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

Completely Gundogs, Shrewsbury (2025)

21/03/2025

Our October intermediate gundog training holiday for spaniels is an ideal way to proof behaviours around game scent and potentially live game as we often have a lot of pheasant and partridge on our ground.

Hosted by Gemma from 20th to 22nd October at our stunning training grounds in Mid Wales, 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.

Your dog should also be happy with the sound of shot as we often use starter pistols, bang boxes and dummy launchers.

If you would like to book on, please DM me for more information as I like to ensure it will be a good fit for your dog before you commit.

📸

19/03/2025

It’s easy to stick to what feels comfortable in gundog training. Repeating the same drills, avoiding more challenging retrieves, or hesitating to enter that first competition. But is playing it safe actually holding you back?

When handlers fear failure, they:
🚧 Avoid pushing their dog (or themselves) outside their comfort zone
🚧 Stick to what they know instead of what they need
🚧 Hesitate, which leads to uncertainty in their handling - and their dog picks up on it

Progress doesn’t come from staying comfortable. It comes from testing your limits, making mistakes, and learning from them.

👉 Challenge: This week, step outside your comfort zone in training. Try a new exercise, train in a more challenging environment, or attempt a behaviour you’ve been avoiding.

And when it doesn’t go perfectly (because that’s part of learning!), ask yourself: “What did we gain from this?”

If you want to train your mindset alongside your handling, I’m sharing more over on

📸

18/03/2025

ICYMI, we held our first Charity Retriever Working Test on Sunday 16th March.

Darryl Owen Photography was on hand to capture the action, and the photos are now live in the online gallery.

Whether you want to relive the moments with your dog or see some fellow gundogs and handlers, you can view the full collection of shots from the day and purchase any downloads you want to keep here: https://darrylowenphotography.pic-time.com/-ompletely

Once again, congratulations to all the winners and well done to everyone to participated. A huge thanks to the judges and volunteers, our wonderful sponsors Sporting Saint - Gundog Training Equipment and Skinner's who generously supported the event, and of course to Darryl for his incredible photography.

Enjoy the photos, and we look forward to seeing you all again in September.

17/03/2025

What a fantastic day we had yesterday at our first ever Charity Retriever Working Test.

The turnout was excellent, and while it was pretty chilly out of the sun, we were lucky enough to have the weather hold up. It was lovely to see so many handlers, especially those new to working tests, stepping up to the challenge and having a go in a slightly more relaxed setting.

Our judges, Clare Baker, Paul Edmunds, Craig Perry, and Sam Davis, were absolutely outstanding. Not only did they set and run some fantastic exercises to make the most of the ground, but they also went above and beyond, offering valuable advice to competitors if things didn’t quite go to plan. We are so grateful to them for their dedication to the sport and once again want to thank them for their time and for creating such a welcoming atmosphere for all the competitors, no matter how they got into gundog training or what level they're at.

Of course, the event wouldn’t have been possible without our amazing team of helpers. A huge thank you to them for giving up their Sundays and leaving their own dogs behind to ensure the event ran smoothly, allowing others to enjoy a brilliant day out.

A special mention goes to Darryl Owen Photography who joined us and captured all the action. We will be sharing a link to the full gallery tomorrow.

We also had a fantastic selection of hot and cold refreshments from Stwff and Things, keeping everyone well-fed and refreshed throughout the day.

We were thrilled to have our wonderful sponsors, Sporting Saint - Gundog Training Equipment and Skinner's, provide fantastic prizes for the winners, and we want to thank them for ensuring the winners were well rewarded for their outstanding results.

The winners in each class are as follows:

NDNH
1st - Kate Smith with Skye
2nd - Gemma Cox with Gwen
3rd - Sue Cole with Daisy
4th - Justin Marsden with Spring
COM - David Nalborczyk with Millie
COM - Helen Barrat with Orla
COM - Emma Pearce with Mya
Best Dog and Handler Team - Barry Chislett-Bruce

Puppy
1st - Sue Lander with Raven
2nd - Gemma Cox with Gwen
3rd - Laura Carlton with Ember
4th - Helen Barrat with Nero

Novice
1st - Laura Carlton with Vespa
2nd - Emma Pearce with Mya
3rd - Sharon Whitney with Ella
4th - Liz Launder with Thornedge Image of a Dream
Judge's Choice - Laura Carlton with Vespa

A huge congratulations to all our winners, and a big well done to everyone who competed and put their dogs through their paces.

Finally, thanks to the generosity of all our participants, raffle, and other donations, we raised an incredible £1,020 for the charity YoungMinds, which is such a rewarding outcome.

We hope you all enjoyed the day as much as we did, and we’re already looking forward to the next one in September.

And if you’d like to hire the ground for any gundog-related training events, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

17/03/2025

When it comes to setting goals for your gundog training, the SMART framework is an invaluable guide to follow.

When your goal has components that meet all five criteria, you can start to turn vague aspirations into clear, actionable steps that will be easier to track and will help you stay motivated.

Let’s break down each component with examples tailored to gundog training:

Specific
A specific goal defines exactly what you want to achieve.
Example: Pass our Grade 2 Gundog Club assessment.

Measurable
To know if you’re making progress, your goals must include clear benchmarks.
Example: Run out confidently in a straight line to a blind retrieve that is 100 yards away.

Achievable
We all want instant gratification, but setting unrealistic targets can lead to frustration.
Example: If your dog can only walk at heel for 10 yards, your goal should be to build this distance and then add in distractions. It would be unreasonable to set a target that, in a few weeks, you want them to walk at heel all day on a shoot.

Relevant
Your goals should align with your ultimate aspirations for your dog.
Example: If you’re interested in working your dog on a shoot, introduction to game is not only a relevant but very necessary goal. If however you just want to do working tests on canvas dummies, it is not.

Time-bound
A deadline creates a sense of urgency and keeps you accountable.
Example: Get a consistent stop at 30 yards by the time we go on our gundog holiday in 3 months.

By combining these elements, its easy to see how you can turn a broad intention into an actual roadmap for success.

For instance, “Stop my gundog from dropping the dummy” becomes “Train my dog to hold the dummy until I have my hand on it and give a release cue, with the goal of competing in a novice dog novice handler working test in six months.”

Want to learn more about the importance of goal-setting, how to create SMART goals and overcome the mental blocks that might hold you back, head to https://www.completelygundogs.co.uk/blog/how-to-set-gundog-training-goals

16/03/2025

Good luck to everyone competing today in our charity retriever working test. First up this morning is our NDNH, followed by puppy and novice classes this afternoon. All in aid of the mental health charity Young Minds.

14/03/2025

Our next five-day training holiday is happening from Monday 9th to Friday 13th June 2025 and is open to Intermediate Retrievers (G3-G4 level).

Training Days will be Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, with a rest day on Wednesday to let the dogs recharge while you explore the local area.

Led by Collette, this holiday is designed to build both your dog’s skills and your confidence as a handler with a mix of practical exercises and real-world training scenarios.

What’s included?
✔️ Strengthening marking, memory, and blind retrieves.
✔️ Navigating diverse terrain to develop adaptability.
✔️ Cold game and water sessions (weather permitting).
✔️ Walked-up training & remote dummy launchers to refine handling.
✔️ Potential off-site training at authentic shoot locations.

Evenings often include group outings to local pubs or restaurants, where you can swap training stories, enjoy great company, and make lasting friendships.

This is a retriever-only holiday, suited for handlers working at Grade 3-4 level. You’ll need:
🐾 Reliable recall
🐾Off-lead heelwork
🐾 A stop whistle
🐾 Confidence with left, right and back directional casting
🐾 Steadiness, and
🐾 A reliable delivery to hand

Your dog should also be happy with the sound of shot as we often use starter pistols, bang boxes and dummy launchers.

Suitable for retrieving breeds only. To ensure that your dog is at the right level, please contact me via direct message.

📸

12/03/2025

The way you think about challenges in you gundog training shapes your progress more than you realise.

🔴 Fixed Mindset:
· “My dog just isn’t good at this”
· “I’m not a natural handler”
· “If we struggle, we must not be ready”

🟢 Growth Mindset:
· “My dog hasn’t mastered this yet"
· “Handling is a skill I can develop”
· “Struggles are part of the learning process”

The best handlers aren’t born with talent. They build it by embracing mistakes, learning from setbacks, and trusting the process.

So, next time you catch yourself thinking “We’re stuck”, try switching to “We’re still learning.” That small shift in mindset can change everything.

If you want to train your mindset as well as your dog, I’m sharing more over on my new business account

10/03/2025

Setting goals for your gundog training is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure steady progress.

Goals give your training structure, purpose, and direction. Without them, it’s easy to drift from one skill to another without building the consistency and reliability needed for success.

Whether you’re a novice handler or more experienced, having clear goals ensures that every session with your dog moves you both closer to achieving something in the long term.

Your goals will largely depend on what you want to achieve with your gundog. For example, if your ambition is to take your dog picking up on a shoot, the focus might be on practical, real-world skills. You’ll want a steady dog that can handle distractions, respond reliably to basic cues, and can use their own initiative to follow runners or persevere in hunting and holding an area.

Precision and refinement are important, but the stakes are less about perfection and more about consistency and functionality. If things go a bit wrong on one drive, as long as no one is hurt, it’s not the end of the world. If this is your goal, being able to remind yourself of what you actually need from your dog will stop you putting unnecessary pressure on yourself or getting bogged down in behaviours you don’t necessarily need.

On the other hand, if your goal is to compete in working tests or field trials, the demands are far higher. Competitions require meticulous attention to detail. You’ll need bomb-proof steadiness, flawless hand delivery, and instant responses to whistle cues and handling, even at a distance. A competition dog must demonstrate an exceptional level of skill and teamwork, often under the scrutiny of judges. Without structured goals, it’s difficult to achieve the finesse required at this level.

If you haven’t thought about it before, take time to reflect on what excites you most - whether it’s competitions, assessments, or simply being part of a shoot day - and use this as the foundation for your training goals.

Even if you think you have a goal, it’s always good to check in with yourself and make sure it’s still what you really want.

Want to learn more about the importance of goal-setting, how to create SMART goals and overcome the mental blocks that might hold you back, head to https://www.completelygundogs.co.uk/blog/how-to-set-gundog-training-goals

📸

08/03/2025

If you’ve been looking for an opportunity to push your training further, this is it!

Our advanced 3-day holidays are designed for handlers and dogs looking to develop retrieves and handling in diverse terrains and challenging scenarios.

You will need to have:
· a reliable recall
· good off lead heelwork
· a stop whistle at distance
· understanding of left, right and back directional casts
· a reliable delivery to hand
· and most importantly, steadiness.

Your dog should also be happy with the sound of shot as we often use starter pistols, bang boxes and dummy launchers.

Suitable for retrieving breeds only. To ensure that your dog is at the right level, please contact me via direct message.

06/03/2025

Ever been out training and found yourself saying or thinking to yourself, “I’m rubbish at this” or “My dog will never get it”?

You’re not alone.

But here’s the thing, your words don’t just reflect what you believe, they shape what you believe.

When you tell yourself you’re no good, you start to train your brain to expect failure.

And when you expect failure? You handle your dog with hesitation, frustration creeps in, and your dog picks up on your doubt.

Here’s a simple shift: Instead of saying “I can’t do this”, try “I haven’t mastered this yet.” Instead of “My dog will never get it”, try “We’re still learning.”

One change in self-talk can change your whole approach. Speak to yourself the way you’d speak to one of your gundog besties, because you are your own gundog training bestie.

If you want to work on building confidence and developing a stronger mindset in your gundog training, I’m sharing more via my new coaching business

Follow along and start training your mind as well as your dog.

📸

04/03/2025

Have you ever found yourself unsure of what to focus on next in your gundog training?

Perhaps you’ve been wondering whether to aim for a reliable working dog for the shooting field, or to set your sights on competitions like working tests or field trials.

Wherever you’re starting out with a puppy or looking to take a more purposeful approach in 2025, setting clear goals is the key to ensuring that your training is structured, measurable and, most importantly, rewarding.

It seems obvious, but setting goals helps you tailor your approach based on where you are now and where you want to go. For example, a working dog might require less precision but solid reliability, while competition dogs need to meet exacting standards.

Your goals can evolve over time. You might initially be aiming for a well-trained pet gundog, and suddenly, you want to take your Gundog Club grades or get an opportunity to go beating or picking up. Taking the time to map out a rough path will keep these doors open, as you will always be focused on training in some shape or form.

In this blog, we’ll explore the importance of goal-setting, how to create SMART goals and overcome the mental blocks that might hold you back.

To read in full head to: https://www.completelygundogs.co.uk/blog/how-to-set-gundog-training-goals

02/03/2025

Understanding and embracing your high-drive gundog's natural instincts can transform challenges into rewarding experiences.

For a deeper dive into these concepts, the "Living with Your High-Drive Pet Gundog" masterclass replay is now available to purchase for just £25.

You’ll have lifetime access to this comprehensive session that explores the motivations behind your dog's behaviours and offers practical strategies to harness their innate talents effectively. Available to watch at your convenience, you can pause, rewind, and revisit the material as needed.

For more information and to purchase the masterclass head to: https://www.completelygundogs.co.uk/courses/replay-highdrive-petgundog

28/02/2025

Instead of battling against your gundog’s natural instincts, embrace them. For example, if you have a dog that loves to chase, you might have been told by some trainers to punish the behaviour or to never let your dog off the lead in areas where chasing might occur.

But this approach focuses solely on suppressing the behavior without addressing the underlying instinct. The truth is, your dog doesn’t see the chasing as a problem at all. And denying them an outlet for their desire to chase will only result in frustration and pent-up energy.

A more effective approach is to understand your dog’s instincts and work with them. By planning your walks and learning to read your dog’s signals, you can manage these behaviours in a way that benefits both you and your dog.

Remember, chasing is only a problem when it’s uncontrolled. Instead of trying to eliminate it, you use techniques like the premack principle, which involves allowing your dog to do what they love after they’ve completed a task you’ve asked of them.

For instance, if your dog loves to chase, you might ask for some focused heelwork before rewarding them by letting them chase a ball on cue. This way, you’re channelling their natural drive into a controlled and rewarding activity.

If there’s a behaviour you find challenging, consider putting it on cue and teaching your dog clear boundaries. For example, I allow my dogs to chase a ball on cue, using it as a highly motivating reward for emergency recall.

At the same time, I ensure they understand that chasing wildlife or being unsteady on a shoot is not allowed. The key is context: they know that unless I give the cue “get it”, they need to remain steady, even if I throw the ball. By setting clear expectations, you can turn what might seem like a problem behaviour into a powerful tool for training.

Want to learn more about harnessing your dog's natural instincts rather than fight against them, head to https://www.completelygundogs.co.uk/blog/how-to-live-with-a-high-drive-pet-gundog

26/02/2025

High-drive gundogs possess a unique combination of traits that make them outstanding workers, whether part of the beating line or picking up team. These characteristics, carefully cultivated through generations of selective breeding, are what allow them to excel in the field.

While the traits of high-drive gundogs make them exceptional working dogs, they can present unique challenges when these dogs are living as pets. Understanding these potential problems is key to managing them effectively and creating a harmonious home life.

Let’s explore some of these key qualities:

Frustration
They can have a low tolerance for waiting or being restricted, often leading to vocalisations like whining or barking. Some dogs may chew on their lead, dig, or display other signs of frustration when they can’t do what they want or have to wait their turn in training classes.

Want to learn more about harnessing your dog's natural instincts rather than fight against them, head to https://www.completelygundogs.co.uk/blog/how-to-live-with-a-high-drive-pet-gundog

24/02/2025

If you are looking to compete this year, I still have spaces available in the Puppy and Novice classes for our Retriever Charity Working Test on 16th March 2025, here in Mid Wales.

Sadly the NDNH is very, very full and I really can't add any more in this category... But that shouldn't stop you.

If your dog is 18 months or under, then the Puppy class is for you.

If your dog is over 18 months and you've missed out on the NDNH then maybe this is your sign to be brave and enter the Novice.

Don't forget - it's a charity test with all proceeds raised donated to Young Minds a charity that provides young people with tools to look after their mental health and helps adults be the best support they can be to the young people in their lives.

This is the perfect opportunity to see where you're at with your training, to dip your toe into the world of competing and to gently introduce your dog to a test environment.

If you’re interested in entering, or have questions, please DM me so I can send you the link.

22/02/2025

High-drive gundogs possess a unique combination of traits that make them outstanding workers, whether part of the beating line or picking up team. These characteristics, carefully cultivated through generations of selective breeding, are what allow them to excel in the field.

While the traits of high-drive gundogs make them exceptional working dogs, they can present unique challenges when these dogs are living as pets. Understanding these potential problems is key to managing them effectively and creating a harmonious home life.

Let’s explore some of these key qualities:

Sensitivity
Modern positive reinforcement methods are particularly effective with them, as these dogs tend to dislike making mistakes and respond poorly to harsh handling techniques. Their heightened awareness is also a benefit in the field as they notice subtle changes, like a raised gun will cue them to mark, or a rustling in the trees might make them quickly turn and spot a wounded bird.

A high level of sensitivity is valuable in the field, but in a pet environment, it can lead to overstimulation. These dogs notice every tiny change, every sound, every movement, which can result in overreactivity. For example, a pet gundog might react to noises or movements that are completely irrelevant, like barking at someone knocking on the neighbour’s door, creating unnecessary stress for both the dog and the owner.

Want to learn more about harnessing your dog's natural instincts rather than fight against them, head to https://www.completelygundogs.co.uk/blog/how-to-live-with-a-high-drive-pet-gundog

20/02/2025

Open to all breeds, this 3-day holiday will take place from Monday 28th July to Wednesday 30th July at our stunning training grounds in Mid Wales.

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).
✔️ 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 any gundog breed working at Grade 2-3 level - you'll need:
🐾 a reliable recall,
🐾 some basic off-lead heelwork,
🐾 the beginning of a stop whistle,
🐾 an understanding of left, right and back direction casts,
🐾 a basic delivery,
🐾 some basic steadiness,
🐾 to have introduced your dog to shot.

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.

Completely Gundogs

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