Sunny Days and Breaking Clays: Gundog and Field Trials

As the summer season draws to a close, for those passionate about a day in the field, the excitement is only just beginning.

But it’s not only the shooters who start to stir, as many four-legged friends share in the excitement; loyal companions carrying on the tradition of country sports. Shooting is as much about the dogs as it is about the guns, and of course, the iconic gundog remains a central figure.

In this post, we’re here to walk you through the highlights of working with man’s best friend out in the field. From the discipline of trials to the thrill of the drive, and why, for many, it’s these moments between handler and companion that make the sport so special.

From Field to Trial: The Working Dog Tradition

Behind every great shooting day is a team of well-trained, loyal gundogs and their dedicated handlers. Whether it’s the Labrador watching every fall, the pointer seeking out hidden game, or the spaniel flushing from cover, there’s no doubt that they’re part of the beating heart of British shooting tradition.

Working gundogs is a country sport in its own right, and one that, like any sport, demands skill, patience, respect and technique. These dogs aren’t just trained for tricks, but for a job rooted deep within their nature, with each bringing role-specific traits that can be categorised into three main breed groups:

 

• Spaniels - Excel at flushing game from hedgerows and cover crops, usually used for beating and flushing roles. 
  
  
  
• Labradors, Retrievers, and dual-role dogs- Stand ready to mark fallen birds, working calmly to command and retrieve on a busy driven day.
  
  
  
  
• Pointers, Setters and HPRs- Range over the fields, helping to seek out and indicate game. 

Together, gundogs transform a shoot day from a solitary pursuit into a true team effort, with every successful retrieve or well-set drive serving as a testament to the training, instinct, and trust built over hours of hard work.

Gundog and Field Trials: An Overview

It’s no surprise, then, that gundog trials have become a proud part of British country sports - and a popular one too! Designed to showcase the working skills of gundogs in competitive settings, field trials aim to replicate a typical day’s shoot as closely as possible.

During these trials, dogs are expected to handle a variety of game, including rabbits and hares, as well as partridges and pheasants. They demonstrate tasks such as searching for and retrieving game, marking, following a trail, and responding to their handler's signals and commands.

Different types of gundog trials in the UK have their own sets of rules and objectives, but competitors are often judged on aspects such as steadiness, retrieval, and obedience. The main types of gundog trials in the UK are: 

Hunt Tests

Hunt tests are non-competitive events designed to assess a gundog's basic hunting skills, with dogs tested on their ability to find, flush, and retrieve game- an excellent starting point for novice handlers and young dogs.

Field Trials

Competitive events that test a dog's advanced hunting skills, evaluated based on their ability to complete complex tasks, including hunting, retrieving, and following signals and commands. Field trials are further divided into open, novice, and all-age categories, making for a wide range of ages and experience levels.

Working Tests

Working tests are like field trials, but minus the live game. Instead, dogs are tested on their ability to perform specific tasks, such as finding and retrieving dummies or obeying their handler's commands in various scenarios —an excellent way to prepare a dog and its handler for field trials and shooting days.

Practice Makes Perfect

Gundog trials aren’t just great sport; they’re one of the best ways to prepare for the real thing. Trials and working tests are where skills are sharpened, partnerships are tested, and dogs are fine-tuned for full days in the shooting field, including:

• Realistic Training

Simulating a real shoot day but in a controlled environment, dogs gain the exposure they need to stay sharp in the field, making them the ideal place to iron out issues before you're out on the peg.

• Handler Confidence

Not just for the dogs, trials and working tests also build the handler’s skill set. Reading the wind, handling at a distance, or knowing when not to blow the whistle, confidence only grows with experience.

• Physical and Mental Conditioning

 From working through brambles to attention through long waits, trials help dogs build stamina and focus, helping them find their rhythm before the season starts.

• Socialising and Community

 Let’s not forget the social side! Trials bring together like-minded handlers, keepers, and trainers, with the gatherings just as important off the line as on it.

Field Prep Checklist

You’ve trained, you’ve tested, you’re ready to get started, so here’s a final trial tick-list to make sure you’ve got everything you need to show up trial-ready and meaning business:

For Your Dog

• Training Aids- Start with a selection of Bisley dummies, from standard canvas to rabbit-skin variants; they’re a key part of the training kit. And if you’re starting early, don’t miss the Puppy Training Kit if you’ve got a young hopeful in tow.
  
  
• Whistle and Lead- Pair with a reliable Acme whistle for consistency in commands and a sturdy Bisley slip lead for quick control, and you’ll be off to a flying start.
  
  
• Towels and Cleaning- A good day usually means some muddy paws! Throw In a Henry Wag microfibre towel for a quick wipe down, and a pack of Animology Clean Sheets to get the worst off before they jump into the boot!
  
  
  
  

For Yourself

Of course, the best-prepared handlers also think about their own kit too, and one solid, weatherproof outfit can last you the entire season.

• Coat or Smock- Think reliable waterproofing with a practical cut for movement and handling. A Deerhunter PRO Gamekeeper Smock or the Lady Gabby Jacket offers both warmth and protection (whatever your preference for coat or smock may be!)
  
  
• Trousers- Pair with some weather-ready field trousers to keep you dry through heather, bramble, and bog, and you’ll be covered from trails to shoot days aplenty.
  
  
• Footwear- A non-negotiable. Comfortable, supportive boots will carry you from the first whistle to the final retrieve.
  
  
  
  
• Bag- It may seem minor, but a well-stocked Jack Pyke dog bag keeps your essentials (whistle, spare lead, dummies) on hand and organised.
  
  
• Essential Extras- Don’t forget the finishing touches: a Stanley flask for a post-run brew and a Henry Wag treat travel bag to reward those good pups.
  
  
  
  

Ready for the Season?

As every seasoned handler knows, shooting is about far more than pulling the trigger. These events aren’t just good fun, but a vital part of preparing for the game season, with Hunt Tests, Field Trials, and Working Tests celebrating the skill, discipline, and partnership between dog and handler that form part of the country sports tradition loved by many.

Beginner or experienced, competitive or just for fun, trials and tests offer something for everyone and every level. Whether you're gearing up for a season with your dog or just looking to make a start this season, you can explore our full range of field clothing, shooting essentials, and dog-handling gear to get you and your trusty companion field-trial ready.

And finally, thank you for joining us for our summer shooting series. We hope you’ve enjoyed the sunny days, the breaking clays and of course, time in the field with man’s best friend. If you're after more country sports content, not to worry! Make sure to keep an eye on our Serious News page for guides, gear tips, and all things country sports.

About The Author 

Sarah Holland 

With her extensive first-hand experience of farm life and a keen eye for quality, Sarah Holland has a genuine appreciation for the tradition of rural living. Whether it's country sports attire or durable wellies for muddy walks, she knows what works for life in the countryside. Sarah loves sharing her knowledge and insights to help others discover the perfect equipment for their outdoor lifestyle.