No. This is designed for complete beginners.

You do not need whistles, prior training, or any interest in formal gundog work. We start from the ground up using kind, evidence led methods and focus on building enjoyment, confidence, and cooperation.

The aim is a dog who wants to work with you, not one that is pushed or pressured..

All sorts.

Gundog breeds like spaniels, retrievers, pointers and their crosses often love this work, but it’s open to any dog who enjoys sniffing, chasing, carrying, or using their brain.

Age is not a barrier. Puppies, adolescents, and older dogs are all welcome.

• Your dog (obviously)

• A regular flat collar or well-fitted harness

• A lead (not a flexi, unless you enjoy shoulder dislocations)

• Lots of soft, tasty treats (think sausage, not cardboard kibble)

• A favourite toy if your dog loves a good fetch

• Water and a bowl

• Weather-appropriate clothing (yes, sometimes we train in the rain - we're British, after all)

We provide any specialist gundog gear needed on the day. You just bring the enthusiasm (and maybe a flask of tea).

That’s fine.

Many dogs arrive full of enthusiasm. This class is about helping dogs learn focus and self control gently, not expecting calm perfection from day one.

If your dog is lively but friendly, they’ll be fine.

If your dog is worried by other dogs or finds group settings hard, get in touch first. A quieter introduction or some one to one support may be a better starting point.

Life happens.

If you miss a class, I’ll send you a short summary and practice suggestions so you know what to focus on and do not feel lost.

Sessions are not refundable, but where possible a catch up or one to one session may be arranged at a reduced rate.

Yes.

This is pet gundog training. It takes the instincts many dogs already have and gives them a positive, structured outlet in a non hunting context.

There are no guns, no game, and no expectation that you want a working dog. Just thoughtful training that channels natural behaviours in a way that works for everyday life.

Yes, but it doesn’t need to take over your life.

A few short sessions during the week, five to ten minutes at a time, are enough to build on what we cover in class. I’ll show you how to fit this into real life, whether that’s a quick game in the garden or practising calm focus while the kettle boils.

1. Dog safety comes first. Always.
   If the Met Office says the weather is going to be so hot it could fry an egg on a Labrador (red or amber warning, or forecast above 28°C), your class will be cancelled faster than you can say “sizzling sausage”.

2. Why the panic?
   Because this is Britain. We're not built for 30°C, and neither are your dogs. Most of them arrive in toasty metal boxes with no air-con, then get plonked in a sun trap and told to perform tricks. That’s not training. That’s a slow bake. And we're not into dog-flambé.

3. What happens when your class gets the chop?
   If class is cancelled due to the impending fireball in the sky, and I can’t reschedule because I’m off gallivanting (also known as “annual leave”), you’ll get an online version of the session instead. Yes, it's not the same as rolling in the grass with your pup, but it's the next best thing.

You’ll receive:

• A short video guide (with my dulcet tones) explaining what to do

• Written step-by-step instructions

• The option to pester me by email or message if you get stuck

4. No refunds, no sulking
   This isn’t anyone’s fault, unless you personally control the weather (in which case, we need to have a word). The replacement content covers what you miss, so no refunds will be handed out. Even if you do your best sad face.

5. By booking a class, you agree to this policy.
   That means when the sky turns into a furnace, you won’t complain about missing your in-person session. You’ll pour yourself a cool drink, watch the online guide, and thank your past self for choosing a trainer who doesn’t cook dogs.