The Royal Kennel Club Working Gundog Certificate: A Guide for Handlers

Silke Ebling
3 minutes ago
7 min read

Introduction

For many gundog owners, the journey from basic training to working in the field is both exciting and daunting. The Royal Kennel Club Working Gundog Certificate (KCWGC) bridges the gap between training and real-world shooting, offering formal recognition that a handler and their dog are a competent partnership, ready for the shooting field.

But what does the certificate involve, and why is it so valued in the gundog community?

Ocean and I were assessed for the Working Gundog Certificate on Game a couple of weeks ago. I thoroughly enjoyed the day, and I am super chuffed with how the day went for us. The day was set out as a “walk up day” with 2 guns and 10 birds. One other handler with her dog was being assessed on the day.

We had spaniels and HPRs hunting in front of us, and our retrievers had to walk off lead to heel through different types of cover for most of the day. Plenty of shots were fired during the day, and our dogs had to be steady to shoot and fall of the game, but staying focused throughout the day and ready to retrieve on cue. We had a mixed bag of pheasant and duck and a mixture of marked, memory and blind retrieves.

What Is the Working Gundog Certificate?

The KCWGC is not a competition, nor is it a test of suitability for field trials or working tests. Instead, it is an assessment designed to provide credible proof that both handler and dog are prepared for the practical demands of a shoot day.

The certificate is open to all Kennel Club pedigree registered dogs, crossbreeds and unregistered dogs, whose owners wish to demonstrate their dog’s working ability. Owners of crossbreed and previously unregistered dogs wishing to take the WGC must register the dog(s) on the Kennel Club Activity Register in advance.

The Assessment Day: What to Expect

Assessment days are typically held by gundog clubs and societies across the UK, often in spring and autumn. The day is structured to simulate real shooting scenarios, but with dummies rather than a live game. Assessors are friendly and supportive, guiding participants through each exercise and offering advice throughout.

Key Areas Assessed

Control and Obedience: Dogs must walk to heel, remain focused on their handler, and ignore distractions, including other dogs.
Temperament: Calmness and steadiness are essential, especially when working in a group or during simulated drives.
Hunting and Retrieving: Dogs are tested on their ability to hunt in open ground and cover, retrieve dummies from water and over obstacles, and deliver to hand.
Response to Shot: Dogs must be comfortable with the sound of gunfire and remain steady when shots are fired.

The exercises may include group walks, marked retrieves from water and over obstacles, simulated drives with dummies and shots, and scenarios requiring dogs to wait patiently while others work.

The Process and Outcome

No one “fails” the KCWGC assessment. Instead, dogs and handlers may be assessed as “not yet ready,” with feedback provided for further training. Successful partnerships receive a certificate and lanyard, and the award is recorded against the dog’s Kennel Club record. For those who show their dogs, holding a KCWGC can open doors to special working classes at championship shows, including Crufts.

Why Pursue the KCWGC?

Recognition: It’s a respected mark of competence, showing that both dog and handler are ready for the field.
Preparation: The assessment ensures that dogs are introduced to game and shot in a controlled, positive way, reducing the risk of issues in the field.
Community: Assessment days are supportive and educational, offering a chance to learn from experienced handlers and assessors.
Ethics and Etiquette: The process emphasises high standards, etiquette, and the importance of being a good ambassador for shooting sports.

Final Thoughts

The Royal Kennel Club Working Gundog Certificate is more than just a piece of paper; it’s a testament to the partnership, training, and dedication required to work a gundog in the field. Whether you’re new to field sports or looking to formalise your dog’s skills, the KCWGC is a rewarding goal that benefits both handler and dog, and helps uphold the traditions and standards of British shooting.

Tips for Preparing for the KCWGC Assessment

1. Understand the Assessment Criteria

The KCWGC is designed to assess your partnership with your dog in real-world shooting scenarios. The main areas evaluated are:

Control: Your dog must respond reliably to cues, walk to heel (often off-lead), and remain steady around distractions.
Obedience: Expect your dog to stay at heel, sit or drop to shot, and return promptly when called.
Temperament: Calmness and steadiness are essential, especially when working in a group or during simulated drives.
Hunting and Retrieving: Your dog will need to hunt for dummies, retrieve over obstacles and from water, and deliver to hand.

Response to Shot: Your dog must be accustomed to gunfire noise and stay calm and controlled whenever a shot is fired.

2. Train for Realistic Scenarios

Simulate Assessment Exercises: Practise heelwork, group walks, marked retrieves (including over obstacles and from water), and steadiness during simulated drives. Use dummies and, if possible, recorded shot sounds to mimic the assessment environment.
Work in Groups: Since dogs are evaluated together, practising with other handlers and dogs helps your dog develop focus and remain calm even with distractions of other dogs.
Vary Locations: Practise in different environments, fields, woodland, and water, to ensure your dog is adaptable and confident.

Detailed Breakdown of KCWGC Training Exercises

Heelwork (On and Off Lead)
Purpose: Ensures your dog walks calmly at your side, both on and off the lead, ignoring distractions.
How to Train: Practise in quiet areas first, then gradually introduce distractions (other dogs, people, dummies). Use positive reinforcement for correct positioning and focus.
Basic Obedience: Sit, Stay, Recall
Purpose: Builds reliability in basic skills and behaviour required for working in the field, which are essential for safety and control in the field.
How to Train: Practise short, frequent sessions. Increase the duration and distance gradually. Always reward prompt, correct responses.
Whistle Cues
Purpose: In fieldwork, whistle cues are commonly used to recall or stop your dog at a distance.
How to Train: Pair whistle signals with verbal cues at first, then phase out the verbal cue. Practise in different environments to ensure reliability.
Social Walking with Other Dogs
Purpose: Prepares your dog to work calmly in a group, a key part of the assessment.
How to Train: Arrange group walks with other handlers. Practise walking to heel, sitting, and staying while other dogs move around, i.e. hunting or retrieving.
Group Walks and Steadiness
Purpose: Assesses your dog’s ability to remain calm and focused in a group, especially when distractions are present.
How to Train: Practise group walks, sit/stay with distractions (e.g., dummies thrown, other dogs working), and reward calm behaviour.
Exposure to Shot Sounds
Purpose: Ensures your dog is comfortable with gunfire, a critical skill for working gundogs.
How to Train: Start with distant, quiet shots or recorded sounds. Gradually decrease the distance as your dog becomes more confident. Always use positive reinforcement.
Retrieving (Land, Water, Obstacles)
Purpose: Tests your dog’s ability to retrieve dummies from various terrains and deliver them to hand.
How to Train: Begin with simple marked retrieves on land. Progress to retrieve over obstacles (e.g., low fences, ditches) and from water. Practise delivery to hand and steadiness before and after retrieves.
Hunting and Sweeping
Purpose: Simulates real shoot scenarios where dogs must hunt for game in cover or open ground.
How to Train: Practise hunting for dummies in different environments (fields, woodland). Use mini drives with a group to build discipline and patience.
Blind and Memory Retrieves
Purpose: Assesses your dog’s ability to retrieve dummies they haven’t seen fall (blind) or must remember the location of (memory).
How to Train: Start with short, visible retrieves. Gradually increase the distance and complexity. For memory retrieves, mark the dummy, wait, then send your dog.
Waiting at Pegs and Group Exercises
Purpose: Tests patience and steadiness while other dogs work.
How to Train: Practise having your dog wait calmly while others retrieve. Rotate roles within the group to build experience.
Dress Rehearsal and Mock Assessment
Purpose: Prepares both handler and dog for the structure and flow of the real assessment.
How to Train: Run through all exercises in sequence, simulating assessment conditions. Identify and focus on any remaining weaknesses.

Additional Training Tips

Short, frequent sessions (10–15 minutes) are more effective than long, infrequent ones.
Vary locations to build adaptability.
Gradually introduce distractions and new challenges.
Track progress in a journal or app.
Seek feedback from experienced handlers or trainers.

3. Introduce Game and Shot Gradually

Game Introduction: If your dog hasn’t worked with game before, introduce feathers and cold game slowly. Some dogs are naturally keen, while others may be cautious; never rush this process.
Shot Introduction: Start with distant, quiet shots and gradually decrease the distance as your dog becomes comfortable. If your dog is nervous, enlist help from experienced handlers and use positive reinforcement.

4. Focus on Partnership and Communication

Handler-Dog Bond: The assessment values a strong, positive partnership. Practise calm, clear communication and reward your dog for correct responses.
Handler Skills: Stay calm and confident during exercises. Your demeanour will influence your dog’s performance.

5. Prepare for the Day

Read the Handbook: The Kennel Club’s Working Gundog Certificate Handbook details the exercises and standards. Familiarise yourself with it before the assessment day. Follow the link for a PDF of the handbook: wgc_handbook.pdf
Attend Training Days: Training and mock assessments organised by trainers and/or clubs; these are invaluable for feedback and building your dog’s confidence.

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Check Equipment: Bring suitable leads, dummies, and water for your dog. Dress appropriately for the field, according to the weather; sturdy boots and unobtrusive clothing are recommended.

6. Mind Your Etiquette

Field Manners: Both handlers and dogs are expected to demonstrate good behaviour. Keeping noise to a minimum, dog under control at all times, and being courteous to assessors and other participants.
Be Patient: If you or your dog are assessed as “not yet ready,” use the feedback to guide further training. The process is supportive, not competitive.

Final Thoughts

Preparation for the KCWGC is about more than ticking boxes; it’s about building a reliable, confident working partnership between you and your dog. Take your time, seek out experienced trainers, and enjoy the journey. The skills you develop will be invaluable for your dog ownership and serve you and your dog well, both on assessment day and in the field.