Gun Dogs and Beyond – Episode 1: Training, Temperament, and Trial‑Winning Gundogs
Podcast Overview
In this first episode of Gun Dogs and Beyond, host Nick Lambert sits down with one of the most respected names in British HPR (Hunt, Point, Retrieve) training. With decades of experience breeding, training, and handling championship‑winning dogs, Rory shares hard‑won lessons on gundog development, field trials, temperament, and what really matters when producing a great shooting dog.
This episode is a deep dive into real‑world gundog training - not theory for theory’s sake, but practical wisdom shaped by years in the field.
Meet the Guest: A Lifetime with Gundogs
Rory has spent over 30 years breeding and training gundogs, particularly HPR breeds. His dogs have achieved multiple field trial championships, and he is something of a rarity in the UK HPR world: a full‑time professional trainer and handler.
His introduction to dogs began early, growing up with Labradors used for peg dogs. One formative childhood dog - an accidental cross - sparked a lifelong obsession with working dogs, field sports, and eventually competitive trials.
From Beating Dog to Field Trial Champion
Rory’s first German Wirehaired Pointer wasn’t purchased with competition in mind. Initially trained and worked as a beating dog, she eventually entered a field trial almost by accident - with disastrous results.
That failure, however, became a turning point. By watching great dogs, listening to experienced judges, and learning what HPR work was truly about, Rory transformed both his understanding and his dog’s performance. That same dog would go on to become his first Field Trial Champion.
Key lesson: Success in trials is not about speed or style alone - it’s about game finding, reliability, and understanding what the dog is meant to achieve.
Learning from the Best
Rather than formal training days, Rory learned by watching elite handlers and exceptional dogs. He highlights the importance of observation - learning just as much from mistakes as from success.
Books played a role, particularly classic gundog texts, but real education came from time spent in the field, watching dogs work wind, scent, and terrain.
Training Philosophy: Attitude Comes First
Rory describes himself as a balanced, traditional trainer with a modern understanding of dog psychology. His early priorities for young dogs are simple but non‑negotiable:
- Reliable recall
- A natural desire to retrieve and bring game back to the handler
Before any formal training begins, the goal is to create a dog that wants to work with its handler and feels safe around them.
Recall as the Foundation
Recall is introduced early and reinforced consistently. Rather than relying on sit whistles as an emergency brake, Rory prefers recall as the primary control mechanism, allowing dogs to hunt freely while remaining manageable.
Discipline Without Fear
One recurring theme throughout the episode is clarity. Dogs must understand exactly why they are being praised or corrected.
- Corrections must happen at the exact moment of the mistake
- Punishment without clarity creates confusion
- A dog that fears its handler is already heading in the wrong direction
Rory’s aim is to make the handler’s presence the safest, most rewarding place for the dog to be.
The “Walking Down” Technique
One of the more unusual techniques discussed is what Rory calls “walking down.”
Used primarily when a young dog refuses recall, the method involves calmly and persistently walking toward the dog in an enclosed area, removing all play and engagement until the dog chooses to re‑engage correctly.
The goal is psychological, not physical, and teaches the dog that avoidance never wins, while cooperation restores reward and comfort.
Hard Dogs, Soft Dogs, and Finding Balance
A recurring challenge in gundog training is balancing drive with manageability.
- Over‑training can suppress natural hunting instinct
- Under‑training leads to lack of control
Rory stresses that there is no single training method. Each dog must be assessed individually, adjusting pressure, freedom, and structure accordingly.
Thoughts on E‑Collars
Rory is clear but measured in his views on electronic collars. His objection is not rooted in cruelty, but in long‑term breeding consequences.
Dogs trained using excessive pressure may perform well, but risk passing on traits that make future generations harder to train. His preference is for dogs that are soft to live with, hard in the field, and suitable as family companions.
Field Trials vs Shooting Dogs
While field trials are an important proving ground, Rory believes every dog should first and foremost be trained as a shooting dog.
A good shooting dog:
- Produces game for the guns
- Understands scent and wind naturally
- Is steady, reliable, and calm under pressure
Trial performance should be an extension of real working ability - not a replacement for it.
Eliminating Faults in Field Trials
The conversation covers many common trial‑ending faults and how to approach them:
Hard Mouth
Often inherited or stress‑related. Prevention through breeding and careful early introduction to game is far more effective than attempted cures.
Blinking Game
Usually man‑made, caused by over‑discipline around birds. Dogs may associate finding game with correction rather than reward.
Whining or Noise
Highly undesirable and often genetic. Training may suppress it, but breeding decisions matter most.
Failure to Retrieve to Hand
Solved early through positive reinforcement and creating pride in holding game or dummies, not through force.
Introducing Water Work
Water retrieves should be fun, gradual, and confidence‑building. Rory prefers starting with the handler close to the water and gradually increasing distance to prevent shaking or dropped retrieves.
He expresses disappointment that water work has been removed from some modern field trials, believing it weakens breed standards over time.
Small Sessions, Big Results
One of the strongest takeaways from the episode is Rory’s belief in short, focused training sessions.
Most early training happens in:
- Small yards
- Five‑to‑ten‑minute bursts
- Controlled environments
Long sessions risk boredom, confusion, and loss of enthusiasm.
Final Thoughts: Train the Dog in Front of You
There are no rigid rules in gundog training. What works for one dog may fail entirely with another.
The best trainers:
- Observe carefully
- Adapt constantly
- Preserve drive while building control
Above all, they never forget that these dogs must live full lives, not just perform on trial days.
Key Takeaways
- Attitude and temperament matter as much as ability
- Recall is the foundation of control
- Over‑training can ruin natural hunting instinct
- Breeding decisions shape training difficulty
- Great gundogs are built through patience, clarity, and trust
This article is adapted from Episode 1 of the Gun Dogs and Beyond podcast and has been edited for clarity, readability, and search visibility.