08/10/2026
A beautiful,almost crisp, cold autumn morning in the woods, and Dave’s hunting drive is high!
Rather than letting him disappear into his own world, hunt for himself and forget I exist, I’m using three simple commands to keep us connected:
“Too Far” and “This Way”, both explained in L*z Graham’s book The Pet Gundog.
A whistle sit when he’s further away.
He’s enjoying the woodland, following scent and using his natural instincts, while still listening and responding to me.
That connection, bond and engagement matters with a spaniel. Getting their nose down, hunting and flushing is what they were bred to do. But those instincts need guidance and boundaries.
Hunting independently is hugely rewarding. The more a dog practises finding and chasing wildlife, the more skilled and persistent they can become. That can progress to catching and killing birds or other animals, while also putting the dog in danger.
This can become a matter of life and death, for both your dog and the wildlife around them.
Giving your dog an outlet for their instincts goes hand in hand with teaching them when to stop, change direction and stay with you.
Enjoying the environment together, with control and connection, is responsible ownership. It can save lives.
All Avenues Dog Training • Pet Gundog • Working Spaniel • Dog Training • Dog Safety •
