Gundog Training
SHOW DOG or GUNDOG or BOTH?
Excerpt from ‘The Flatcoated Retriever’ book by Paddy Petch:
"The Flat Coat has lost a great deal of the popularity it had a hundred years ago when it was the shooting dog for gentlemen. It has been superseded by the other Retrievers, particularly the Labrador, but having said that, the Flat Coat is still the only truly dual purpose Retriever out of the three for the same dogs are both shown and worked. At present there are not the structural differences to be found in this breed as in the other two, when show and work strains almost look like two different dogs. Flat Coat Retriever enthusiasts are trying hard to retain the working side of these dogs and while not everybody has either the time or the facilities to reach field trial standards, most People can train a dog to fetch a dummy and reach working test levels.”
Gundog Training Sessions
Our regular gundog training sessions are held at three different venues:
East Linton (East Lothian) - every third Sunday morning - puppies, 09:15-10:00; Beginners and Advanced, 10:00 to 12:00. There is a charge of £2 per handler to cover the hire of the ground.
Dundonald (Ayrshire) - held every third Friday evening, 19:00-20:00. There is a small fee for this session to cover the field hire depending on how many handlers turn up on the evening. This session is suitable for puppies and beginners.
Dechmont (West Lothian) - held every third Friday evening 19:00-20:00. This is more suitable for puppies that have some basic obedience, or beginners.
We cater for total beginners and the more advanced. Although none of us are professional trainers we have a wealth of knowledge and experience between us that we are happy to pass on. Training covers basic obedience, eg heelwork, recall, sits, stays etc and of course, there is some retrieving. As the dogs advance we move on to directional and distance work. We also hope to re-introduce the club Gundog Training Assessments for those that would like to take them.
All we ask (apart from having a flatcoat) is that you are a member of the Flatcoated Retriever Club of Scotland.
If you would like further information or would like to attend the training, please contact Lindsay Kinnaird,
Email Lindsay.kinnaird@btinternet.com Tel. (01899) 225491

(from left to right) Lindsay Kinnaird with Nuis, Peter Sweatman with Flint, Lorna Rowan with Narah, Wilma Laing with Aki, Kirsten McLeod with Evie, and Linda Howson with Kenzie. Photo courtesy of Peter Howson.
It is thanks to Peter Sweatman whose son in law manages the estate that we can train here.
Gundog Training Assessments
- The handler must have been a member of the Flatcoated Retriever Club of Scotland for at least 4 months before taking an assessment.
- Dogs must be at least 6 months old before taking grade one.
- Assessments must be taken in order.
- No bitch in season may be entered in an assessment.
- If, in the obedience exercises the dog moves without command or is unsteady at any time.
- Not retrieving to hand (with the exception of grade 1, where the dog must bring the dummy within 3 feet of the handler).
- For barking or whining.
- For overhandling.
- For excessive use of voice or whistle
.