How to Keep Your Gundog in Peak Condition Between Seasons

The shooting season might be over, but for gundog owners, the work is far from done. The months between seasons are actually one of the most important periods for maintaining your dog’s health, fitness and overall condition and what you do during this time can make a real difference when the next season comes around.

Of course, every dog is different. What works well for one gundog may not suit another, and it is always worth paying attention to your individual dog’s needs rather than applying a one size fits all approach. That said, there are some general areas that many gundog owners find worth thinking about during the off season.

Adjusting Exercise Levels

During a busy working season, a gundog can cover a significant amount of ground each day. When that activity drops off, it is worth considering how you manage exercise to keep your dog in good shape without overdoing it.

Many owners find that regular, steady exercise through the off season such as walks, swimming or light retrieval work helps maintain muscle tone and keeps their dog mentally stimulated. Others introduce more structured training sessions to keep their dog sharp and focused ahead of the next season.

There is no single right answer here. Some dogs thrive with a more relaxed off season routine, while others do better with consistent daily activity. Watching your dog and adjusting accordingly tends to be the most reliable approach.

Gundog Nutrition Between Seasons

Gundog nutrition is something many owners reassess during the off season, and it is a topic that often comes up in conversations with other handlers and keepers.

When a gundog moves from intensive working activity to a quieter routine, their energy requirements change. Getting gundog food right during this period is just as important as it is mid-season. Some owners choose to adjust portion sizes or move to a lower protein formula, while others keep their dog on the same food year round. This tends to depend on the individual dog, their breed, age, body condition and how active they remain out of season.

At Squires & Beaumont, our Field Dog & Game range has been designed with exactly this kind of flexibility in mind. Our four formulas offer different protein levels to suit different life stages and activity levels, so owners can find the right gundog food for their dog’s current needs:

• Puppy (29% protein) — for younger dogs still developing
• Keepers Choice (19% protein) — a popular choice for gundogs who are less active between seasons
• Regular (23% protein) — suits many dogs who maintain a reasonable level of daily exercise throughout the year
• Regular Plus (26% protein) — often favoured by dogs who remain highly active even out of season

All of our formulas are made from quality British ingredients, contain no artificial flavours or colourings, and include all 25 essential vitamins and minerals. Our gundog food also has a high digestibility of around 84%, which means your dog’s digestive system can make the most of the nutrients available, potentially meaning smaller portions and less waste.

As always, if you are unsure about what gundog nutrition is right for your dog, it is worth speaking to your vet, who can advise based on your dog’s individual health and condition.

Coat and General Condition

The off season is also a good time to pay attention to your dog’s coat, skin and overall condition. A healthy, glossy coat is often a good general indicator that a dog is doing well, though it is not the only sign to look out for.

Regular grooming, flea and tick prevention and routine vet checks are all things many gundog owners build into their off season routine. If you notice any changes in your dog’s coat, energy levels, appetite or behaviour, it is always worth getting them checked over.

Training and Mental Stimulation

Gundogs are intelligent, driven animals and many do not respond well to long periods of low stimulation. The off season can be a great opportunity to brush up on training, introduce new exercises or simply spend more quality time working with your dog.

Retrieval drills, scent work and obedience training are all popular choices for keeping a gundog mentally engaged between seasons. Some owners also use this time to address any habits or behaviours they want to work on before the next season begins.

Looking Ahead to Next Season

The dogs that tend to hit the ground running at the start of a new season are often the ones whose owners have kept a consistent routine throughout the off season, in terms of exercise, gundog nutrition and training.

It does not have to be complicated. Small, consistent habits through the quieter months can go a long way towards keeping your gundog in good shape and ready for whatever the next season brings.

Ready to Find the Right Gundog Food for the Off Season?

If you would like to find out more about our Field Dog & Game range and which formula might be the right fit for your gundog, we would love to help.

Browse the full range at squires-beaumont.co.uk

Or get in touch with our team directly:

Call us: 0151 520 1212
Email us: info@squires-beaumont.co.uk

We know many of our customers individually and pride ourselves on the friendly, personal service we provide. Whatever stage of the season you are at, we are always happy to help you find the best nutrition for your dog.

Free delivery on all UK mainland orders. No VAT on any of our working dog food.