It’s Not Always the Dog: A Reflection on Gundog Training and Owner Accountability
Gundog training is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have with a dog. It’s about teamwork, trust and communication, the kind that goes beyond basic obedience and taps into instinct, purpose and partnership. But there’s one truth that every experienced trainer eventually learns, sometimes the hard way: it’s not always the dog that needs training, sometimes it’s us.
The Mirror We Don’t Always Want to Look Into
When things start going wrong, a dog that won’t recall, breaks on the flush, poor heelwork or loses focus in the field, it’s tempting to look at the dog and say, “He’s stubborn,” or “She just doesn’t get it.”
But if we’re honest, the real issue often starts at the other end of the lead.
Dogs learn from us, our consistency, our timing, our tone and our body language. If we’re unclear, inconsistent or impatient, that confusion filters straight down the line. The dog isn’t “being difficult.” They’re trying to make sense of the signals we’re giving them.
Training the Owner, Not Just the Dog
The best trainers I’ve met spend as much time coaching owners as they do handling dogs. Why? Because the dog’s progress depends on what happens after the training session, when the owner takes the lead.
If the owner’s timing is off, if the corrections are too harsh or too late or if praise comes at the wrong moment the message to the dog gets muddled. The trainer can build the foundation but it’s the owner who must maintain it.
That’s why, when I work with gundogs and their handlers, I make a point to explain the why behind each exercise. When owners understand the reasoning, not just the rule, they become more confident, patient and fair and funnily enough, when that shift happens, the dog’s behaviour usually improves overnight.
Accountability Is Everything
Accountability doesn’t mean beating yourself up when things go wrong. It means owning your part in the process. It’s about asking questions like:
- Did I give my dog a fair chance to succeed?
- Have I been consistent with my cues and routines?
- Did I practice enough this week or am I expecting results I haven’t earned?
Dogs are honest creatures. They don’t fake enthusiasm or hide resentment. They simply respond to what we give them. So, when something isn’t working, accountability means taking a step back and adjusting our approach before blaming the dog.
Progress Comes from Partnership
At its heart, gundog training is a partnership. It’s not about control it’s about communication. When we take responsibility for our role as the leader, teacher and teammate, the relationship deepens. The trust grows and that’s when the magic happens, when you and your dog move together in quiet understanding, reading each other without a word.
Training isn’t a straight line. It’s a journey, one that challenges us as much as it does our dogs. But if we stay humble, patient and accountable the rewards go far beyond ribbons or retrieves.
They show up in those moments when your dog looks back at you, eyes bright, tail wagging, ready for whatever comes next because they trust you completely.
If your gundog is struggling, take a breath and look inward before looking outward. Training isn’t just about shaping the dog, it’s about shaping ourselves into the kind of handler our dog deserves.