BASC strongly recommends that anyone who goes shooting should be accompanied by a trained and competent gundog. Using a well-trained gundog ensures that everything possible has been done for the humane recovery of the quarry and shows a responsible attitude. Furthermore, the ownership and delight in working a well-trained gundog is an enjoyable pastime in itself.

Some basic points of the law

• In Scotland and Northern Ireland those using their dogs for picking up fallen game require a game licence (the game licence in England and Wales was abolished in August 2007).
• All dogs (including gundogs) must, in public places, wear a collar marked with the owner's name and address except where the dog is being used for sporting purposes at the time. Sporting purposes include shooting, beating, picking up and gundog training.
• Dogs must be kept on a lead when on a designated road except where the dog is being used for sporting purposes at the time.
• It is an offence to have any dog dangerously out of control in a place.
• Gundogs must not be sent to retrieve game that has fallen beyond a shoot boundary without the prior consent of the adjoining landowner.  To do so constitutes civil trespass. 
• Owners and handlers of dogs commit an offence if their dogs worry livestock on agricultural land.

The control of dogs

• Landowners and occupiers (or servant) have a defence in law for shooting a dog that is not under the close control of its owner on agricultural land, if it is, or has been worrying livestock, and there is no other reasonable means of preventing the worrying.
• If a dog kills or injures livestock, the keeper (owner or person in possession) is liable for damages to the livestock owner.

Dogs at home

• Ensure that a new puppy is vaccinated to protect it against distemper, hepatitis, parvo virus, leptospirosis and tetanus.
• Ensure that your dog receives an annual booster for parvo virus and leptospirosis and every other year for distemper, hepatitis, and tetanus.
• Ensure that your dog is wormed regularly (as recommended by medication) to control roundworms
• and tapeworms. This is particularly important if young children are Around.
• Ensure that an infestation of lice, fleas, ticks or ear mites is treated promptly. Remember to treat bedding, carpets and furniture used by the dog at the same time.
• Provide your dog with living quarters that are warm, dry and draught free. 
• Ensure that your dog has clean drinking water available at all times.
• Feed good quality food appropriate to the dog's age and work regime.

Dogs in the car

• Never leave your dog unattended in a car unless absolutely unavoidable.  If you have to do so, leave the dog for the minimum time, park in the shade and ensure adequate ventilation.
• Never leave a dog unattended in a car on a hot or sunny day. Even with the windows open a car can quickly become an oven.
• Always carry water and a bowl in the car when transporting your dog.

Welfare of Animals During Transport

If you transport animals you should make sure you know about the new welfare rules and procedures. They came into force on 5 January 2007 and affect anyone transporting dogs in connection with an economic activity.

This is interpreted as any transporting of animals undertaken as part of a business or commercial activity, which aims at achieving financial gain, whether direct or indirect, for any person or company involved with the transport. Beating or picking up on a recreational basis is not an economic activity.

Dogs in the field

• Always treat game with respect.
• Be confident your dog is under your control before you take him out in the field. An untrained dog is a nuisance and a danger to livestock, other dogs and people.
• Ensure that your dog will be welcome before taking him to a shoot to which you have been invited.
• Never take a bitch in season (oestrus) onto a shoot where there will be other dogs.
• Ensure that your dog is under control when not working, and particularly near roads and around cars.
• Remove your dog's collar before going into the field to prevent the dog from being caught on fences, branches etc.
• Know where your dog and others are when walking up cover.
• Know where your dog’s are when loading and closing guns, particularly in confined spaces such as a pigeon or duck hide.
• Check with the keeper where you may pick up and do not let your dog disturb ground which is still to be shot.
• When sending your dog for a retrieve, ensure that the Guns are aware of his presence. If in doubt do not send your dog until shooting has ceased. Particular care should be taken in poor light conditions such as when flighting at dusk.
• Never tie a dog to yourself or your  equipment. Use a proper dog anchor if necessary.

Dogs on the foreshore

• Try to make your dog comfortable - make sure he has a dry seat.
• Send your dog to retrieve birds as they are shot.
• Dogging the tide line will often recover lost birds.

When retrieving from running water, try to get downstream from the dog during the retrieve to avoid returning against the current. The handler should also assess where the dog can get out of the water before sending it to retrieve.

At the end of a shoot

• Check your dog for thorns and cuts and treat them promptly. Carry a first aid kit for your dog in the car and in the field.
• Ensure your dog has access to water.
• Dry your dog off before leaving him in the car or driving home.

Training

• Make sure that training sessions are enjoyable for both you and your dog.
• Formal training will not begin until a puppy is several months old but good manners can be taught from the beginning.
• Gundog training and obedience classes at local clubs can help you and your dog. BASC also runs a nationwide programme of training days.
• Mixing with other dogs will help steady and 'socialise' a young dog.

Insurance

• Consider insuring your dog against veterinary fees, accident and illness, accidental death, loss by theft or straying, recovery and legal costs  and third party liability. Competitive cover is available through the BASC 'Dog Insurance Scheme', details are available on the BASC website.
• Consider marking your dog with a tattoo or implanted chip to help recovery if lost or stolen. Chipping is a legal requirement for those with docked dogs born on or after April 2007.

Revised November 2009

Email
BASC Gundog Hotline: 01244 573019
For BASC Gundog Membership: 01244  573 030

  Gundogs Code of Practice