Week 2 – Steadiness: The Cornerstone of a Reliable Gundog

Steadiness is the cornerstone of a reliable gundog. Here’s how to build calm, focus, and self-control step by step.

Week 2 – Steadiness: The Cornerstone of a Reliable Gundog

If there’s one word that comes up repeatedly in gundog training, it’s steadiness. For some, it’s the holy grail – and for good reason. Steadiness is not just about control; it’s about teaching your dog to remain calm and think clearly, even when the world around them is full of excitement.

True steadiness looks like:

Waiting calmly to be sent for a retrieve.
Sitting to shot or flush without chasing.
Ignoring the movement of other dogs.
Holding focus when something falls just out of reach.

This doesn’t come naturally to most dogs. After all, every instinct is telling them to run! But steadiness is what makes a dog safe, reliable, and a pleasure to work with.

Start small. Ask for a sit while you drop a dummy at your feet. Once that’s solid, toss the dummy a few feet away. Build gradually, making sure your dog succeeds more than they fail. And don’t forget to practise steadiness around other dogs – it’s one of the biggest tests you’ll face in the field.

It’s tempting to rush, but steadiness built too quickly can unravel just as fast. A dog that learns patience step by step will give you confidence for a lifetime. Remember – steadiness isn’t about suppression. It’s about choice, clarity, and self-control.