Winter is a season of opportunity when you have working dogs, but it is not without its challenges. If you've got a spaniel in the beating line, you may find they've 'got away from you' somewhat as the season draws on. If that's the case, Ben Randall's article on harnessing your dog's natural hunting instinct and ensuring a more harmonious experience for both dog and handler is a must-read in this issue. There's also practical advice from vet nurse Laura Hawkins on caring for your dog during cold snaps.
Winter is also the time of year when the best of the best in the trialling world compete at their respective championships. In this issue we have reports from the IGL Retriever Championship and the Kennel Club HPR Championship, while at the other end of the spectrum we've a training update on cocker pup Nessie, who is enjoying 'star pupil' status at the kennels of Mordor Gundogs as her training moves up a gear.
Dr Hugh Brady has made up countless champion Irish red setters and in this issue Jon Kean speaks to him about his recipe for success, while Professional Hunter James Quin in South Africa tells us about his dog of a lifetime.
We've also got a feature on wildfowling dogs and an ode to cocker spaniels from GJ reader Alan Dent.
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Remedial hunting training with Ben Randall
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Winter care for gundogs
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Five of the best dog treats
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Dog-friendly accommodation round-up
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Planning ahead for a new member of the pack
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Training spaniels for occasional wildfowling
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Leptospirosis: a case-study
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Dr Hugh Brady interview
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Reports: HPR Championship & IGL Retriever Championship