AC Gundogs

27/03/2025

Photo drop!!

Another great training day with Gemma at AC Gundogs. All the dogs did a brilliant job retrieving! Just love watching them being so focussed!!!!

25/03/2025

I dont know who wrote these words but they are perfect 😀
Absolutely LOVE this!! 🥰

Your dog gets absolutely nothing out of being competitive for you. Not a darn thing. Of course dogs are bred for specific jobs, or they’re bred to be athletic to a certain degree.

They have no idea how much money is added to the pot. They have no idea that this is a qualifier. They have no idea that this is the World.

And DESPITE us... DESPITE our nerves, our flaws, our incorrect cues, our huge emotions, they get the job done to their very best ability. Even when we fail them by letting our emotions get in the way, they come back and they try again. For US. Let that sink in. If only we could all be so understanding.

To think of an animal that is forgiving and flexible enough to put up with the repetition of practice, the intense nerves of the handler, the stress of hauling and they will still meet you at the end of their lead ready to go is MIND BLOWING.
If you haven’t done so lately. Thank your dog

If you’re successful, thank the dogs that put you there and made you. Thank the dogs that gave everything they had for you simply because you ASKED them to.

If you’re still on the journey to success, thank the dogs that made you fall in love with your sport and who have helped give you the confidence to want to learn more and be better.

We can never stop learning as dog men and dog women, and by continuing our education. Every dog in our future will be better off.

Next time you head to the club, leave your ego at the door and thank your dog!"

Copy, paste on your page to share with a photo of your dog.

16/03/2025

So we did it!! We both came away with awards!!
Barry achieved best team of handler and dog and super star Gwen came away with a second in Novice dog and novice handler and puppy. Such a huge achievement for Gwen being only 1 year old and her first test! Go Team AC Gundogs!!!

16/03/2025

Wish us luck!! Novice dog novice handler this morning then puppy this after noon

15/03/2025

Lots of galleries finished and orders are now being processed. This was taken at the last Gun Dog training day with AC Gundogs. Sun shining and lots of water - what's not to like!!!!

01/03/2025

When Pressure Gets Too Much: Why Some Dogs Wee on Retrieves

For many dogs, retrieving is second nature—a game they love, a job they take seriously. But sometimes, the pressure to perform can become overwhelming, and instead of a clean retrieve, they pause… and p*e.

Why does this happen?

1️⃣ Pressure from Expectations – Some dogs feel the weight of their handler’s expectations, especially in training or competition. If they sense frustration or urgency, stress can build up, leading to submissive or appeasement behaviors—like weeing.

2️⃣ Confusion or Uncertainty – If a dog isn’t sure what’s being asked of them, or if the retrieve feels ‘too big’ of a challenge, they might react with stress-related urination instead of confidently bringing the item back.

3️⃣ Overexcitement or Anxiety – Just like some dogs p*e when greeting people, high excitement during retrieves can cause a loss of control. The adrenaline rush can be overwhelming, and weeing becomes an involuntary response.

4️⃣ Underlying Medical Issues – While stress is a common cause, it’s always worth ruling out medical conditions like urinary tract infections or incontinence, especially if the behavior is new or frequent.

🐾 What Can You Do?
✔️ Keep training fun and pressure-free.
✔️ Reward effort, not just perfection.
✔️ Avoid showing frustration—your dog picks up on it!
✔️ Break down retrieves into smaller, manageable steps to build confidence.
✔️ Make sure your dog has plenty of chances to toilet before training.

At the end of the day, every dog wants to please. If your dog is struggling with pressure-related urination, take a step back and focus on building their confidence. A happy, stress-free dog is a successful one!

27/02/2025

Wilf’s Sp*edy Return: A Retriever on a Mission

Wilf lives for the chase. The moment he hears his release cue from his human, he’s off like a bullet—ears flapping, paws pounding, eyes locked on his target. Whether it’s a ball, a dummy or a well-loved toy, nothing can stop him from completing his mission.

But it’s not just about the retrieve. For Wilf, the thrill is in the return. He doesn’t just trot back—he races, determined to get the dummy back to his human as quickly as possible. His tail wags like a metronome, his breath comes in excited pants, and his eyes shine with pure joy.

Because Wilf knows something special: the sooner he delivers, the sooner the fun begins again.

And so, with a triumphant stance and a proud wag, he presents his dummy—ready, eager, and waiting for the next throw. After all, a retriever’s job is never done.

21/02/2025

🐾 Looking to Unlock Your Gundog’s Full Potential? 🐾

Whether you’re working with a retriever, spaniel, or HPR, AC Gundogs has the perfect training program for you and your four-legged companion.

🏞️ With extensive, purpose-built training grounds, we offer something for everyone—from beginners to seasoned handlers. Our tailored approach ensures you and your dog build skills, confidence, and an unbeatable partnership.

✅ Foundation Training
✅ Advanced Gundog Skills
✅ 1-1 Sessions & Group Classes
✅ Positive, Results-Driven Methods

💥 Ready to get started?
Visit www.acgundogs.com to learn more and book your place today!

Let’s turn potential into performance. 🐕‍🦺🔥

16/02/2025

The Importance of Blind Retrieves in Gundog Training

Blind retrieves are a game-changer for any working retriever! Unlike marked retrieves, where the dog sees the fall, a blind retrieve requires trust, handling, and obedience. This skill is crucial for hunting and field trials, where a bird may go down out of sight.

Why train blind retrieves?
✅ Builds trust – Your dog learns to rely on your direction.
✅ Sharpens obedience – They must follow hand signals and whistles precisely.
✅ Improves efficiency – Retrieves are faster and more accurate.
✅ Prepares for real-world scenarios – Not every bird will fall in plain sight!

A well-trained retriever that confidently runs blinds is an asset in the field. Start with short distances, use clear hand signals, and reward success. With patience and consistency, your dog will master this essential skill!

Who else loves training blinds? Drop your tips below! ⬇️🐶🎯

10/02/2025

🐾 Calling All Retrievers! 🚀

We’re kicking off our first 2-day training event—and there are still spaces available! Don’t delay, get booked in today! 📅🐶

With a huge variety of training setups, this is the perfect opportunity to challenge and develop your retriever’s skills. We have:

🎯 Extensive Grounds – Plenty of space to work on different retrieves
🎾 Dummy Launchers – Helping build confidence in marking retrieves
🐰 Bolting Rabbits – Sharpening steadiness and reaction time
🔫 Rifle Launcher & Bang Boxes – Exposure to real working conditions
🌿 Natural Jumps & Varied Terrain – Preparing your dog for all environments

This is a fantastic chance to progress your dog’s training, build their experience, and work through exciting scenarios designed to test and develop their abilities.

📅 Don’t miss out—book your spot now and join us for an incredible two days of learning and fun! www.acgundogs.com

🐶 Don’t have a retriever? No problem! Check out my other training days coming up—there’s something for everyone!

03/02/2025

🐾 Join Me for a Gundog Holiday in Beautiful Mid Wales! 🌿

Escape to the stunning countryside of Mid Wales and immerse yourself in a gundog training experience at Completely Gundogs at Mid Wales Holidays! 🌄

This is your chance to combine a relaxing getaway with expert training tailored to you and your dog. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to fine-tune advanced skills, this is a holiday you won’t want to miss.

✨ What’s Included:
✔️ Expert-led gundog training sessions in breathtaking surroundings
✔️ A friendly and supportive environment for all levels
✔️ Time to unwind and explore the beauty of Mid Wales
✔️ Perfect for strengthening your bond with your dog while learning new skills

🐕 Why Join Us?
• Train in a variety of terrains, perfect for building confidence and versatility.
• Meet like-minded people who share your passion for gundogs.
• Enjoy a memorable experience in a location that’s as stunning as it is inspiring!

📅 Dates are limited, so book your spot now and give yourself (and your dog) a holiday to look forward to!

📩 Drop me a message or visit https://www.completelygundogs.co.uk for more details. Let’s make this an unforgettable trip!

28/01/2025

🐾 Beat the Winter Blues with a Gundog Training Day to Remember! 🐾

The longest months of the year are finally behind us, and it’s time to look forward to something exciting for you and your gundog! Why not book a training day designed to build skills, boost confidence, and strengthen your partnership?

Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine advanced skills, my gundog training days are the perfect way to kickstart the season ahead with purpose and fun!

✨ What You and Your Dog Can Look Forward To:
✔️ Tailored training to suit all levels and goals
✔️ Expert advice to help you and your dog thrive
✔️ A fun, supportive environment to build your bond
✔️ Something to look forward to as we head into spring

🐶 Don’t let the winter drag on—book now and give yourself (and your dog!) a day that’s all about progress and enjoyment.

📅 Limited dates available—secure your spot today!
📩 Message me or visit https://www.acgundogs.com/events
For more details.

Let’s make this your dog’s best year yet! 🐾

26/01/2025

Hettie Smashing Her Stop Whistle Practice!

We’re absolutely thrilled with Hettie’s progress during her stop whistle training! Not only is she mastering the skill, but she’s also achieving some incredible distance along the way.

Stop whistle training is such a vital part of building trust and control in any dog’s development, and seeing Hettie respond so beautifully is a real testament to her hard work and focus. She’s showing great engagement and eagerness to please, and it’s clear she’s enjoying every step of the process.

Moments like these remind us of the amazing potential our dogs have when given the right guidance, patience, and plenty of positive reinforcement. We couldn’t be prouder of Hettie!

Keep smashing it, Hettie—you’re a superstar! 🌟

If anyone has tips or success stories about their own stop whistle training, we’d love to hear them in the comments!

24/01/2025

🐾 The Importance of Engagement with Your Dog in Training 🐶

Engagement is the foundation of effective training. A dog that’s fully focused and tuned in to their handler is not only more responsive but also more eager to learn. Here’s why engagement matters and how to build it during your training sessions:

Why Engagement is Key
✔️ Builds Trust and Connection – Your dog learns to see you as their guide and partner, creating a bond that strengthens over time.
✔️ Improves Focus – A dog that’s engaged will pay attention to you, not distractions, making training sessions more productive.
✔️ Encourages Enthusiasm – When your dog is excited to work with you, training becomes a fun, rewarding experience for both of you.

How to Foster Engagement
🐾 Start with Play – A quick game or bit of fun can grab your dog’s attention and set a positive tone for the session.
🐶 Use Clear Communication – Give consistent cues, body language, and praise to help your dog understand what’s expected.
🎯 Keep Sessions Short and Fun – Dogs learn best when training feels like a game. Avoid overloading them by keeping it upbeat and rewarding.
💛 Be Rewarding – Use what motivates your dog—treats, toys, or praise—to reinforce their efforts.

Signs of Good Engagement
Eye contact and attention on you
Quick responses to commands or cues
A wagging tail or happy demeanor
Willingness to work and problem-solve
Remember, engagement is a two-way street. The more you invest in building that connection with your dog, the more they’ll give back in return.

What engagement-building techniques do you find work best with your dog? 🐾

20/01/2025

🐾 Thor’s Training Update! 🌟

Here’s Thor after his weekend training session, and what a superstar he’s becoming! 🐶✨

He’s making fantastic progress with his:
🎯 Blind Retrieves – Heading out confidently and with purpose
🌲 Natural Hunting Ability – Showing his instinctive skills and drive
💛 General Awesomeness – Always giving 110% and making us proud!

It’s so rewarding to see Thor growing in confidence and ability with every session. Keep it up, Thor—you’re smashing it! 💪🐾

16/01/2025

🐾 When to Line Out a Gundog and When Not To 🎯

Understanding when to line out your gundog is a vital part of effective training and fieldwork. It’s all about timing, context, and reading your dog to make sure you set them up for success. Here’s a breakdown of the key considerations:

When to Line Out Your Gundog:
✅ Confidence in the Retrieve: If the dog is doing a memory, and you’ve created a hotspot, lining them out ensures precision and reduces the chance of hesitation,
✅ Building Focus: Lining out helps guide your dog’s attention toward the correct area, reinforcing their understanding of direction.
✅ For blinds, lining out provides a solid foundation for them to push forward with confidence.

When NOT to Line Out Your Gundog:
❌ If They Already Know the Mark: Overlining can create confusion or second-guessing. If they’re confident, let them go naturally to the retrieve.
❌ During Hunting Exercises: Hunting relies on the dog’s independence and natural ability to search—lining out in this context can hinder their learning.
❌ Overuse in Training: Excessive lining can make your dog reliant on cues instead of developing their own decision-making and drive.

The Balance:
The key is knowing your dog’s level of training, confidence, and the demands of the situation. For younger or less experienced dogs, lining out is often a helpful tool. For more seasoned gundogs, trust in their abilities and let them work naturally when appropriate.

By choosing when to line out and when to let them work independently, you build a well-rounded, adaptable dog who is both responsive and confident in the field.

What are your thoughts? Do you favor more guidance or independence in your training sessions? 🐾

06/01/2025

🎉 Happy New Year from AC Gundogs! 🐾

Wishing all our clients, old and new, a fantastic start to 2025! 🎊 We’re so excited to continue helping you and your four-legged companions on your gundog training journey this year.

Why not kick off the new year by booking:
🐶 A 1:1 Session for tailored guidance https://www.acgundogs.com/book-online
🐾 A Training Day to hone those essential skills https://www.acgundogs.com/events
🌲 A Holiday in Wales combining stunning scenery with expert training https://www.completelygundogs.co.uk/courses/2025-gundog-training-holidays

All Dates a running out fast!!

All of this with like-minded people who share a passion for improving their skills, having fun, and meeting new friends along the way. 💛

📅 Get in touch today to book your session and start the year off right! All Dates a running out fast!!