•5 min read
Wrong bird picked
A real-world gundog field trial example showing how the Kennel Club J Regulations apply. Learn how judges use the rules when dogs make mistakes or show exceptional work.
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Expert insights, practical tips, and community stories from the UK's leading dog training platform.
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Applying the J-Regs
Real-world examples showing how Kennel Club J Regulations apply in field trials and working tests. Learn how judges interpret the rules in practice.
13 articlesTraining Tips
Expert advice and proven techniques for training your gundog for field trials and working tests. From basic commands to advanced skills.
8 articlesEvent Guides
Everything you need to know about attending and competing in gundog events. What to expect, how to prepare, and what the experience is like.
2 articlesJ Regulations
Comprehensive guides to understanding the Kennel Club J Regulations for gundog events. The official rules explained in clear, practical terms.
1 articlesApplying the J-Regs
Real-world examples showing how Kennel Club J Regulations apply in field trials and working tests. Learn how judges interpret the rules in practice.
•4 min read
When a Dog Is Eye-Wiped — What Happens Next?
We explore what happens when a gundog is eye-wiped in a field trial. A clear breakdown of how the Kennel Club J Regulations apply to this crucial judging decision.
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•3 min read
Vocal on a Line — Is It Elimination or Just a Mark Down?
We explore what happens when a gundog vocalises during a retrieve. When does noise become an eliminating fault, and when is it just poor style?
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•4 min read
Refusing a Blind — When Does It Become Elimination?
We explore what happens when a gundog refuses a blind retrieve in a field trial. When is it elimination, and when is it just poor performance?
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•3 min read
Over-Handling Your Dog — When Does It Become a Fault?
We explore over-handling in gundog field trials. When does excessive handling become a fault, and how do judges assess it?
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•4 min read
Hard Mouth — The Eliminating Fault That Ends Trials
We explore hard mouth in gundog field trials. What constitutes hard mouth, how judges identify it, and why it's an eliminating fault.
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•3 min read
Handler Commands After Stop — What's Allowed?
We explore what handlers are allowed to do after the judge calls 'Stop' in a field trial. What commands are permitted?
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•3 min read
Practical J-Regs: What Happens When a Dog Runs In?
We explore a real field trial scenario where a dog runs in. What does the Kennel Club say? What should judges do? A clear breakdown of the rules.
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•3 min read
Dog Interferes with Another Retrieve — The Eliminating Fault
We explore what happens when a gundog interferes with another dog's retrieve. Why is this an eliminating fault under the Kennel Club regulations?
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•4 min read
Dog Drops the Bird — Is It Elimination or Just Poor Delivery?
We explore what happens when a gundog drops the bird during a retrieve. When does it become an eliminating fault?
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•3 min read
Creeping Dog — Is It Elimination or Just a Mark Down?
We explore creeping in gundog field trials. When does a dog's movement become a fault, and how do judges assess it?
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•3 min read
Changing Game Mid-Retrieve — The Eliminating Fault
We explore what happens when a gundog changes game during a retrieve. Why is this an eliminating fault under the Kennel Club regulations?
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•4 min read
Bird Not Found — Is It Bad Luck or Elimination?
We explore what happens in a field trial when a dog fails a retrieve — and the bird is never found. When does failure become elimination, and when is it just bad luck?
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Training Tips
Expert advice and proven techniques for training your gundog for field trials and working tests. From basic commands to advanced skills.
•3 min read
Maintaining and Progressing the Stop Whistle
How to reinforce and strengthen your gundog's stop whistle response with real-world exercises and advanced drills.
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•5 min read
Introducing the Stop Whistle to a Young Gundog
A step-by-step guide to teaching the stop whistle to puppies and young gundogs using positive, pressure-free methods.
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•4 min read
Heelwork Maintenance: Lifelong Exercises for Gundogs
Maintain and strengthen your gundog's heelwork with structured exercises, distraction-proofing, and field-ready drills.
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•4 min read
Getting Started with Heelwork: Puppy Gundog Training
Learn how to teach your gundog puppy to walk to heel using gentle, positive methods. Perfect for Labrador and Spaniel handlers starting their training journey.
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•4 min read
Building Steadiness in Young Gundogs
Teach your puppy or young gundog to sit calmly around distractions, dummies, and other dogs with these foundational steadiness exercises.
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•5 min read
Advanced Steadiness Drills for Gundogs
Take your gundog’s steadiness to the next level with high-distraction, real-world drills to prepare for shoots and field trials.
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•3 min read
Getting Started with Gundog Training: A Complete Beginner’s Guide
Learn the foundations of gundog training, from first commands to building field skills. Perfect for new handlers and those preparing for working tests.
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•4 min read
Training Your Labrador Retriever for Gundog Work: A Step-by-Step Guide
Learn how to train your Labrador for gundog work—from basic obedience to field trial readiness. A beginner-friendly UK guide.
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Event Guides
Everything you need to know about attending and competing in gundog events. What to expect, how to prepare, and what the experience is like.
•4 min read
What to Expect at a Gundog Working Test in the UK
A beginner‑friendly guide to your first UK working test: what happens, how tests are structured, and how to prepare.
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•5 min read
What Happens at a Field Trial?
Learn what to expect at a gundog field trial in the UK—from structure to scoring. Ideal for handlers transitioning from working tests.
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J Regulations
Comprehensive guides to understanding the Kennel Club J Regulations for gundog events. The official rules explained in clear, practical terms.
