23/10/2026
🐾 Your dog retrieves dummies beautifully… but what happens when you introduce cold game?
It’s easy to assume that a dog who loves retrieving dummies will automatically know what to do when presented with a bird.
But cold game is a very different experience.
The smell, texture, feathers, weight and shape can all influence how a dog responds.
Some dogs pick up their first bird without a second thought.
Others might hesitate, investigate it, mouth it, carry it awkwardly or simply decide they’d rather not pick it up at all.
And here’s the important bit…
That doesn’t automatically mean your dog is being stubborn or disobedient.
They may simply be unsure about something unfamiliar.
How we respond to those early experiences can have a lasting influence on our dog’s confidence and enthusiasm for retrieving game.
Rather than rushing the process or putting pressure on the dog, we want to help them understand what we’re asking and build positive associations with the experience.
And it’s not just about that first retrieve. We also want dogs that are comfortable picking, carrying and delivering game confidently.
🐾 COLD GAME WORKSHOP – 5 & 6 DECEMBER 🐾
Join Gemma Cox at Completely Gundogs in Mid Wales for two days dedicated to developing your dog’s confidence and skills around cold game.
With just 6 handlers, there’ll be plenty of individual attention and opportunities to work at your dog’s level.
✅ Cold game supplied
✅ Small group training
✅ Experienced, supportive coaching
✅ Our varied private training grounds
Whether you’re preparing for future shoot days or want to develop your dog’s game-retrieving skills, this is a fantastic opportunity to work on an important part of gundog training.
📩 Message us for availability and booking details.
Because a confident game retrieve starts long before your dog is sent for a bird on a shoot day.
