The Rather Splendid Pet Gundog Beginners Course

  • Objective

    To gently introduce you and your delightful dog to foundational gundog skills in a way that’s fun, positive, science-based, and totally void of shouting. We’ll build connection, boost confidence, and let your dog live their best sniffy, retrieve-y life.

  • Ideal for

    Absolutely any age, level, or breed — from wide-eyed puppies to wise old spaniels who’ve “seen things.”

    No prior gundog-ing required.

    Just bring your dog and a sense of humour.

  • What We’ll Cover (with grace, giggles, and good science)

    Retrieve like a pro (or at least get the ball back before next Tuesday)

    Basic obedience (the kind that actually works when you need it)

    Lead handling that doesn’t feel like waterskiing

    Breed-specific enrichment to satisfy their inner working dog

    We set the tone! Expect wags, nose boops, and an intro to gundog training that’s all about connection — not control.

    Teach your dog that coming back is cooler than chasing pigeons. Also, the noble art of bringing stuff back (without detouring through Narnia).

    Refining skills, managing those “creative interpretations” of recall, and upping your handler game.

    Helping your dog feel like a champ and walk like one too. Less pulling, more proud str

  • Course Overview

    Duration: 6 weeks (1 session per week, roughly 50 minutes — unless we’re ambushed by squirrels)

    Group Size: Max 4 dogs (we like our chaos small-batch and bespoke)

    Equipment: Provided! You just bring your dog, treats, and enthusiasm (wellies optional but encouraged).

Enquire

  • Not a bit! This course is for total beginners — no whistles, tweed, or brace of pheasants required.

    We’ll guide you both from the ground up using kind, science-based methods.

    Think: retrieve with joy, not pressure.

  • All sorts!

    While gundog breeds (like spaniels, retrievers, pointers, and their glorious crosses) tend to love it, any dog who enjoys sniffing, chasing, carrying, or being brilliant in general is welcome.

    Age doesn’t matter — we’ve had pups, teenagers, and older dogs find their sparkle here.

    • 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 OK!

    Many dogs arrive bouncing like Tigger on espresso — we expect it.

    This class is about building focus and control gently, not demanding perfection.

    If your dog is a bit over-the-top but friendly, they’ll fit right in.

    If your dog is worried by other dogs or struggles in groups, just pop me a message and we’ll see if a quieter intro or 1:1 support might be best.

  • Life happens — dogs eat schedules.

    If you miss a class, we’ll send you a summary and practice suggestions so you’re not left behind.

    While we can’t offer refunds for missed sessions, catch-up options or 1:1s can sometimes be arranged at a discounted rate.

  • Absolutely.

    This course is about pet gundog training — taking the instincts many dogs already have and giving them purpose in a positive, structured, and totally non-hunting environment.

    No feathers, no firearms, just fetch with flair.

  • Yes — but not like boot camp.

    A few short sessions during your week (5–10 mins at a time) will help your dog build on what we’ve covered.

    We'll show you how to fit it into your real life — whether that's garden games, sofa-fetch, or “sit” while you’re boiling the kettle.

  • Currently, dates are on pause — but fear not!

    You can express interest now and be the first to hear when we open the next set of spaces. Just send us a woof (or an email) and we’ll pop you on the waitlist.