Directional Gundog Training – Teaching a Springer Spaniel Left, Right and Back
Share
Directional Gundog Training – Teaching a Springer Spaniel Left, Right and Back
Directional training is one of the most rewarding stages of gundog training. It allows you to communicate with your dog at distance and helps create a more efficient, confident, and controlled working companion.
In our latest YouTube video, Carl works with Kugae, our Springer Spaniel, on the stages of directional control. The session focuses on teaching the dog to take left, right, and back commands while maintaining steadiness and confidence throughout the exercise.
Watch the Video
Be sure to watch the full training session below to see exactly how we introduce directional work and develop a dog's understanding step by step.
https://youtu.be/seClQRPAiDE
What Is Directional Gundog Training?
Directional training teaches a dog to travel in a specific direction when instructed by the handler.
The three main directions are:
Left
Right
Back
These commands allow you to guide your dog towards a retrieve that it may not have seen fall.
As a result, the dog learns to trust your handling and work efficiently over greater distances.
For working gundogs, this skill becomes invaluable during shooting days, field trials, and advanced training exercises.
Why Directional Work Matters
Many owners focus heavily on retrieving and hunting. However, directional control is equally important.
A dog that understands directions can:
Find unseen retrieves
Work more accurately at distance
Stay connected to the handler
Build confidence in challenging situations
Reduce unnecessary hunting and running
Furthermore, good directional work helps prevent frustration for both dog and handler.
The clearer the communication becomes, the easier the training journey is.
Building the Foundations First
Before introducing directional training, your dog should already understand some basic skills.
These include:
Steadiness
A dog must remain calm and wait for instruction.
Without steadiness, directional work becomes difficult because the dog is already making its own decisions.
Recall
A reliable recall is essential.
If the dog can return when asked, you can manage and guide the training more effectively.
Basic Retrieving
The dog should enjoy retrieving and understand the reward of finding and carrying an item back to the handler.
These foundations make directional training much easier to introduce.
Teaching Left, Right and Back
In the video, Carl begins introducing simple directional exercises.
The aim is not speed.
Instead, the focus is on understanding.
Dogs learn far more effectively when exercises are kept simple and achievable.
As confidence grows, distance can gradually be increased.
Over time, the dog begins to understand that different commands mean different directions.
Eventually, these signals become second nature.
Confidence Is Key
One of the biggest mistakes handlers make is progressing too quickly.
Directional work should build confidence rather than create pressure.
If a dog becomes confused, it often starts guessing.
This can lead to frustration and reduced confidence.
Instead, keep sessions short and positive.
Allow the dog to succeed regularly.
As a result, the dog becomes more willing to trust your guidance.
Developing Better Communication
At its heart, directional training is about communication.
A well-trained gundog should look to its handler for guidance when faced with uncertainty.
This partnership is what makes advanced gundog work so enjoyable.
Whether you own a working Springer Spaniel, Labrador Retriever, Cocker Spaniel, or a pet gundog, directional training helps strengthen that relationship.
The dog learns to trust your instructions, and you learn how to guide your dog more effectively.
Directional Training at Kugae Gundogs
At Kugae Gundogs, we regularly teach directional work as part of our foundation, intermediate, and advanced training programmes.
Every dog progresses at its own pace.
Therefore, we tailor the training to suit the individual dog's confidence, experience, and ability.
Our goal is always to create calm, confident dogs that enjoy their work and understand what is being asked of them.
Final Thoughts
Directional training is an important step in developing a reliable gundog.
Although it can seem complex at first, the process becomes much easier when broken down into simple stages.
With patience, consistency, and good foundations, dogs can learn to take left, right, and back directions confidently and accurately.
If you would like help with your dog's directional work, feel free to contact us to discuss our group classes, one-to-one lessons, or residential training programmes. 07505 014363
https://www.kugaegundogs.uk/collections
Don't forget to watch the full YouTube video to see Carl demonstrate these exercises with a young Springer Spaniel in a real training session. https://youtu.be/seClQRPAiDE