if your dog already understands it. Consistency and authority build trust and respect.

2. Go back to basics

Even experienced handlers swear by this: Reinforce the basics before you expect brilliance.

3. Lead the way

When your dog isn’t actively working, keep them on a slip lead. It reinforces boundaries and control.

4. Whistle wisely

The whistle is a powerful tool — but don’t turn it into background noise. One whistle equals one action.

5. One dog, one master

If you want a dog that shines in the shooting field, limit their role as a family pet. Clarity of leadership is key.

6. Stay calm

Don’t panic if your dog ignores you. Wait them out and don’t pile on extra commands.

7. Use food positively

Training with food rewards builds obedience and enthusiasm for work.

8. Avoid rough play

Keep your dog away from boisterous or aggressive dogs that might teach bad habits.

9. Watch the experts

Spend time observing skilled handlers and their dogs. You’ll learn invaluable tips.

10. Hold back

Don’t push your puppy too far, too fast. Progress comes with time and patience.

Bringing your puppy home: What to do

At around 8 weeks old, your puppy is ready to come home. The cuteness is undeniable, but so is the responsibility — you’re not just raising a pet, but a working partner for the field.

• Puppy-proof your home and set up a safe space (a crate works well).

• Introduce them to existing pets gradually.

• Start bonding straight away — puppies are pack animals and will look to others for cues.

• Make training fun — they shouldn’t even realise they’re being trained.

The first six months: Foundations first

Focus on life skills

• Meet and greet other dogs politely.

• Come when called, even around distractions.

• Pay attention to you in busy countryside settings.

For a future field dog, encourage retrieving and hunting instincts early. Start with fun chases and retrieves using a dummy, a knotted tea towel or even a tennis ball. The key is short, playful sessions followed by plenty of sleep.

Keep your expectations realistic

One of the most common mistakes is expecting too much, too soon. Training should move at your puppy’s pace, or you risk building a dog with weak foundations. Remember:

Consistency. Conditioning. Calm.

Build the bond

A dog will always respond better to the person who invests time in training them. Sending them away for training may produce results, but it won’t build the bond that’s so crucial in the field.

Use mealtimes as training opportunities:

• Hold the bowl until they sit — reward by placing it down.

• Walk away with the bowl and encourage them to follow with gentle pips on the whistle and the word heel.

• Call them onto the slip lead with a treat, making it a positive experience.

Encourage natural instincts

From day one, let them express their natural retrieving and hunting behaviours:

• Play games that encourage them to chase and return.

• Always reward bringing items back — never snatch.

• Swap items if they don’t give up their prize — reward the return with another chase.

• Introduce different textures and sizes of retrieved objects.

Start whistle training early by pairing a ‘pip, pip’ with rewards like sprinkled food or a dummy. Make it a game of running and turning on command.

Teach them to switch off

Sometimes, the most important training is just sitting quietly and watching the world. Teach your puppy that calmness is also part of the job.

Final thought

Your gun dog’s journey starts the moment they step through your door. Invest time, patience, and love into their training and you’ll have not just a reliable worker in the field — but an incredible partner.

About the author:

Jacqui Crew, based in Hertfordshire, is a skilled dog handler and trainer specialising in gundog training for working tests, field trials, shoot day picking up, peg dogs and competitive obedience. Using positive reinforcement techniques like clicker training, toys and treats, she focuses on building strong bonds and clear communication between handlers and dogs. Jacqui has achieved notable success, including competing at the IGL championships with her award-winning dog, OFTW Echobrook Dexster. At ReeveCrew Gundogs, she offers group and one-to-one training sessions.

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