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Completely Gundogs

Gundog training holidays, masterclasses and 121 sessions held online and in Mid Wales.
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04/11/2024

Want to know more about how to train your puppy to become a successful picking up dog?

In our Puppy to Picking Up Dog masterclass replay, we'll cover what training you need to be doing from 4 to 8 months and 9 to 12 months, adolescent training (a tricky time for some!), group gundog training and when to start classes.

In the 90 minute presentation, I also look an overview of the different types of British shooting for those who are new to field sports and what’s needed from our dogs in these different scenarios.

The roles of picking up dogs on driven shoots and the final behaviours they will need. How to prepare your dogs and yourself if this is your second puppy and you are going to be working multiple dogs for the first time.

And finally how to maintain and protect the behaviours you’ve taught your puppy into adulthood and especially after they have experienced their first shoot season.

Head to https://www.completelygundogs.co.uk/blog/what-should-i-train-my-gundog-puppy-if-i-want-them-to-be-a-picking-up-dog

01/11/2024

Top tip: If your dog won’t pick other people’s dummies try blowing the hunt cue to reaffirm that they’re doing it right and that the thing they’ve just come across is what you want them to retrieve.

📸 Darryl Owen Photography

30/10/2024

Have you booked your 2025 gundog holiday yet?

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
· 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
· 4-6 July 2025 - Intermediate, G3-G4 - Spaniels only - with Collette
· 21-23 July 2025 - Intermediate, G3-G4 - Retrievers only - with Collette (One place left)
· 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.

28/10/2024

Spaniel owners this is one for you...

Don't forget to teach your stop whistle in relation to retrieving as well as hunting.

I see a lot of spaniel owners who have really crisp, reliable stops when they're hunting. Their dog is close to them and they're expecting the handler to stop them occasionally before hunting them on.

But the same dogs, the moment they are sent out on a retrieve, will completely ignore the stop whistle - even if they're only a short distance away.

Teaching them to stop on a retrieve - whether for an emergency or to send them left, right or back - is a different scenario in their heads.

You will also need to make sure that they don't start to assume that the stop is always followed hunting and that sometimes you will need to recall them, or redirect them.

📸 Darryl Owen Photography

25/10/2024

The first three months with your new gundog puppy are all about laying the groundwork for a well-trained picking up dog.

Two essential commands to teach your puppy are "leave" and "drop." These cues are different and will be used for different things.

Leave: This means moving away from something they are approaching and coming back towards you. It could be a treat on the floor, a toy, or even something undesirable like sheep poo. The idea is to redirect their attention back to you and then reward them for doing so. It functions similarly to a recall command but protects your recall, as in these instances, your puppy can soon see the cue as negative as you are essentially ruining their fun.

Drop: On the other hand, "drop" tells your puppy to empty their mouth of whatever they’re holding. This is particularly important because puppies tend to pick up everything they find, and you don’t want to risk ruining their desire to retrieve by constantly taking things away from them. Instead, a well-taught "drop" command ensures they’ll willingly release items when asked. Start by offering something more appealing, like a piece of cheese, when they have an item in their mouth. As they release the object to take the treat, click and reward them.

Impulse control is another vital lesson for your puppy. Start by teaching them to wait patiently for their food. Begin by lowering the food bowl slowly, and if they jump for it, raise it back up. The goal is to reward them for staying seated as you gradually lower the bowl to the floor. Over time, your puppy will learn that waiting calmly is the quickest way to get their meal. This impulse control will eventually form the basis for your steadiness.

For those of you who have just panicked at the thought of rewarding a picking up puppy for dropping something, I want to introduce you to the hand touch, which will form the foundation of the clicker retrieve.

It is a simple yet powerful behaviour to ensure you get a hand delivery. And yes, dogs are smart enough to know the difference between that cue and the drop cue.

The hand touch can also be used for recall, heel work and getting your dog to pivot with you when lining out for retrieves. By holding out your hand in a flat palm, you just encourage your puppy to touch their nose to your hand and click and reward when they do.

Want to know more about how to train your puppy to become a successful picking up dog? Head to https://www.completelygundogs.co.uk/blog/what-should-i-train-my-gundog-puppy-if-i-want-them-to-be-a-picking-up-dog

23/10/2024

The first three months with your new gundog puppy are all about laying the groundwork for a well-trained picking up dog.

If you haven’t already, now is the time to introduce your puppy to a clicker because, honestly, when it comes to training gundog puppies, everything is quicker with a clicker.

While you’re not going to use it for everything, you can use it to really precisely mark behaviour such as sit, heel work, the moment they are steady on a marked retrieve, or the moment they put the dummy in your hand.

Whistle cue should be introduced as early as possible. You will already have started doing this with the recall.

Some people worry that teaching whistle cues too soon might confuse their puppy, but this isn't the case. Whistle cues are just like verbal cues, distinct sounds that the dog can learn to associate with specific actions.

You can start with cues like the hunt whistle which can be used during play as they hunt for food or toys, also the stop whistle can be paired with the sit once they understand what that means.

By the time your puppy reaches 16 weeks, they should be happy chasing and retrieving toys as a great way to build their natural instincts. To do this, hold your puppy, roll a ball along the ground, and then release them to chase it. When they pick up the toy, open your arms wide, and let them come to you.

It's important not to be too quick to take the toy away. Let your puppy enjoy holding the item, and either take it gently or lure them into giving it up with a treat. This approach helps build their desire without creating any negative associations, which can cause keep away down the line.

Want to know more about how to train your puppy to become a successful picking up dog? Head to https://www.completelygundogs.co.uk/blog/what-should-i-train-my-gundog-puppy-if-i-want-them-to-be-a-picking-up-dog

📸 Darryl Owen Photography

21/10/2024

Tickets are selling fast for our Retriever Charity Working Test in March.

📍 Coed Y Gaer Fawr, near Newtown, Mid Wales
📆 16th March 2025
🕰️ 9am - 4pm

Come and spend the day with like-minded people who are just as passionate about their gundogs as you are!

Charity working tests are a wonderful opportunity to dip your toe into the world of competing and to gently introduce your young or inexperienced dog to a testing environment.

And for those of you with more seasoned dogs, it's the perfect chance to practice your competition skills in a relaxed and informal setting with friends.

The Completely Gundogs Retriever Charity Working tests are not Kennel Club registered competitions. This means that any breed of gundog, or gundog crossbreed, can enter without needing to be KC registered.

The tests will be judged by Claire Baker, Paul Edmunds, Sam Davis and Lesley Eden and will include:

Puppy - Open to dogs under the age of 18 months.

Novice Dog Novice Handler (ND/NH) - Open to dogs and handlers who have not been awarded a place in any KC-registered test or charity test.

Novice - Open to any dog who has not been awarded first place in any KC-registered novice working test or received any award in a KC-registered open test.

Veteran - Open to dogs over the age of 8 years old. Rosettes will be awarded for 1st - 3rd place in the tests.

Entries cost £15 per dog. All proceeds raised will be 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.

There will be a raffle, and any prizes donated will be gratefully received.

If you would not like to run your dog, but would like to volunteer to help with the event, such as being a dummy thrower, we would be extremely grateful. In both instances, please email [email protected]

To enter the test in March 2025 head to https://www.completelygundogs.co.uk/courses/2025-retriever-charity-working-test-march

19/10/2024

Wait is a powerful behaviour we often overlook in gundog training.

Asking our gundog to completely stop what they're doing can be punishing.

If they're about to do something fun like retrieve or hunt or chase, then asking them not to can fill them will "disappointment".

Wait, however, just means "pause your behaviour" until I give you something else to do.

This can instead build anticipation which can be fun and positive as they're waiting to find out what's next.

Think about when you get an unexpected parcel - you don't know what's in the box but you're excited about the possibilities of what it could be.

So if your dog is about to do something they shouldn't, then asking them to "wait" can protect your stop cue from becoming a punishment, it can help you to get your dog's attention back on to you, plus they'll be filled with good emotions about what's coming next.

📸 Darryl Owen Photography

07/10/2024

There are also some aspects of training your breeder will not be able to start for you.

Bonding
Bonding, for me, is the most important thing you should be doing with your gundog puppy when you bring them home. It is all about getting to know them and their personality, teaching them their name and having fun so that they know you are the best and most interesting thing in their world.

Leaving your puppy alone
When they’re in the litter, puppies are inseparable, so when you bring them home, you will need to teach them to be happy on their own. It’s something I am keen to get sorted out as early as possible because dogs with separation anxiety can be incredibly challenging to manage and live with.

I like to combine this one with crate training, especially if your breeder didn’t introduce your pup to a crate. Simply wait while your pup is sleeping and pop them in the crate, with the door open to being with in a different room.

Want to know more about how to train your puppy to become a successful picking up dog? Head to https://www.completelygundogs.co.uk/blog/what-should-i-train-my-gundog-puppy-if-i-want-them-to-be-a-picking-up-dog

04/10/2024

If you have bought your puppy from a gundog breeder, then it is likely that they will have started some of the very early training basics, and by this stage, it will be your job to keep up with what they’ve started.

Recall
I don’t know many breeders who don’t start introducing the recall at meal times. It is just so easy. When they leave here, the puppies from the litter will all associate pup-pup-pup or the whistle tune pip-pip-pip with food and will come running. If you keep this up as soon as you get home, you are further instilling this essential response.

Socialisation
Hopefully your puppy will have had plenty of early socialisation, especially if they are kept in the home.

My litters are always introduced to other adult dogs and have met plenty of different people too. I am keen to get them out exploring safely and letting them gain confidence on different terrains and floor surfaces. They’ve heard noises in the house, such as hoovers and things on the TV, and I’ve no doubt dropped pots and pans.

You will want to build on this gradually but don’t rush the process or feel like you need to go out of your way to introduce your puppy to random things, and pay particular attention to fear periods.

Toilet training
A lot of breeders will have started the toilet training process, taking the pups outside after they’ve been fed, when they’ve just woken up, have finished playing or before bedtime. You will want to carry on.

Crate training
Crates are incredibly useful. You also never know when your dog might have to be in a crate - for instance, after an operation at the vet - and so even if you don’t plan to use it long-term, it’s a good thing to train your puppy.

When my puppies leave for their homes, they are more than happy to go into their crate and see it as a cosy space for sleeping. I don’t close them in, that’s the next step, but it’s much easier if they already know that their crates are a welcoming and safe environment.

Want to know more about how to train your puppy to become a successful picking up dog? Head to https://www.completelygundogs.co.uk/blog/what-should-i-train-my-gundog-puppy-if-i-want-them-to-be-a-picking-up-dog

📸 Darryl Owen Photography

02/10/2024

The dates might not work for you, your dog might not work well in a group, or you might not want to do three full days of training.

For those who want to train here on our grounds, I always offer guests the chance to book 121 training sessions during their stay.

We can focus the sessions on troubleshooting a specific problem you're having, or I can help you push your training on by setting up some scenarios and exercises using the amazing facilities we have here.

With a one-to-one you will receive an hour’s in person tuition.

A one-to-one is a great option if…
・You want to train with us while you are staying with Mid Wales Holidays.
・You have a busy schedule and want to be able to book your session when it suits you.
・Your dog is not comfortable around other dogs and would therefore struggle on one of our gundog holidays.
・Your dog is working at a grade 1 / grade 2 level and isn't ready for one of our gundog training holidays.
・You have specific needs and goals that you want to focus on that might not get covered on a training holiday.
・You want to join one of our gundog training holidays but are unsure if your dog is ready, I can assess you and your dog and help suggest the best options.
・You just need a reminder of exercises covered on a previous holiday you attended.

If you have a birthday or special occasion coming up too, a one-to-one training session makes a great gift for somebody who loves training.

If you've been thinking about booking a stay and train experience now is the perfect time.

While training can be easily added to your booking via the website, if you know you want to do some training during your stay, please message me before booking so I can make sure I am around and available.

30/09/2024

I feel like I get quicker progression when I am bringing on more than one young gundog at a time.

A lot of people wait until their eldest dog is 90% trained before getting a pup. This is sensible for some people, but I do find that waiting this long is unnecessary and there are benefits to bringing on another dog when one is 50% of the way there.

When you're training more than one dog you can keep their sessions nice and short and then swap over. This means you're in no danger of over training but it still makes it worthwhile for you to put your boots on and get all your equipment out etc.

If it's not going to plan, you don't get as bogged down in the emotional side. You're not solely invested in one dog so there is less pressure to get it right with them. If training is a struggle you can also swap to a more reliable dog for a quick confidence boost. It helps you to see that some dogs have problems and it's not you as a trainer.

Finally if you are signing up for long training days and you have more than one dog "in training" you can swap them over when they're getting tired. Again this avoids overtraining as you don't feel like you have to get your money's worth out of the full session.

27/09/2024

Gundog training is a fabulous hobby for anyone with a gundog breed.

However, not everyone who owns and trains a gundog will want to work with them in the field or take part in competitions.

Many owners are looking for a well-behaved pet that has its needs met and its natural hunting and retrieving desires fulfilled.

If this is you, then you might be looking to take a more relaxed approach to training and can spend less time and pressure getting the precision and accuracy needed for picking up and competitions.

There are also some aspects of training you might want to skip over altogether such as cold game training and introduction to shot.

That said, I also know a lot of people who start training just for fun, get hooked and are soon out searching for picking up opportunities!

Want to know more about how to train your puppy to become a successful picking up dog? Head to https://www.completelygundogs.co.uk/blog/what-should-i-train-my-gundog-puppy-if-i-want-them-to-be-a-picking-up-dog

📸 Darryl Owen Photography

25/09/2024

While I love the excitement of booking last minute trips away, sometimes it can be disappointing when you don't get exactly what you want because it's fully booked.

Life happens and occasionally spaces come available on our gundog holidays but if you really want to come on a specific level, or want to stay in our on site accommodation it's advisable that you don't leave it until the last minute!

Spaces can be reserved with a £150 deposit. So if you've been looking at our 2025 gundog holiday options, this is your sign to please get in touch sooner rather than later.

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 (One place left)
· 23-25 May 2025 - Advanced, G4-G5 - Retrievers only - with Collette (One place left)
· 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
· 21-23 July 2025 - Intermediate, G3-G4 - Retrievers only - with Collette
· 22-24 August 2025 - Intermediate, G3-G4 - Retrievers only - with Collette

Autumn 2025
· 10-12 October 2025 - Advanced, G4-G5 - Retrievers only - with Collette (One place left)
· 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.

23/09/2024

I see a lot of trainers talking about how easy it is for people, particularly novices, to ruin a good dog.

And this can sometimes be true.

But I do think we've reach a point where there is far too much of a focus on what can go wrong. And now a lot of novices give up on a dog for no real reason.

Sometimes puppies and young dogs will exhibit behaviours that would be eliminating faults in a working test, or on a trial, or do something that you wouldn't want on a shoot.

Sadly due to the abundance scaremongering in the gundog world, people pick up on these behaviours (even if they've only happened once or twice) and are convinced that their young dog is doomed, defected and never going to amount to anything.

But it’s just training.

If they do something "undesirable" don't despair - they're still learning you just need to find a way to overcome it.

I’m not saying you can ignore all the issues because if they keep rewarding themselves (e.g running in) you will end up with lifelong problems and that can ruin a good dog.

But there are so many handlers who I have seen in my 121s, classes and holidays that have almost been put off gundog training for life because they think the dog is ruined all because it whined once in a class, or chomped down on the first bird it picked up.

But you do just need to work through it.

Pictured here is Angus. When he was young, he point blank refused to pick anything with feathers. I could have given up and retired him to the life of a pet dog, but we worked through it and, until he actually retired last year, he was one of the best picking up dogs I've had and I trialled with him too.

So... this is just your reminder - don't focus on the scaremongering and keep up with your training.

📸 Darryl Owen Photography

20/09/2024

If you are planning to compete, particularly in field trials, you will be aiming for even more accuracy and precision than you’d need to work your gundog on a commercial shoot.

While you are working them, you will also want to be mindful to avoid putting your dog in any situation where they could potentially pick up bad habits. You also have to be careful that you don’t ruin the high standards of the behaviours you are teaching.

Take steadiness, for instance. It is not the end of the world if you are on a shoot day and your experienced picking up dog takes off after a runner a split second before you were about to send them anyway.

But you cannot let a competition dog do this. You might instead consider taking extra precautions, such as keeping them on the lead during drives to avoid the potential that they will reward themselves.

It is the extra details like that that you will need to consider if you want the best chance at a successful trailing career and why a lot of people are happy to just train their dogs for practical work in the field.

Want to know more about how to train your puppy to become a successful picking up dog? Head to https://www.completelygundogs.co.uk/blog/what-should-i-train-my-gundog-puppy-if-i-want-them-to-be-a-picking-up-dog

18/09/2024

Our first Retriever Charity Working Test will be held at Coed Y Gaer Fawr, near Newtown, Mid Wales, on 16th March 2025 from 9am - 4pm.

Come and spend the day with like-minded people who are just as passionate about their gundogs as you are!

Charity working tests are a wonderful opportunity to dip your toe into the world of competing and to gently introduce your young or inexperienced dog to a testing environment.

For those of you with more seasoned dogs, it's the perfect chance to practice your competition skills in a relaxed and informal setting with friends.

The Completely Gundogs Retriever Charity Working tests are not Kennel Club registered competitions. This means that any breed of gundog, or gundog crossbreed, can enter without needing to be KC registered. Please note that while we welcome all breeds, the tests will all be geared for retrievers.

The tests will be judged by Claire Baker, Paul Edmunds, Sam Davis and Lesley Eden and will include:
Puppy - Open to dogs under the age of 18 months.

Novice Dog Novice Handler (ND/NH) - Open to dogs and handlers who have not been awarded a place in any KC-registered test or charity test.

Novice - Open to any dog who has not been awarded first place in any KC-registered novice working test or received any award in a KC-registered open test.

Veteran - Open to dogs over the age of 8 years old. Rosettes will be awarded for 1st - 3rd place in the tests.

Entries cost £15 per dog. All proceeds raised will be 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.

There will be a raffle, and any prizes donated will be gratefully received.

If you would not like to run your dog, but would like to volunteer to help with the event, such as being a dummy thrower, we would be extremely grateful. In both instances, please email [email protected]

To enter the test in March 2025 head to:
https://www.completelygundogs.co.uk/courses/2025-retriever-charity-working-test-march

16/09/2024

A few weeks ago a client asked me if she should go out and buy a load of new dummies.

She was having problems with her young dog picking everything up like a cigar when training in a group.

Inevitably some of the dummies would have toggles on, and, having picked them up at the end and not the middle, her dog was having far too much fun parading and swinging the dummies around.

There are lots of dummies you can buy to "help" solve this issue.

But taking away the toggle or buying a dumbbell-shaped dummy only covers up the problem. It does not solve it.

There are tons of reasons dogs "dick about" with dummies. But it's mainly due to how they're feeling and pressure.

So before you rush off to buy dummies, if your dog is suddenly picking up dummies wrong or messing about instead of picking and returning, you might want to have a think about what's changed in your training to suddenly cause this.

And if you're still having issues trying to work out why your gundog doesn't deliver to hand you might also want to check out this blog I wrote: https://www.completelygundogs.co.uk/blog/why-doesn-t-my-gundog-deliver-to-hand

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Message me or visit our website to find out more and book. If there’s no accommodation suitable for you on site, we can recommend a couple of very good self catering dog friendly options nearby.

Ever thought about coming on one of the Completely Gundogs 5-day gundog training holidays but aren’t sure about what to do on the day off in the middle? Here’s some inspiration if you’re staying with us Mid Wales Holidays P.s. There is still one place left on our 5 dayer from 5-9 June. Message me for more details.......#gundogtrainingholiday #gundogintraining #positivegundogtraining #positivgundogtraining #bestgundogstraining #gundogsintraining #nextgenerationgundogtraining #gundogtraining #gundogtrainer #retrievertraining #gundogsofinstagram #gundog #gundogs #gundogtrainingmidwales #gundogoftheday #midwalesgundogholiday #midwalesgundogtrainer

Another blinking awesome gundog holiday in the bag! 🙌🏼 If you’re interested in learning more about the training holidays, the different levels and dates for 2023 please message me or head to www.completelygundogs.co.uk

If you plan to work your dogs on game, it is inevitable that they will one day have to deal with a runner. You may have watched the bird fall, or be told roughly where it came down. It is then down to your dog to do the rest. One of my favourite exercises to help teach your dog this concept is to lay a long scent trail. This can be done by simply dragging a dummy, or cold game along the ground. The idea is that you send your dog to the area of the "fall", then hunt them, and leave them to it. They should, in theory, pick up the scent trail and follow it at speed until they find, pick and return. Have you ever tried anything like this before? Let me know in the comments. And if you are looking for more advanced training exercises and ideas, why not join my advanced online Zoom course? Three exercises will be set every 2 weeks. The level is for Gundog Club Grades 3-5 and all exercises can be adjusted to suit your dog's level. You are invited to a weekly zoom meeting, which will take place on Wednesdays at 7:00pm, where you can discuss your progress and ask questions. There is also a private Facebook group where you can post your other questions, your own video attempts and support others in the group. This is an ongoing course - there is no set start or end date. Simply sign up whenever suits you. Message me for details, or head to the website...https://www.completelygundogs.co.uk/courses/grade-3-zoom

Why is the stop whistle so difficult... is a question I often get from my members. So this month I have set them a challenge. It involves kibble spread out on the floor, the hunt whistle and the stop whistle. Here is one of our members absolutely nailing it with her young black lab... Unless you spill a bag of food everywhere, it’s unlikely you'll need this in real life. But imagine that food is dummy / game scent... which is equally, if not more distracting and tempting to your dog. You will want to stop your dog when it's hunting. And you will want them to be able to listen to you, and either be redirected or recalled. My approach to training, as you know, is all about setting the dog up to win, praising when they get it right, and just resetting when if it doesn't go to plan. No need for shouting or corrections. By using food first, we can start to teach them this new "game" without the risk that they will find the dummy, or self reward with continued hunting. Once they understand the basics, then we can build up to real life scenarios. Do you use food in your training as a distraction? Let me know in the comments. p.s. if you want to get involved in the stop whistle challenge in the membership, then more information about what's included can be found over on: www.completelygundogs.co.uk/courses/monthly-membership

I have to confess, I was never quite sure I would ever make it to a shoot with Loki. That was the goal when I rehomed him last November from a busy family with small children who were struggling with his bogging off habits. I knew he had the makings of a cracking gundog. BUT he came to me with a high prey drive, huge desire to chase wildlife and kill it too. Obviously no recall in those situations and not great on lead. It was going to be a challenge. Not only was Loki the first dog I rehomed, but my first spaniel too. As a trainer, I knew it was important to understand the breed better to better help my clients. Plus, there's a lot of heavy cover on the shoot in Wales and having a team of just two labs is not ideal. Some of you may remember the early videos I posted when he had to be kept on a long line. That needed to be turned around. I discovered he was gunshy. I needed to see if I could get him over that. I found out that he would run off with cold game or would peg live game and try and rip it apart. That needed sorting. It's been almost a year, but we've got there. It was a scary moment letting him off lead that first day at the shoot, but each time we go picking up he makes such an improvement. He is only 2 and I am so proud of him. He hunts so well, is quiet during the drive, travels great with the other dogs and even retrieves partridge to hand! Love this dog and so lucky to have him in my life. Will you be taking your dog out for the first time this season? Let me know... p.s. if you have always wondered what it would be like to work your dog on a shoot but are not sure how to get involved or what it's all about, I am hosting a special masterclass this Wednesday (22 September) which is going to be a beginner's guide to working your dog on a shoot. To book your place just click here: https://www.completelygundogs.co.uk/courses/working-your-dog-on-a-shoot . . . . #gundoghunting #gundog #grouptraining #membership #gundogs #dogtrainingtip

There’s nothing like the feeling I get when I’m sat up here with a glass of something cold – usually a crisp white wine, or a beer – taking in the views. Except maybe the feeling I get when I dog training… There’s nothing I love more than seeing my clients making progress and working through challenges with their dogs, while both of them are having fun at the same time. Do you have a favourite place to sit with your dogs and watch the world go by? p.s. if you're worried about getting your dogs ready for the shooting season, and want to come and proof your training on some 'gamey' ground, why not book a stay @midwalesholidays and add on some 121 training sessions while you're here? DM me for details. . . . . . #gundogsofinstagram #gundogtraining #gundog #dogtrainingtips #positivedogtraining #forcefree #forcefreetraining #dogtrainersofinstagram #forcefreedogtraining #workinggundog #membershiptraining #gundogs #workingholiday #dogholiday #midwales #dogfriendlyhotel #dogholidays #workingholidays #dogfriendlyholidays #holidaytraining #dogfriendlyholiday #workingdogtraining

If I could take a snapshot of tomorrow’s to-do list, it’d look a bit like this: ✅ Saying goodbye to the gundog holiday guests ✅ Training with Grace (I’ve just entered her into a novice field trial) ✅ Two 20 min zoom calls with two of my VIP members to discuss their training and keep them moving forward. ✅ Meeting with the architect to discuss plans for extended the guest room which is currently known as the courtyard room. I love the life I’ve built in Wales. And even more so that I get to share it with so many fabulous gundog owners who come to visit for their holidays – with and without training. How is your week going? What are you grateful for? p.s. if you're worried about getting your dogs ready for the shooting season, and want to come and proof your training on some 'gamey' ground, why not book a stay @midwalesholidays and add on some 121 training sessions while you're here? DM me for details.

Long blind retrieve

Great job Ceildhe and Margaret on this built up long blind retrieve over a fence at our ground.

Use one word (or gif) to describe how you’re feeling about gundog training at the moment. Pop it in the comments below… Collette x p.s. if you feel like you’ve lost your mojo, or that training is a bit lacklustre at the moment, why not join our monthly membership? As well as an exclusive community of like-minded trainers, you’ll also get access to training drills, members calls, discounts and priority booking for our popular gundog holidays. Let me know if you want more information.

The other week one of my lovely members came up to stay for a few nights in our holiday cottage @midwalesholidays with her two gorgeous Labradors. Not only did we manage to fit in some really productive 121 training sessions with both dogs, but she also had time to explore the local area. This beautiful forest and reservoir are right on our doorstep and are perfect walking trails for some peaceful, relaxing downtime with your gundogs. Collette x p.s. If you want to know more about the gundog training packages we offer alongside booking with Mid Wales Holidays, just drop me a message and I can run through the options with you.