A tale of Canine Companions

Whether you have a furry friend at home that’s leaving a dog-shaped hole in your heart, or you’ve always harboured a deep affection for dogs but never had the chance to call one your own, you can embrace some quality time with our gundogs under the rolling Ochil Hills at The Glorious Playground. Gundog experiences at the Glen are suitable for all ages, whether you’re looking for tips and tricks on the art of dog training or simply seeking some wholesome family entertainment, we’ve got you covered.

‘Gun-dog experiences at Gleneagles are perfect for all ages and capabilities. We have a team of 10 dogs, a mixture of Labradors, Spaniels and Flat coat Retrievers, ranging from 1 years old to 8 years old so we have a dog perfect for everyone.’ says Iona McKechnie, a true dog aficionado who discovered her passion for dogs from a young age and further fell in love with them when she started volunteering at Gleneagles from the age of 15.

The gun dog training school is suitable for novices and enthusiasts alike. Our expert team can tailor lessons to your specific desires and requirements. ‘A lot of guests arrive citing problems training their young pups seeking tips and advice on training, the luxury is that we have a vast variety in the ages of our dogs so we are able to show people how to handle young excitable dogs and which training steps are required’ says Iona.

However, gundog experiences don’t have to be for those who are just looking for training, for guests who are intrigued by gundogs in terms of sport and are eager to witness the remarkable skills of these dogs in action, Gleneagles can offer captivating demonstrations. The capable handlers select fully trained dogs, employing various decoys and equipment, including dummy launchers, to simulate long- distance retrieves, mirroring the challenges faced during a traditional shoot.

Meet the dogs

Callie

Age: 2 years old
Breed: Cocker Spaniel
Biography: Callie is an outgoing happy wee dog who is very cheeky at times. She is the smallest in the pack but certainly the loudest. We have had Callie since she was 8 weeks old. Her favourite treat is a denta stick and she has rewarded with one when she has been a good girl! Rarely seen without a tennis ball in her mouth!

Jess

Age: 7 years old
Breed: Labrador Retriever
Biography: Jess is one of the most hard working, determined dogs we have ever had. She always seeks to please her handler and her favourite thing to do is go out into the heather to complete some long- distance retrieves.

Raven

Age: 7.5 years old
Breed: Labrador Retriever
Biography: Raven loves his red bone toy he’s never without it. He is the most relaxed gundog, always keen for a tummy rub and to give you a paw.

Falcon

Age: 18 months old
Breed: Labrador Retriever
Biography: Falcon is our craziest, funniest, and goofiest dog. He is always full of beans and is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. He tries his hardest for you every time he is out but sometimes the puppy excitement takes over. His favourite hobby is swimming in the loch.

Corrie

Age: 6 years old
Breed: Labrador Retriever
Biography: Corrie is our vegetarian gundog. She is allergic to every meat except venison (she has expensive taste) and her favourite food is one of her plant-based chews. Her favourite thing to do is give cuddles.

Finch

Age: 7 years old
Breed: Labrador Retriever
Biography: Finch may be 7 years old, but he has the attitude of a 7 month old puppy! He loves to smile at you, he’s hardworking, and loves to make humans happy. His favourite thing to do is sit on your lap and act like he’s a lap dog!

Gundogs trace back to Roman times when they were primarily employed for hunting and retrieving game such as deer and wild boar. Surprisingly, hunting as a sport gained popularity only in the Restoration era when King Charles II introduced shooting at flying birds to England and Wales in 1660. Over time, dogs were selectively bred for their unique abilities, matching the diverse hunting landscapes. Nowadays, since hunting for livestock is no longer a necessity, hunting and gundogs has become a sport. Different categories of hunting evolved depending on the landscape so breeding dogs for specific skill sets became necessary. For example, wetland hunting required dogs with water resistant coats, an excellent nose and the stamina to spend long periods of time in water.

Deer hunting required speed, stamina and strength combined with patience and obedience. Game that needed to be flushed from hiding places out in the open fells required a dog with high energy levels to cover large amounts of ground at speed. Prey that was underground required smaller, ferocious dogs that could fit down tunnels and burrows.

‘Training constitutes a large segment of the Gleneagles gundogs day-to-day’ says Iona. Training is a cornerstone of the Gleneagles gundog’s daily routine, with dogs hitting their prime training age at around four years old. Attempting to train them earlier can be particularly challenging due to their boundless energy and distractions. Training involves a blend of correction and positive reinforcement, emphasising the importance of consistency, especially in activities like ‘stay’, where a dog should remain steadfast even in the face of distractions.

Iona’s team offer a variety of memorable experiences for all ages, ranging from 45-minute sessions to hour-long adventures. Introductory sessions encompass essential skills like whistle commands and retrieving dummies, tailored for beginners and families seeking unique entertainment. Family lessons are another cherished option, perfect for groups or families with young children. These sessions incorporate interactive games while retaining a focus on gundog work. The experience culminates in a leisurely walk through the hotel’s grounds, including charming stops for group photos.

Every day our dogs embark on a morning romp over expansive terrain, chasing their shadows off-leash and shedding their morning exuberance. On return, they eagerly enjoy a hearty meal. The morning continues with lessons, where guests and dogs engage in mutual learning. In the afternoon, the team refines training exercises with the dogs, and eventually, our four-legged friends bask in well-deserved relaxation and playtime in their designated exercise paddocks. For those eager to meet our furry companions, a visit to the front lawn unveils a patient gathering of wagging tails, awaiting your company.