http://www.completelygundogs.co.uk/

Completely Gundogs, Shrewsbury (2025)

20/01/2025

Preparedness starts with having the right tools at hand and understanding some essential first aid techniques. Here are the basics that every gundog owner should know for a safe day in the field.

Managing shock and severe bleeding
Shock is serious and can be recognised by a weak, fast pulse and pale gums. Try to keep your dog calm and warm, but don’t overheat them.

For severe bleeding, apply pressure dressings, and don’t remove them if soaked, just layer new bandages on top. Avoid tourniquets, as they can worsen the injury if not used correctly.

Specific injury treatments
Feet and paw wounds: Even shallow cuts can be painful for active dogs, especially in rough terrain. Bandage as needed, and remember that shallow cuts usually heal well in a few weeks with basic care. Avoid glue or staples in the field to prevent infection.

Bites and stings: For adder bites, keep your dog’s limb still and get them to the vet immediately. For wasp or bee stings, apply ice to the area and, if needed, consult your vet about using antihistamines.

Heat exhaustion or collapse: If you suspect heat exhaustion, check your dog’s pulse and respiration. Cool them down gradually with ice packs or tepid water, especially on warmer shoot days.

Water hazards: Water work comes with its own risks, and drowning can be a serious concern. Always keep an eye on your dog, and be ready to perform CPR, including chest compressions, if necessary.

To keep your gundog safe on the shoot with practical, life-saving first aid tips tailored to dogs working in the field, read in full here: https://www.completelygundogs.co.uk/blog/essential-canine-first-aid-techniques-every-gundog-owner-needs-to-know-for-the-shoot-season

17/01/2025

Preparedness starts with having the right tools at hand and understanding some essential first aid techniques. Here are the basics that every gundog owner should know for a safe day in the field.

Essential first aid kit items
To handle a range of potential injuries, it’s wise to have both a pocket kit and a main first aid kit stocked with essentials:

Pocket kit: Include a sterile dressing, bandage padding, vet wrap, scissors, tweezers, eyewash, dextrose tablets, and something that can be used as a temporary muzzle if needed. These are your go-to basics for quick action.

Main kit: Pack everything from the pocket kit, plus wire cutters, a foil blanket, and extra supplies. Keeping these in your car or with your gear can make all the difference when you’re further from help.

Dog vital signs and how to check them
Get to know your dog’s normal vital signs, so you’ll spot right away if something’s off. Practice at home so that checking feels second nature on a shoot day.

Heart rate: 60 to 140 beats per minute. You can check this at the femoral artery or chest.
Respiration: 10 to 30 breaths per minute, usually easiest to observe by watching the chest.
Temperature: Normal re**al temperature is 38.3–38.7°C.
Capillary refill time: Press the gums. They should turn pink again within 1 to 2 seconds.

To keep your gundog safe on the shoot with practical, life-saving first aid tips tailored to dogs working in the field, read in full here: https://www.completelygundogs.co.uk/blog/essential-canine-first-aid-techniques-every-gundog-owner-needs-to-know-for-the-shoot-season

15/01/2025

Start the new year by transforming your passion into a thriving enterprise. Join us for the Dog Trainer Business Retreat from 6th–8th May 2025 at Mid Wales Holidays the home of Completely Gundogs.

This immersive 3-day experience is designed to equip you with the business acumen and mindset needed to grow and scale your dog training business confidently.

Gain insights from over five industry leaders covering essential topics from marketing strategies to basic accountancy.

👩‍🏫 Collette May (me!) - Receive tailored advice and mindset coaching from the founder of Completely Gundogs, who has successfully built and sold a dog training business.
🧑‍🏫 Aidan Urquhart - Get actionable feedback from social media expert Aidan to effectively market your services online.
👨‍🏫 Darryl Owen - Enhance your brand with professional-looking images and get five commercial-use photos from a personal session.
👩‍🏫 Victoria M Rose - Learn how to build simple yet powerful marketing systems that you'll actually enjoy and take just 4 to 6 hours a month to implement.
👩‍🏫 Vicky Clarke - Let the Pet Accountant help you make sure your financials are running smoothly.
👩‍🏫 Mandy Meech - As a behaviour consultant, certified Dynamic Dog Practitioner and owner of the fully-booked 'Dogs Love Holidays', Mandy share her experiences of running dog training businesses.

Bring your dogs, connect with fellow trainers and enjoy this opportunity to rejuvenate your passion, refine your skills, and set your business on a path to sustainable success.

For more information head to https://www.midwalesholidays.com/courses/the-dog-trainer-business-retreat

13/01/2025

Leaving injuries untreated or misjudging symptoms can quickly turn a minor problem into a serious issue, making it essential to know some basic first aid. Being prepared means you’re ready to handle small incidents, keeping your dog safe and comfortable both during and after the shoot day.

Benefits of canine first aid knowledge
Protect your investment in training: With hundreds of hours dedicated to training, you wouldn’t want an avoidable injury to turn into a fatality or sideline your gundog for the rest of their working career. First aid skills can help safeguard the hard work you've both put in, allowing them to perform safely in the field.

Minimise time out of action: Quick and effective first aid can mean faster healing for minor injuries. With the right care, your dog may stay in top form and be ready to carry on with the shoot season in a shorter time frame rather than missing out this season.

Essential support in remote locations: Most gundog work takes place far from quick access to a vet, and a long walk back to the car can be tricky with an injured dog (especially if you have a muscular labrador to carry!). First aid skills allow you to stabilise an injury in the field, so your dog is safe and comfortable on the way to the vet.

To keep your gundog safe on the shoot with practical, life-saving first aid tips tailored to dogs working in the field, read in full here: https://www.completelygundogs.co.uk/blog/essential-canine-first-aid-techniques-every-gundog-owner-needs-to-know-for-the-shoot-season

10/01/2025

Leaving injuries untreated or misjudging symptoms can quickly turn a minor problem into a serious issue, making it essential to know some basic first aid. Being prepared means you’re ready to handle small incidents, keeping your dog safe and comfortable both during and after the shoot day.

Risks of going out unprepared
Small cuts or punctures: If left uncleaned or unbandaged, minor wounds can easily become infected, especially in the rough, debris-filled terrain common to shoot days.

Severe bleeding: In cases of arterial bleeding (where blood spurts rather than oozes), the first few minutes are critical. Properly applied dressings and steady pressure can stabilise your dog until you can get them to a vet.

Strains and joint injuries: Working dogs can pull muscles or strain joints, and without rest, these injuries may lead to long-term issues. Catching them early and applying basic care like rest and ice helps ensure a faster, safer recovery.

To keep your gundog safe on the shoot with practical, life-saving first aid tips tailored to dogs working in the field, read in full here: https://www.completelygundogs.co.uk/blog/essential-canine-first-aid-techniques-every-gundog-owner-needs-to-know-for-the-shoot-season

08/01/2025

Taking place 14–16 April 2025 at our stunning training grounds in Mid Wales, this is your chance to immerse yourself in three days of group training.

Hosted by Gemma, this holiday is packed with hands-on training to build your knowledge and confidence, covering:
✔️ Expanding your dog’s marking, memory, and blind retrieving skills.
✔️ Tackling diverse terrain to prepare for real-world scenarios.
✔️ Opportunities for cold game and water sessions (weather permitting).
✔️ Walked-up scenarios and remote dummy launchers to challenge your spaniel.
✔️ Potential off-site training in authentic shoot locations for added variety.

Our training holidays are as much about human connection too so be prepared to enjoy an evening out with fellow handlers at a local pub or restaurant - share training stories, laughs, and tips to make this a truly memorable holiday.

Is this holiday right for you?
Ideal for spaniels working at Grade 3–4 level - you'll need:
🐾 Reliable recall and off-lead heelwork.
🐾 Stop whistle control at a distance.
🐾 Directional casting (left, right, back).
🐾 Steadiness and reliable delivery to hand.

Spaces are limited but you can secure your spot with just a deposit. Please DM me for more information as I like to ensure everyone books on a holiday that will suit them and their dog's level.

📸 Darryl Owen Photography

06/01/2025

While all the gundog owners I know are wholeheartedly dedicated to their dogs’ welfare, it’s easy to forget the importance of learning and keeping up to date with basic canine first aid skills.

Several factors can make it hard to take that first step, but overcoming these common mindset hurdles can truly be life-changing for you and your dog.

“First aid is just for vets”
Although only vets can diagnose and treat health conditions, anyone can legally administer first aid in an emergency to stabilise a dog’s condition. Acting quickly could prevent a minor issue from escalating and keep your dog, or someone else’s, alive until you reach the vet.

Limited resources and training
While dog first aid classes are more readily available nowadays, basic canine first aid skills are rarely included in standard puppy or gundog courses, making it easy to miss out on learning these valuable skills.

Underestimating field risks
It’s common to think minor injuries like cuts can “wait it out.” However, the field environment can bring contaminants that may lead to infection. Other conditions like hypoglycaemia or heat exhaustion can also go unnoticed until they’ve progressed.

Understanding that first aid skills are a crucial part of responsible gundog ownership can help you feel confident in handling any situation the field might throw at you.

If you’re struggling to make time to learn or brush up on some gundog first aid skills, then one of the best mindset shifts you can make is to understand that canine first aid isn’t just about emergencies. It’s part of being a responsible gundog owner. Learning even the basics can help you feel calm, confident, and ready for anything the field might bring your way.

To keep your gundog safe on the shoot with practical, life-saving first aid tips tailored to dogs working in the field, read in full here: https://www.completelygundogs.co.uk/blog/essential-canine-first-aid-techniques-every-gundog-owner-needs-to-know-for-the-shoot-season

03/01/2025

Looking to book your 2025 gundog holiday? Here's what's still available...

Spring 2025
· 4-6 April 2025 - Novice, G2-G3 - All breeds - with Collette (FULL)
· 14-16 April 2025 - Intermediate, G3-G4 - Spaniels only - with Gemma
· 16-18 May 2025 - Novice, G2-G3 - All breeds - with Gemma (FULL)
· 23-25 May 2025 - Advanced, G4-G5 - Retrievers only - with Collette (FULL)
· 9-13 June 2025 - Intermediate, G3-G4 - Retrievers only - with Collette (5 day)

Summer 2025
· 20-22 June 2025 - Novice, G2-G3 - All breeds - with Gemma (FULL)
· 4-6 July 2025 - Intermediate, G3-G4 - Spaniels only - with Collette
· 21-23 July 2025 - Intermediate, G3-G4 - Retrievers only - with Collette (FULL)
· 22-24 August 2025 - Intermediate, G3-G4 - Retrievers only - with Gemma

Autumn 2025
· 10-12 October 2025 - Advanced, G4-G5 - Retrievers only - with Collette (FULL)
· 20-22 October 2025 - Intermediate, G3-G4 - Spaniels only - with Gemma
· 7-9 November 2025 - Intermediate, G3-G4 - Retrievers only - with Collette

Training is from £105-£115 per day, with accommodation ranging from £50 per night to £127 per night.

To book, please DM me. I like to ensure that your gundog will be at the right level for the planned training activities on the holiday of your choice. I'll either send you a booking link, or suggest another holiday which might be more suited to your level.

📸 Darryl Owen Photography

01/01/2025

This is the perfect time to set your sights on new gundog training goals, tackle fresh challenges, and embrace the training adventures that lie ahead.

Whether it’s fine-tuning your dog’s skills, stepping into more advanced scenarios, entering your first competition, going on your first shoot, or simply making time to enjoy the journey, this year is yours to make amazing progress.

Let’s make this year one of progress, partnership, and plenty of retrieves. I can’t wait to see what you and your dogs achieve!
Here’s to an incredible year ahead,
Collette x

30/12/2024

As gundog owners, we often focus on honing our dogs’ skills for the field, and it’s easy to overlook how essential basic first aid knowledge can be.

In the active, often unpredictable environment of a shoot, our gundogs are exposed to risks that other pets might not encounter. And even if you’re not yet shoot-ready, intense training days and long walks in the countryside can still pose threats.

After all, accidents, by their very definition, are unexpected, unplanned, and unintended events that result in harm, injury, loss, or damage. So knowing how to handle them means we’re ready for the unplanned.

Here are a few of the field-specific hazards our working dogs may encounter and why being prepared matters:

Natural obstacles: Brambles, sticks, and rough terrain can leave dogs with cuts, scratches, or even puncture wounds that need swift attention.

Warm autumn days: Overheating or even heatstroke can be a real risk, especially in early autumn when temperatures can surprise us.

Water hazards: Ponds, rivers and lakes bring their own risks, from fast flowing currents, to water intoxication and blue-green algae all of which can be life-threatening if we’re not prepared.

Equipping yourself with even a few first aid basics can make all the difference. By being able to react quickly and confidently in an emergency, you’re safeguarding your dog’s health, keeping your peace of mind intact, and strengthening the bond between you and your dog, a partnership that’s built on trust.

To keep your gundog safe on the shoot with practical, life-saving first aid tips tailored to dogs working in the field, read in full here: https://www.completelygundogs.co.uk/blog/essential-canine-first-aid-techniques-every-gundog-owner-needs-to-know-for-the-shoot-season

27/12/2024

If gundog training is your absolute favourite hobby, and you can’t imagine spending your time over the Christmas break doing anything else, why not explore our range of masterclass replays...

All the replay videos are around 90-120 mins long and will fill you with gundog training advice and inspiration.

Topics include:
• Living with your high drive pet gundog
• Retriever Field Trials: A beginner's guide
• A beginner's guide to working your dog on a shoot
• Essential Gundog First Aid
• Working tests: A beginner's guide

For more information head to https://www.completelygundogs.co.uk/courses

25/12/2024

As the year draws to a close, I just wanted to take a moment to say a heartfelt thank you to each and every one of you who has trained with Completely Gundogs this year.

Whether you’ve stayed in the holiday lets and have booked a 121, or have joined one of our gundog training holidays, it’s been an absolute privilege to work with you and your incredible dogs.

For those of you who keep coming back, watching you progress with your gundogs has been a true highlight of 2024 for me.

I hope you and your dogs are able to enjoy some well-earned downtime over the festive season (although I know “relaxation” isn’t exactly in the vocabulary of some high-drive gundogs!). Christmas is such a wonderful time to reflect on the wins we’ve had and start looking forward to the training adventures ahead.

Talking of training adventures, don’t forget to plan ahead for 2025. If you’ve been dreaming about a gundog training holiday, now’s the time to book your spot. These holidays are always such a brilliant opportunity to focus on your dog, immerse yourself in training, and enjoy some great company in beautiful surroundings.

Wishing you and your family (both two- and four-legged) a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Here’s to an exciting 2025 filled with growth, learning, and plenty of retrieves!

Looking forward to training with you and your dogs soon,
Collette x

📸 Darryl Owen Photography

23/12/2024

For gundog owners in the UK, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of working alongside a well-trained dog on a shoot day. It’s one of those experiences that makes all the training hours worthwhile.

But, as any experienced handler knows, shoot days are physically demanding - not just for us, but for our dogs too. From minor cuts to unexpected injuries, there are unique risks in the field that we have to be ready for.

Most gundog owners dedicate hours to training their dogs for these moments but may not consider the importance of being prepared for emergencies.

Knowing some basics of canine first aid isn’t just sensible - it could one day save your dog’s life or prevent a small injury from becoming serious.

I've put together a blog that will walk you through essential first-aid tips for shoot days, so you can confidently manage injuries and illness, whether it’s your dog or someone else’s. With a few simple skills, you’ll be ready to step up when it matters most, making every shoot day safer for our hardworking companions.

To keep your gundog safe on the shoot with practical, life-saving first aid tips tailored to dogs working in the field, read in full here: https://www.completelygundogs.co.uk/blog/essential-canine-first-aid-techniques-every-gundog-owner-needs-to-know-for-the-shoot-season

20/12/2024

Give a present they’ll really appreciate this year - a Completely Gundogs Christmas Gift voucher!

Whether it’s for a gundog training holiday or access to our masterclass replays, these vouchers will make any handler’s day.

🎄 Why choose a gift voucher?
✔️ Redeemable across all training holidays and masterclass replays.
✔️ Perfect for any level of handler - from beginner to seasoned trainer.
✔️ Delivered digitally, so even if you’ve left it to the last minute, we’ve got you covered.

Got someone asking what you’d like for Christmas? Feel free to forward this post their way and drop a little hint (you deserve a gift you’ll love too)!

If you're interested please DM me.

18/12/2024

There is always more to learn.

Whether you’ve been doing something 10 years or 10 days, you’ll never reach a point when you just know it all.

The beauty of gundog training (and life) is that it’s a journey. Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, every session brings a chance for both you and your dogs to learn new things.

Embrace the learning curve, stay curious, and celebrate every step forward. Progress isn’t about perfection - it’s about the willingness to keep improving.

📸

16/12/2024

If you’ve already established a solid foundation with your dog, learning from other trainers can actually enhance your training.

1️⃣ Gundogs need to be able to perform reliably in a variety of environments, such as fields, water, woodland, steep hills and thick cover. Each new trainer is likely to offer you access to these different types of terrain and many will also have purpose-built gundog training features like cover crops, jumping pens and water, all of which mimic the real-world settings in which your dog will eventually work.

2️⃣ If you plan to have more than one gundog, working with more than trainers allows you to build your own personalised and comprehensive training toolkit. You can cherry-pick the techniques that resonate best with you, and over time, you’ll build your own personalised training style.

3️⃣ Working with multiple trainers provides valuable socialisation opportunities - not just for your dog but for you as well. The gundog community is a close-knit one, and training with different people helps you build relationships with other handlers and trainers. These connections often lead to lasting friendships and many people who have met on the gundog training holidays have kept in touch and now have more people they can celebrate their wins with and share experiences, tips, and advice.

4️⃣ Finally, training with more than one person can help you to stay motivated and will encourage you to continuously improve as a handler. When working with different trainers, you’re more likely to be challenged with new techniques, exercises, and expectations that push you and your dog to grow.

Want to learn more about training with more than one gundog trainer? Head to https://www.completelygundogs.co.uk/blog/can-you-train-with-too-many-different-gundog-trainers

13/12/2024

If you've been looking at our 2025 gundog holiday options, they're booking up quickly so please get in touch sooner rather than later.

Spring 2025
· 14-16 April 2025 - Intermediate, G3-G4 - Spaniels only - with Gemma
· 9-13 June 2025 - Intermediate, G3-G4 - Retrievers only - with Collette (5 day)

Summer 2025
· 20-22 June 2025 - Novice, G2-G3 - All breeds - with Gemma
· 4-6 July 2025 - Intermediate, G3-G4 - Spaniels only - with Collette
· 22-24 August 2025 - Intermediate, G3-G4 - Retrievers only - with Gemma

Autumn 2025
· 20-22 October 2025 - Intermediate, G3-G4 - Spaniels only - with Gemma
· 7-9 November 2025 - Intermediate, G3-G4 - Retrievers only - with Collette

Training is from £105-£115 per day, with accommodation ranging from £50 per night to £127 per night.

To book, please DM me. I like to ensure that your gundog will be at the right level for the planned training activities on the holiday of your choice. I'll either send you a booking link, or suggest another holiday which might be more suited to your level.

📸 Darryl Owen Photography

11/12/2024

If you are struggling with blinds, then try and increase the difficulty of your memories.

Don't always walk out to the area and place the dummies down. Young dogs can start to learn to follow foot scent and they begin to rely on it and subsequently lack confidence when it runs out or isn't there at all.

If you are alone and don’t have a dummy thrower to help, you can walk around or walk out so far and then throw the dummy a distance.

Don't always walk in a straight line back from the memory. Maybe walk out and then around so you are facing the area from another angle.

Make your memories more memorable with noise, or an enticing dummy. But then increase the time or distance until you send them back.

I hope you find these gundog training tips helpful!

Completely Gundogs