Many gundog books have a very traditional flavour. But even if you prefer a more modern approach to your training, there is still a wealth of wisdom to be gleaned from within the pages of some of our most classic gundog books.
Here are a few that have been on my shelves from more years than I care to remember. Some of these books gave me knowledge, support and encouragement when I began my own gundog training journey over thirty years ago.
1 Gundogs: Training and Field Trials by Peter Moxon
This book was given to me as a present by my husband in 1980. It was already nearly thirty years old then and even today, thirty years later, there is still much of interest within its pages.
2 Gundog Training by Keith Erlandson
Keith Erlandson’s classic book was first published in 1976. Erlandson was a spaniel trainer of great repute and his book is warm, readable and informative. A must read for any spaniel enthusiast.
3 Working Gundogs by Martin Deeley
Fast forward a few more years to 1989 for Martin Deeley’s thorough guide, and introduction to training and handling working gundogs. Some of you will be familiar with Martin Deeley’s easy commentating style at the annual CLA Gamefair over the years, and his writing flows in the same relaxed manner. There is a sequel to this book which is also worth a place on any gundog owner’s shelf and it is listed below
4 Advanced Gundog Training by Martin Deeley
5 Working Springers and Cockers by Mike Smith
Here is a book that cannot fail to fascinate anyone that is passionate about spaniels. Printed in 1998, not only is it full of useful training advice from an experienced spaniel handler, it contains a unique analysis of successful Field Trial spaniels in the UK. Not to be missed
6 Gundogs, their learning chain by Joe Irving
Worth reading and definitely considered a classic by many is Joe Irving’s book, published in 1983.
7 The Ten Minute Retriever by John and Amy Dahl
I am going to nip across the water for our next classic published in 2001. I think it is fascinating for gundog owners in the UK to get an insight into the often very different style of gundog training that takes place in the USA. Despite its American flavour, there is much in these pages to entertain the keen retriever trainer.
8 The Gundog Club training guides by Pippa Mattinson
I make no apologies for sneaking my own books into this list, the proceeds from my Gundog Club Books go to charity, and with around nine thousand copies sold so far, they have been very well received. I will leave it to you to decide if you like them.
9 Training the Sporting Dog by Donald Smith and Ervin Jones
Another American title that deserves a place is the official training guide of the American Hunting Dog Club. The structured training exercises in this book were an influence on the layout and style of the Gundog Club’s training guides and the book itself makes interesting reading
10 The Versatile Gundog by Guy Wallace
Last but not least, and especially for much neglected HPR owners, is Guy Wallace’ classic book on HPR training. Despite its title and focus, this is a great read for all gundog owners.
Bear in mind that many of these books are very traditional in style and content, and some recommend methods that modern gundog trainers no longer employ. American trainers use Force Fetching techniques are generally regarded with distaste in the UK. It is up to you to take from the books what you need and to be discriminating about the contents!
I hope you enjoy them.
How about you? Do you have a favourite that you would like to mention? Let us know in the comments box below.
Rosamund says
So far your books are the only ones that have actually made me laugh (in a good way!) especially some of the bits about what our dogs think of us sometimes! I now smile instead of feeling exasperated when my dog gives me that ‘I have no idea what you’re talking about; you’re the idiot, not me’ look! Looking forward to the next one! 🙂
Pippa says
Thanks Rosamund 🙂
Brian says
Pippa
I have recently bought two of your books,the first being Puppy care and early training. I just wish I had the book when I was training my other spaniel. The information contained in the book is sound common sense but something which we can miss out on unless told. I am training Myrtle (11 weeks ) as advised in the book.The recall information is very good and I am enjoying seeing Her come running as soon as I call her name. Early days yet but I am sure if I follow the information I will have a dog to be proud of and having got there with a lot less stress.
Regards
Brian
Pippa says
Hi Brian, thank you so much for your kind comments. Glad you are finding the books helpful. Good luck with training Myrtle 🙂
Jacqui says
I bought your ‘passing grade 1 ‘ book and found it very informative, especially the views from the dogs perspective regarding walks and hunting! Also useful were the steps to take when things aren’t going so well on training. What I didn’t realise was that the proceeds went to charity! Would you mind informing me which charity benefited and was it all proceeds ? Seems a shame not to make some income from such a good book! And have you considered having them published professionally?
Pippa says
Hi Jacqui, the Gundog Club is now owned by a charity: The Gundog Trust, and all its proceeds, including those from the sale of my gundog training books, field tests, trainer registrations etc, all now go to that charity and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.
I have recently secured a publishing contract for a book on recall however, and any income from that will belong to me personally.
I am so glad that you found Passing Grade One useful, and appreciate your kind comments .:)
Pippa
Pippa says
Thanks Mike, thats an excellent choice. Pippa
Mike Smith says
May I suggest………………
Positive Gun Dogs, Clicker Training for Sporting Breeds
By Jim Barry, CPDT, CDBC. Mary Emmen. Susan Smith, CTC, CPDT, CDBC