Post-Season Gundog Care: What’s Next After the Shooting Season Ends?

As the shooting season draws to a close, many gundog owners take a moment to reflect on their dog’s performance and the memories made in the field. But the end of the season doesn’t mean the work is over. This period is vital for ensuring your gundog recovers well and is set up for success when the next season rolls around. Here, we’ll explore the essential steps to care for your gundog immediately after the season ends and how to start preparing for the future.

Immediate Post-Season Care

After months of hard work in the field, your gundog deserves proper care and attention to recover both physically and mentally. The first few weeks post-season should focus on rest, recovery, and routine health checks.

1. Health Check and Vet Visit:

   • The intense physical demands of the shooting season can leave your dog with minor injuries or strains you may not have noticed in the field so keep a watchful eye on them over the next few weeks. You could also schedule a thorough check-up with your vet, if you think it is necessary, to identify any issues, such as joint strain, ear infections, or cuts.

   • Pay particular attention to their paws, as they can take a beating from rough terrain. Clean and inspect them for injuries or signs of wear.

2. Diet and Weight Management:

   • During the season, your gundog’s caloric intake likely increased to fuel their activity. Now that their workload has decreased, adjust their diet accordingly to prevent too much weight gain, but remember they may need to put on condition after a tough season.

   • Consider a high-quality diet that supports joint health and recovery, particularly if your dog is older.

3. Rest and Recovery:

   • Your gundog has earned a rest period. Allow them to have downtime to recuperate, avoiding intense training sessions in the immediate aftermath of the season.

   • Monitor their mobility and behaviour during this rest phase. Limping, stiffness, or reluctance to move could indicate underlying issues that need attention.

4. Mental Wellbeing:

   • Gundogs thrive on routine and mental stimulation, so while rest is important, don’t neglect enrichment activities such as puzzle toys or light obedience training to keep their minds engaged.

Building the Foundations for the Next Season

Once your dog has had time to recover, it’s time to think about the next steps. The off-season is the perfect time to focus on foundational skills, refine their abilities, and address any weaknesses observed during the shooting season.

1. Review and Reflect:

   • Take stock of your gundog’s performance during the season. Were there any behaviours or skills that could use improvement? For example, was their recall consistent, or did they struggle with steadiness in the line?

   • Make a training plan to address these areas systematically.

2. Back to Basics Training:

   • Use the off-season to reinforce core skills such as recall, sit, stay, and heel. These fundamental commands are the backbone of any well-trained gundog.

   • Work on steadiness and patience, perhaps by recreating controlled shooting scenarios with dummies or cold game.

3. Fitness Regimen:

   • Gradually reintroduce regular exercise to maintain your gundog’s fitness. Start with low-impact activities such as swimming or controlled lead walks before progressing to running or retrieving drills.

   • Tailor the intensity of exercise to your dog’s age, breed, and health status to prevent injury.

4. Socialisation and Confidence Building:

   • If your gundog struggled with distractions or new environments during the season, work on exposure to different settings, noises, and other dogs. Controlled training days or group sessions can be beneficial.

5. Preparation for Gundog Events:

   • The off-season is a fantastic time to participate in gundog training days or working tests. These events simulate field conditions and help keep your dog sharp while providing valuable opportunities to refine their skills.

6. Gear Maintenance:

   • Take the time to clean, repair, or replace any equipment used during the season, such as leads, collars, and game bags. Proper maintenance ensures you’re ready for action when the new season starts.

Setting Goals for the Next Season

The off-season isn’t just about maintenance; it’s also a time for goal-setting. Whether you’re aiming to improve your gundog’s performance in specific areas, compete in field trials, or simply enjoy more seamless days in the field, having clear objectives will guide your training efforts.

1. Skill Enhancement:

   • Consider introducing advanced training elements, such as blind retrieves or directional handling, to take your gundog’s abilities to the next level.

2. Health Monitoring:

   • Keep an eye on your dog’s physical condition throughout the off-season. Regular check-ins and a balanced training regimen will ensure they’re fit and ready when the season starts.

3. Consistency is Key:

   • Regular, short training sessions are more effective than sporadic, lengthy ones. Consistency keeps your gundog engaged and prevents skill fade.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your gundog is healthy, happy, and prepared for the next shooting season. The off-season is just as important as the shooting months themselves, providing the foundation for future success and enjoyment in the field.