The top 5 mistakes owners make with their pet gundogs in Chalfont St Peter and surrounding areas

If you live in Chalfont St Peter, Chalfont St Giles, Gerrards Cross or Beaconsfield and own a gundog like a Labrador, Spaniel or pointer to name a few, you’ll know just how much energy these dogs have. As a local dog walker and dog trainer, I see the same mistakes pop up again and again with pet gundogs. Here are the top 5 mistakes and how you can avoid them 👇

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1. Relying on Long Walks Alone

Many owners think a one-hour walk around Gerrards Cross Common or the fields in Chalfont St Giles will be enough. But gundogs are bred to work all day in the field.

✅ The fix: add mental stimulation – training, sniff games, and structured activities during walks.

Dont just walk them while you look at your phone, engage with them and try to replicate what they are bread to do on your walks, let them sniff and free roam but also add lots of structure. Even if you don't want to work your gundog, simply adding in some retrieves in some long grass with a ball or toy... getting them to sit and wait then go and retrieve on your command, this along will be more tiring then 90% of the rest of the walk to your gundog.

Not sure where to start with this get in touch for some training with us today!

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2. Skipping Early Recall Training

Chasing squirrels in Beaconsfield woods might be fun for your dog, but it’s a nightmare if you can’t call them back. Gundogs are naturally drawn to scents and movement.

✅ The fix: consistent recall training from day one, ideally with the support of a local gundog trainer.

if your dog does not listen to your recall then they should be on a longline until they listen to your calls, top tip making yourself the funnest thing on the walk will make recall easier. Look back at tip number 1 playing with your dog and getting them into gundog based activities with you on a walk is going to make a solid recall easier for you

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3. Letting Them “Walk Themselves”

Some owners let their gundog run freely for an hour with little interaction. The problem? They learn to ignore you.

✅ The fix: walks should be structured with recall practice, retrieve games, and engagement with you – not just the environment.

MAKE YOURSELF THE FUNNEST THING ON THEIR WALK!

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4. Ignoring Their Natural Instincts

Labradors, Spaniels, and other gundogs are bred to hunt, flush, and retrieve. Without an outlet, that energy often turns into chewing furniture or digging the garden.

✅ The fix: work with their instincts – add retrieves, “find it” games, and controlled hunting exercises on your walks.

You can also replicate these things in the garden if you dont have time to walk them one day, some scent work or retrieve games in the garden for 20 mins will help them settle more content in the house

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5. Treating Gundogs Like a “Normal Dog”

Yes, they’re family pets, but gundogs are high-drive working dogs. Expecting them to switch off without training or stimulation often leads to frustration.

✅ The fix: structured walks, clear boundaries, and training sessions with a professional.

First of all meet your gundogs needs and then teach them to settle and switch off

A high energy gundog whos needs aren't met is a nightmare around the house, if you want them to settle in coffee shops, public places like some other dogs first of all meet their needs

if you aren't willing to put in this work with a pet gundog then maybe you need to consider another breed who's characteristics are more suited to your lifestyle

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👉 Takeaway for Local Owners:

If you’re based in Chalfont St Peter, Chalfont St Giles, Gerrards Cross, or Beaconsfield and need help walking or training your gundog, I can help. I offer structured dog walks and gundog-focused training sessions that give your dog the exercise and mental stimulation they need.

📍 Serving Chalfonts, Gerrards Cross & Beaconsfield

🐾 Dog walking | Dog training | Gundog enrichment