Always the Edwardian country gentleman’s companion, these days the flatcoated retriever still has its fans, although its popularity has been eclipsed by the labrador. (Read: Flatcoated retrievers – the Edwardian…
David Tomlinson
How to introduce a puppy to an older dog
Ensuring a new recruit is welcomed by long-standing residents can be a tricky business. So how do you go about introducing a puppy to an older dog? (Read: When to…
Bringing dogs as guests. Should you?
Many years ago an old friend suggested that my wife and I might like to stay with him in his house in Devon during a brief visit to the West…
Is a raw diet healthy for a dog? Looking at the facts
Dogs are remarkable animals: they will live, and even thrive, on the most unlikely of diets. Vegetarian food for dogs has been around for years and now vegan food is…
How to create your own nature reserve
Rare plants, exotic trees, stunning sculptures – money can purchase all these things but it can’t buy wildlife. This is what makes creating your own private nature reserve so special.…
Gundog injuries: be prepared
Working your gundog in the beating line, or as a picking up dog, is seldom thought of as a high-risk job. Well, it’s not usually for the handler but it…
Should you neuter your dog?
Is it really a good idea to neuter your dog? The question was prompted by a friend after she had taken her spaniel bitch to the vet to have her…
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels: surprisingly sporty
A while back I interviewed a gundog breeder and trainer with a passion for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. He assured me that the cavalier was the perfect gamebag gundog. You…
Is the pheasant the best gamebird?
The popularity of wild game and large numbers released has tarnished the reputation of the pheasant, argues David Tomlinson. But our best gamebird still deserves the utmost respect – and…
Essential gundog products – what to buy?
Last month, I was walking by a local fishing lake when I was amused to see a carp fisherman struggling to wheel his equipment along the path. I was tempted…