BY JAMIE FOSTER
Practical Gundog Training represents a significant contribution to gundog literature, offering a comprehensive and expertly crafted guide that will prove invaluable to both amateur handlers and professional trainers. Drawing upon their combined fifty years of practical experience in working gundogs across various field disciplines, authors Nick Ridley and Fran Ardley have produced a manual that stands apart through its universal applicability and emphasis on real-world effectiveness.
What makes this work particularly noteworthy is its departure from breed-specific approaches that dominate much of the existing literature. Instead, the authors have developed a series of training exercises and methodologies designed to be adaptable across all gundog breeds, making this an exceptionally versatile resource. The techniques presented are firmly rooted in the authors’ extensive field experience, whether in picking-up, beating, or shooting scenarios, ensuring that every recommendation carries the weight of practical validation.
The book’s structure follows a logical progression through essential training scenarios, beginning with foundational exercises such as place board training before advancing to more complex aspects including whistle commands and the management of multiple working dogs. Each training concept is broken down into clear, sequential steps, with thoughtful variations provided to accommodate different stages of a dog’s development. Particularly valuable are the sections addressing refresher training – an often overlooked but critical component of maintaining a gundog’s performance, especially following intensive working periods.
Written in a style that balances authoritative expertise with accessible clarity, the book avoids unnecessary technical jargon while maintaining rigorous professional standards. This makes it equally useful for those training gundogs for competitive field trials as for owners seeking to develop better-behaved pet companions. The authors’ emphasis on practical application over theoretical abstraction ensures that every piece of advice can be directly implemented with confidence.
Beyond its immediate utility as a training manual, the book serves as a testament to the authors’ deep understanding of canine behaviour and their ability to translate complex concepts into actionable guidance. The inclusion of troubleshooting tips and adaptive training methods demonstrates a nuanced appreciation of the challenges faced by gundog handlers at all levels.
Practical Gundog Training deserves recognition as one of the most complete and practically useful guides currently available in its field. Its combination of extensive professional experience, breed-inclusive methodology, and clear instructional style makes it an essential reference that will undoubtedly stand the test of time. For anyone serious about gundog training – whether as a professional handler, shooting enthusiast, or dedicated owner – this volume represents an indispensable addition to their library. A copy can be acquired here.