🚩 “Red Flags” in Gundog Training Advice Online

The internet can be a brilliant place for inspiration, connection, and learning, but ................

🚩 “Red Flags” in Gundog Training Advice Online

The internet can be a brilliant place for inspiration, connection, and learning. But when it comes to training gundogs, it's also full of conflicting advice, outdated techniques, and questionable quick-fixes. As more handlers turn to forums, social media, and YouTube for help, it’s important to learn how to spot the red flags that signal potentially harmful or unhelpful guidance.

At Connected Canines, we believe in ethical, evidence-based training rooted in understanding and partnership. So here are some common red flags to watch for when you're scrolling through advice online — and what to do instead.

🚩 Red Flag #1: “You just need to show them who’s boss.”

This phrase is a big warning sign. It suggests a dominance-based mindset that’s been widely debunked. Dogs aren’t trying to “take over” or “win” — they’re trying to make sense of the world and feel safe within it.

🔁 What to do instead: Focus on clear communication, consistent cues, and building trust. Work with your dog, not against them.

🚩 Red Flag #2: “Don’t use food, they should work for you because they respect you.”

Respect doesn’t pay the bills — and it certainly doesn’t reinforce behaviour! This kind of thinking often leads to disengaged dogs and frustrated handlers. Food (or play!) is simply a motivator. In working dogs, we can use it skillfully to build clarity, enthusiasm, and precision.

🔁 What to do instead: Use what your dog finds rewarding to build value in the behaviours you want. For some, that’s food. For others, it’s a tennis ball, praise, or the chance to hunt.

🚩 Red Flag #3: “If they break, give them a good telling off.”

Punishing a dog for breaking (e.g., running in uninvited) may suppress the behaviour temporarily — but it won’t teach the dog what to do instead. In fact, it often creates tension, especially in sensitive or young dogs.

🔁 What to do instead: Reinforce steadiness before the dog breaks. Use distance, timing, and reinforcement to build the behaviour you want. If they do break, use it as information — not an excuse to punish.

🚩 Red Flag #4: “It’s just drive — don’t worry if they snatch or shake the retrieve.”

Yes, working dogs have drive. But unmanaged arousal often leads to messy retrieves, poor delivery, and even possessiveness. Shrugging it off can result in long-term issues that are much harder to fix later.

🔁 What to do instead: Build arousal regulation into your training. Practise stillness and calm handling alongside retrieve games. Teach delivery like it’s just as important as the find.

🚩 Red Flag #5: “That breed should be naturally steady — if they’re not, something’s wrong.”

This one crops up a lot with retrievers, especially labs. But steadiness isn't in the blood — it’s in the training. Breed tendencies can guide our expectations, but they don’t replace the need for thoughtful, progressive work.

🔁 What to do instead: Train the dog you have at that moment. Observe what they’re finding difficult, and adjust your sessions accordingly. Labels are shortcuts, not excuses.

Final Thoughts

There’s no regulation on who can post gundog training content online. Anyone can upload a video, run a Facebook group, or start an Instagram account. That’s why it’s so important to critically evaluate the advice you see — and ask yourself:

Does this align with kind, ethical, science-based training?
Would this build my dog’s confidence or damage it?
Is this about teamwork, or control?

If you're ever in doubt, ask someone who is registered with a professional body like the ABTC or PPG, or reach out to a trainer whose methods you trust.

You and your dog deserve training that feels good, works well, and builds a bond that lasts a lifetime. Let’s keep raising the bar for gundog work — both in the field and online.