SPORTING ANSWERS
A new shooting companion
GUNDOG TRAINING
Q My springer bitch is eight years old and has just finished another season of hard work, but she is ready to slow down and it won’t be long before she is too old to come out with me, so I am considering getting a new puppy. Can I safely introduce a new puppy to the family? What should I do to avoid any issues between the old dog and the new arrival? My springer is good-natured, but she is closely attached to me and can be somewhat over-possessive.
A This is a problem many who have a loyal shooting companion have to face when the time comes to finding a replacement. It’s understandable that these dogs might feel they are being undermined when a new and unruly puppy enters the household. The old girl may decide to make her supremacy quite plain to the puppy, so you have to keep an eye out. Applying her seniority is inevitable, but you do not want a vicious attack on the new arrival. She has to accept that the youngster is
