Rescue service gives troubled working dogs a second chance

Visitors to this year’s Game Fair will have the chance to meet a Scottish rescue service dedicated to giving working dogs facing euthanasia a second chance.

The Working and Gundog Rehabilitation Rescue Service takes in working and gundog breeds with severe behavioural problems and, where possible, rehabilitates them for life in a suitable working home.

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The service was established about 18 months ago by David Pitbladdo, who runs it from Bovaine Farm near Killin, Perthshire. 

He specialises in dogs that have often already been through trainers, behaviourists and rescue centres. Many arrive as a last resort, with euthanasia being considered because of issues such as biting and resource guarding.

David currently cares for 25 dogs, including five puppies, and has successfully rehabilitated 20 animals. Most referrals involve working-bred spaniels and Labradors from farming and shooting backgrounds.

Rebuilding confidence

Rather than focusing solely on obedience, David believes confidence is the key to changing behaviour. “A lot of people are trying to train behaviours out of dogs, which in effect, is masking the issue and suppressing it to the point where eventually the dog just says enough and then they retaliate,” he says.

New arrivals are given time to settle before any expectations are placed on them. David says his approach is based on encouraging independence rather than creating dependence.

“The way I see it is the way I brought my kids up – to have the confidence in themselves to be able to go out there into the big bad world, so they don’t need their dad all the time.”

Unintended consequences

David believes owners can unintentionally contribute to problems through anxiety and overstimulation, particularly with young working dogs. “Confidence breeds confidence, but so does anxiety breed anxiety – if you’re not quite sure, then the dog will pick up on that,” he says.

He therefore encourages owners to provide calm surroundings rather than constant activity, challenging the perception that working dogs need endless exercise.

“These dogs are not going absolutely insane because they’re not getting taken for a three-hour walk here and a day’s hunting there. They are bred to be settled dogs.

“Cocker spaniels, for example, need a quiet household. You can be active and take them out, but when they get home, they too need peace and quiet,” he says.

Any dog that cannot be safely re-homed remains with him for life.

David and several of the dogs, including Mosby, a three-year-old Labrador cross Retriever that has made a remarkable recovery, will be at this year’s Game Fair. David will offer advice and support to owners experiencing problems with their working and gundogs.

What else to expect

Canine agility

For those looking to try something new with their pooch, have a go at the agility course run by Mutts & Butts.

Entry is £10 per dog, and organisers are on hand to give instructions and assist.

Sara Hall, who has been running the fun dog agility at the Game Fair for five years, said: “It’s absolutely brilliant, and we’ve had all sorts of dogs take part before, from Chihuahuas to Great Danes and all the mixed breeds like Cockapoos, too.

“All dogs need a job, and agility is a great way to do that and provides a good cardio workout for humans and dogs alike.”

© Action Dog Images

Dog Scurry

Open to adults and juniors, the relaxed gundog-style competitions test retrieving, obedience and teamwork skills across events including scramble, pickup, bales, novice and open classes.

These are open to recognised gundog breeds and crosses. Non-gundogs may enter for fun, but times will not count competitively. The novice class is for dogs not previously placed in a scurry.

The British Association for Shooting and Conservation’s (BASC) popular scurry competitions are also running during the course of the event between 10am and 4pm, with entry costing £3 per go.

Handlers can also enter the Scurry Cup competition (£10 entry fee), where combined scores from long retrieve, partridge pen and pick & mix decide the overall champion.

Dog creche

The Game Fair’s Dog Creche, run by experienced canine responder Nigel Bowler, offers secure, supervised care for dogs and is open daily from 9am-5pm. Located opposite the BASC scurry area, the service costs £5 per dog, per hour, with a maximum stay of four hours. All proceeds go to Samsalin Dog Rescue.

To book, email eventdogcreche@gmail.com or call 07887 603 888.

About the Game Fair 

Tickets are now on sale for the Game Fair as it prepares to return to Ragley Hall in Alcester, Warwickshire, from Friday 24 to Sunday 26 July 2026.

Tickets can be purchased online from the Game Fair website:

• Adults £36 in advance for one day (£40 on the gate), or £75 for three days
• Family (two adults and three children) £89 for one day, or £175 for three days
• Children (8-16) £13.50, or £24 for three days
• Children under eight Free entry