Positive Gundog Training: Busting the Myth of the "Soft Dog"

Positive training isn’t just for “soft” dogs. It’s a thoughtful, effective method that works with any breed.

Positive Gundog Training: Busting the Myth of the "Soft Dog"

There’s a long-standing myth in the gundog world: Positive reinforcement only works for soft dogs.
You’ll hear it ringside at trials, whispered on shoot days, or in the back row of a training group. But it’s simply not true.

Let’s dig into why this myth persists—and why it’s time to leave it behind.

What Do People Mean by a "Soft Dog"?

The term “soft” is often used (inconsistently) to describe dogs that are sensitive to pressure—whether that’s physical corrections, raised voices, or sudden environmental changes. They may be more naturally handler-focused or prone to disengagement when they feel overwhelmed.

In contrast, “hard” dogs are thought of as bold, independent, and sometimes stubborn. These are the dogs people say “need a firmer hand.”

But what’s often missed is this:
Every dog has a unique learning history, emotional range, and motivation profile.
Positive training doesn’t only suit a type—it suits a process. And it’s one that works with how dogs actually learn.

Positive Training Isn’t About Being Gentle. It’s About Being Clear.

Positive reinforcement doesn’t mean letting dogs do what they like. It means being deliberate about what you do want and reinforcing that effectively.

It requires:

Excellent timing
Sharp observation
A plan tailored to the individual dog
Consistency and clarity from the handler

This approach is just as effective for the high-drive spaniel who barrels through cover as it is for the thoughtful golden retriever who pauses before acting. In fact, it can often bring more reliability and steadiness to the dogs that traditional methods have struggled to reach.

It’s Not About If It Works—It’s About How It’s Applied

Positive training isn’t a watered-down version of “real” gundog work. When done properly, it includes:

Clear cues the dog understands
Strong reinforcement history for behaviours under field distractions
Appropriate consequences, such as the absence of reinforcement when a dog breaks

It’s not permissive—it’s principled.

The Danger of Labelling Dogs

Labelling a dog as “hard” or “soft” can lead us to make excuses or apply pressure inappropriately. It’s more helpful to ask:

What motivates this dog?
What is their learning history?
How do they respond under pressure?
What kind of support helps them thrive?

When we ask better questions, we make better training decisions.

Real-World Benefits in the Field

A dog trained with positive methods tends to:

Check in more naturally with the handler
Build confidence through success, not suppression
Recover from mistakes without shutting down
Work in partnership rather than by force or fear

Isn’t that exactly what we want when the birds are flying and everything’s moving fast?

Conclusion

The idea that positive training is only for “soft” dogs is outdated and unhelpful. Every gundog—regardless of breed, temperament or drive—can thrive with thoughtful, consistent, fair training rooted in reinforcement. It’s not about being soft. It’s about being smart.

So the next time someone says, “That method wouldn’t work for my dog,” you can smile and say,
“Maybe you just haven’t tried it the right way yet.”