GUNDOGS & BEYOND

Nick Lambert
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Pets & Animals
  • Updated Monthly

Gundogs & Beyond, hosted by Nick Lambert, is built around informed, thoughtful conversations with experts from across the gundog world and beyond. From top dog men and falconers to habitat specialists and technical experts, the podcast explores the knowledge, experience, and thinking behind success in the field.

Episodes

  1. 18h ago

    Episode 7 - Colin Butcher, Pet Detective, expert in recovering lost and stolen animals.

    The conversation covers a wide range of topics related to dog theft and loss. The conversation delves into the sophisticated operations of dog theft, the role of rural communities, criminal gangs, occupationalists. The conversation covers essential topics related to securing, preventing theft, and recovering lost dogs. It emphasizes the importance of security measures, vulnerabilities, and home security for dogs. Additionally, it covers essential strategies for dog search and rescue, communication risks, engaging the local community, using technology for tracking, preventing opportunistic theft, reward and recovery strategies, and navigating local authority systems. Takeaways Dog theft and smuggling have significant impacts on the welfare of dogs and their owners.Adoption scams and the exploitation of vulnerable dogs are prevalent issues that need to be addressed. Dog theft is a complex and organized criminal activity, involving various categories of thieves and sophisticated operations.The naivety of dog buyers and the lack of effective legislation contribute to the prevalence of dog theft. Importance of securing dogs during travel and overnight staysUnderstanding vulnerabilities and implementing security measuresStrategies for recovering lost dogs and preventing theft Effective dog search and rescue strategies involve understanding the dog's behavior and using the environment to aid in tracking.Social media can pose risks in the search for a missing dog, and communication should be carefully managed to avoid unwanted attention.Engaging the local community and utilizing technology can significantly aid in the search and recovery of a missing dog.Preventing opportunistic theft and understanding the legal implications of dog ownership are crucial in the recovery process. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background03:12 Early Life and Connection with Dogs06:10 Work in the Royal Navy and Police Service09:30 Challenges in Police Dog Training19:31 Impact of Dog Theft and Smuggling28:13 Rescue Dogs and Adoption Scams35:03 Trends in Dog Theft and Exploitation37:01 The Sophisticated Dog Theft Operations37:49 The Role of Rural Communities in Dog Theft38:02 Criminal Gangs and Puppy Buyers39:02 Occupationalists and High-Value Dogs41:18 The Naivety of Dog Buyers43:26 The Opportunist Dog Thieves01:00:18 The Crazies and Acts of Spite01:11:12 The Ineffectiveness of Legislation and Law Enforcement01:15:48 Preventing Dog Theft01:18:13 Securing Your Dog01:19:02 Preventing Dog Theft01:20:10 Security Measures for Dogs01:21:26 Vulnerabilities and Security01:22:15 Home Security for Dogs01:26:00 Tracking and Recovery01:33:19 Recovering a Lost Dog01:36:04 Lost Dog Recovery Strategies01:44:11 Dog Recovery and Prevention01:53:16 Dog Recovery Challenges01:56:37 Dog Search and Rescue Strategies01:58:20 Communication and Social Media Risks01:59:14 Engaging Local Community in the Search02:00:07 Using Technology for Tracking02:03:00 Preventing Opportunistic Theft02:20:45 Reward and Recovery Strategies02:37:11 Navigating Local Authority Systems

  2. Jun 1

    Episode 6 - John Cavana, Upland Specialist

    The conversation covers John's fascination for upland habitats, the training and behaviour of dogs, and wildlife conservation and management. It delves into his personal journey, his experiences with the North York Moors, and the impact of weather and conditions on wildlife behaviour and migration. The conversation explores the impact of scenting conditions on dog behaviour and the importance of understanding the landscape and environmental conditions for maximising the dog's performance. It also explains the learning curve of dogs, the impact of experience on performance, and the potential of dogs as detection machines. Takeaways Upland habitat fascinationTraining and behaviour of dogsWildlife conservation and management Scenting conditions impact dog behaviourUnderstanding the landscape and environmental conditions is crucial for maximising the dog's performance Chapters 00:00 Fascination for Upland Habitats20:51 Wildlife Conservation and Management40:00 The Impact of Scenting Conditions01:03:00 Learning from the Dog

  3. May 1

    Episode 5 - Craig Koshyk, Hunter, Author and Podcaster.

    Craig Koshyk is author of Pointing Dogs Volume 1 – The Continentals and Volume 2 – The British and Irish Breeds. He also hosts the excellent Hunting Dog Confidential podcast and writes for Project Upland Magazine. The discussion covers the author's fascination with writing and researching, the discovery of rare and extinct dog breeds, hunting experiences in different countries, and the vastness and diversity of upland bird hunting in North America. The conversation delves into the hunting culture, contrasting the traditional hunting ethos in Manitoba with the more sport-oriented approach in the US. It also explores the hunting culture in Quebec, the impact of market hunting on conservation efforts, and the distinct hunting traits of different breeds. The journey to a new breed of hunting dog is also discussed, highlighting the personal connection to the breed's origin. The conversation delves into the influence of breeding on hunting behavior, the unique characteristics of French dog breeds and culture, the decline of English setters and pointers, the potential development of an English HPR, and the discussion of genetics and breeding practices. The conversation delves into the art of breeding dogs, the impact of selective breeding, the role of true breeders, challenges in dog breeding, testing and proving working abilities, the evolution of dog traits, the impact of breeding practices, the importance of testing and proving, the reality of breeding and hunting, the impact of breeding on working dogs, the significance of honesty in breeding, the experience of English trials, and future plans and trips. Takeaways The joy of writing and researchingDiscovery of rare dog breedsCultural exchange through hunting experiencesThe vastness and diversity of upland bird hunting in North America Hunting culture varies between regions, with some emphasizing tradition and sustenance while others focus on sport and economic activity.The impact of market hunting on wildlife conservation efforts and the subsequent regulations and laws put in place to protect endangered species.The distinct hunting traits and tendencies of different breeds, and the considerations involved in choosing a new breed for hunting. Breeding significantly impacts hunting behaviorFrench dog breeds and culture are unique and influentialThe decline of English setters and pointers is a notable historical trendThe development of an English HPR is a potential area of interestGenetics and breeding practices play a crucial role in dog breeding and development Selective breeding shapes dog traitsTesting and proving working abilities is crucial for breedingHonesty in breeding is essential for the well-being of dogs Chapters 00:00 The Joy of Writing and Researching39:22 Hunting Experiences and Cultural Exchange53:37 The Vastness of Upland Bird Hunting59:31 Upland Game Hunting: Manitoba vs. the US01:06:03 Breed-Specific Hunting Traits01:23:06 German vs. French Breeds in North America01:31:15 The Journey to a New Breed01:36:22 French Dog Breeds and Culture01:41:55 Developing an English HPR02:03:38 Genetics and Breeding Practices02:09:06 Challenges in Dog Breeding02:14:18 The Evolution of Dog Traits02:20:24 The Reality of Breeding and Hunting02:37:39 The Experience of English Trials

  4. Mar 31

    Episode 4 - Andy Hughes, Professional Falconer.

    The conversation delves into the Andy's journey into falconry, starting with his early encounters with birds of prey and the progression to becoming the falconer at Dunrobin Castle. The conversation delves into the art of falconry and grouse hawking, highlighting the expertise and fieldcraft required for success in these pursuits. It also explores the impact of environmental changes on falconry and the role of dogs in falconry and grouse hawking. The conversation covers the adaptation to prey behaviour, the impact of environmental factors bird populations, challenges and conservation efforts, the process of breeding grouse, influential mentors, and the encouragement of new falconers through observation and learning. Takeaways Falconry as a PassionTraining and Managing Harris Hawks Fieldcraft and expertise in falconryThe impact of environmental changes on falconry Falconry requires careful observation and adaptation to the behaviour of prey birds.The impact of environmental factors, such as bird flu and wind turbines, on falconry and bird populations. Chapters 00:00 The Origins of Falconry Passion05:23 First Encounters with Birds of Prey10:59 Training Sparrowhawks and Unconventional Methods18:39 Transition to Harris Hawks and Their Management31:03 The Role of Harris Hawks in Falconry45:17 The Art of Falconry and Grouse Hawking01:08:50 The Role of Dogs in Falconry and Grouse Hawking01:26:21 Adapting to Prey Behaviour01:33:28 Challenges and Conservation01:43:48 Breeding Grouse01:52:49 Influential Mentors01:58:53 Encouraging New Falconers

  5. Mar 1

    Episode 3 - Peter O'Driscoll, Champion Pointer, Handler, Trainer and Breeder.

    The conversation delves into Peter's early experiences with dogs, particularly the remarkable Turpin, and the transition to bird dogs. It also explores pointer training and trials, as well as a discussion on training techniques and tools. The conversation delves into the training of dogs for endurance, the impact of discipline on hunting behaviour, and extreme scenting behaviour exhibited by dogs in different scenarios. It provides insights into dog training techniques and the understanding of scenting behaviour in hunting dogs. The conversation explores the judging of dogs, exploring various scenarios . It also discusses the influence of scent and environmental factors on dog behaviour, as well as the unique characteristics of British breeds and their training methods. Takeaways Insights into dog behaviourTraining and working with gun dogs Understanding ScentUnderstanding Dog Behaviour Chapters 00:00 The Early Years with Dogs12:13 Transition to Bird Dogs and Training Methods22:39 Pointer Training and Trials35:34 Discussion on Training Techniques and Tools49:20 Training Dogs for Endurance01:00:35 Discipline and Hunting Behaviour01:12:00 Extreme Scenting Behaviour01:30:51 Training and Judging Dogs01:36:16 Scent and Environmental Factors01:41:39 British Breeds and Training

  6. Feb 15

    Episode 2 - Nigel Musto, technical clothing expert.

    Brought to you by The Red Dog Company, host Nick Lambert and outdoor clothing expert Nigel Musto, explore the importance of choosing the right clothing to stay comfortable in various weather conditions. They delve into the use of different materials, layering techniques, and the performance of specific fabric technologies. The conversation also touches on the history and expertise of Musto in technical clothing and the development of outdoor gear for specific activities. The conversation covers a range of topics related to outdoor clothing and gear, including the importance of comfort, warmth, and waterproofing. It also delves into the use of specific materials like Merino wool and Polartec fleece, as well as the challenges of maintaining and renewing outdoor clothing. Takeaways Layering is essential for staying comfortable in outdoor conditions.The choice of fabric and material plays a crucial role in determining the performance of outdoor clothing. Layering is key for outdoor comfortUnderstanding the materials and their properties is crucial for selecting the right gear Chapters 00:00 Exploring Gore-Tex and Other Fabric Brands36:25 Importance of Comfort and Waterproofing43:14 Static vs. Active Hunting Gear55:09 Challenges of Maintaining Outdoor Clothing

  7. Feb 15

    Episode 1 - Rory Major, HPR Handler, Trainer and Breeder

    Brought to you by The Red Dog Company, host Nick Lambert, and expert guest Rory Major delve into the world of breeding and training HPRs; emphasising the importance of temperament and hunting ability. They explore training techniques, the use of e-collars, walking and training dogs, and the differences in training for field trials and shooting dogs. The conversation delves into the world of field trials and dog training, discussing the challenges faced in handling and training dogs for various tasks. It emphasises the importance of early training and yard work in shaping a dog's behavior and skills. The conversation covers a range of topics including training techniques, German vs. other European breeds, and the passion for breeding and lineage in HPR dogs. It explores the impact of breeding and lineage on the performance and characteristics of HPR breeds, as well as the unique hunting styles and behaviors of different breeds. Takeaways Breeding and training gun dogsThe importance of temperament and hunting ability in gun dogs field trials and dog trainingHandling and training challengesImportance of early training and yard work Breeding and lineage impact the performance and characteristics of HPR breeds.Different breeds have unique hunting styles and behaviors.The German breeding system for HPR dogs is highly organized and documented. Chapters 00:00 Training for Field Trials and Shooting Dogs33:18 Field Trials and Dog Training41:05 Training Approaches and Techniques01:00:31 Training Techniques and Methods01:06:45 German vs. Other European Breeds01:19:08 Passion for Breeding and Lineage

  • 7 Episodes

About

Gundogs & Beyond, hosted by Nick Lambert, is built around informed, thoughtful conversations with experts from across the gundog world and beyond. From top dog men and falconers to habitat specialists and technical experts, the podcast explores the knowledge, experience, and thinking behind success in the field.

Information

  • Creator
    Nick Lambert
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Nick Lambert
  • Show Website
    GUNDOGS & BEYOND