Brockwell Gundogs
Our dogs
It's a long process, but ultimately the support dogs we produce will be happy, fulfilled and highly skilled in their role - providing companionship, security and independence to so many people throughout the UK and worldwide. Based in Consett, we rear autistic support dogs and currently have a new litter of Labradors available.
It all starts with tiny but enthusiastic puppies...
Our pups are hand-picked for their sociable and confident nature. The puppies that make the best support dogs will be those that love to play yet love to interact with people, too. We then start the training process, introducing them gradually to the environments and situations in which they'll be working. Training would be completed, depending upon the customers brief, between 18 months and 24 months.
Health and wellbeing
Our pups are routinely health checked. We ensure they are the correct weight, we keep them well-groomed, make sure they are happy and content, and ensure any medical ailments are treated accordingly.
Matching people and dogs
We'll be closely monitoring our dogs to ensure they have the qualities required to adequately support the person they'll be partnered with. Once a potential match has been found, we'll start tailoring the dog's training to the environments and situations in which they'll be working in the future.
Which dogs do we breed?
We find that Labradors and Cocker Spaniels make the best support dogs, being highly susceptible to training. Labs make up about 80% of the dogs we breed, with the other 20% being Cocker Spaniels.
Retirement
As dogs get older, it's only natural that they'll slow down and begin to tire more easily. We start considering retirement at around the 9 years old mark, reducing what the dog will be expected to do until full retirement at around 11 or 12.
Usually, the owner will continue to keep the dog, if they are able - or they may like to pass them on to close family and friends. If neither of these is possible, we will ensure the dog is rehomed with a loving family or owner.
Feel you or a family member would benefit from one of our guide dogs and assistance dogs?
Contact Able Assist Dogs UK at ianteeder@live.co.uk or call the number provided below.
