Teach your gundog to walk calmly at heel using clear foundations, steadiness, reward placement, and short, focused training sessions. If your gundog pulls ahead, drifts towards scent, bounces with excitement, or only walks nicely when food is visible, you are not alone. Gundogs are often bred to notice movement, scent, and the environment, which means heel work needs to be taught clearly rather than expected automatically. The good news is that reliable gundog heel work does

A beginner-friendly guide to developing a reliable, happy retrieve from first dummy to polished delivery. Retrieving is next to hunting at the heart of our gundog work, but a good retrieve is much more than a dog running out and picking something up. It is a chain of behaviours: steadiness, marking, hunting, picking up, returning directly, holding calmly and delivering tenderly to hand. When each link is taught carefully, retrieving becomes a shared language between dog and h

Let’s be honest, most of us don’t want a “perfect” dog. We just want one that’s easy to live with. A dog that listens (most of the time), behaves well when out and about, and feels settled rather than overwhelmed by the world around them. That’s where the Royal Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Training Scheme comes in. It’s a down-to-earth, practical approach to training that focuses on real life, walks, visitors, public spaces and everyday handling, rather than flashy tricks or

When people picture a well-trained gundog, they often think of fast retrieves, powerful hunting drive, and an eagerness to work. While all of those qualities matter, there is one skill that underpins everything else a gundog does in the field: steadiness. Steadiness is not flashy, but without it, even the most talented dog can become unreliable, unsafe, or frustrating to handle. In fact, many experienced trainers would argue that steadiness is the true measure of a finished

Dog training can feel like it should be “simple”: practise of skills, add impulse control, improve recall, repeat. But most owners quickly discover the real challenge isn’t motivation, it’s knowing *what to do next*, how often to do it, and how to build skills without creating confusion or frustration. That’s where a training plan comes in. A good plan doesn’t take the joy out of training; it gives your sessions purpose, helps you spot progress sooner, and keeps your dog’s

Training your gundog is one of the most rewarding activities you can do with your dog. It’s not just about control and obedience; it’s about building a strong bond and unlocking your dog’s full potential. Whether you’re starting with a young puppy or refining an older dog’s skills, effective dog training techniques can make all the difference. Ready to dive in? Let’s explore some practical, friendly, and proven methods that will help you and your dog thrive together. Why Effe

Training a gundog is a rewarding journey. It’s about more than just obedience - it’s about building a partnership. When you start with the right approach, your dog will thrive, and you’ll both enjoy the process. If you’re new to this, don’t worry. I’m here to guide you through the essentials of tailored gundog training methods, step by step. Gundogs are bred for specific tasks like retrieving, pointing, or flushing game. Their instincts are strong, but they need direction and