Learning the ropes

At what age do you start to take a new puppy intended for stalking into the field?

Once a puppy has settled in at home, I generally wait around three months before introducing them to work in the field. However, I do not put them under any formal training regime. I like to have a puppy with me for very short periods, but in controlled situations — primarily walking. I will carry the rifle to get them used to it and introduce them to a dead deer at this early stage.

I start with some very gentle basics. For example, when feeding, I will encourage them to sit before putting the bowl down, effectively starting to introduce steadiness with some simple basic commands. I can’t emphasise enough that this all has to be fun for the puppy. You need to allow any youngster time to grow and mature and get used to its surroundings, which in turn will build trust and confidence. Always make this simple training enjoyable and be consistent in your command, whether with hand or voice.

All dogs mature at different ages and this varies between breeds, so build up training slowly. Labradors mature relatively quickly compared to some HPR breeds. You are looking at a process of around two and a half years before you can consider a dog as fully trained as it can be. CD

Encourage a puppy to be happy in the field before you embark on any formal training