Breckland Gundog Training

24/01/2025

Many of you know that we had other plans for the pet dog training side of our business. However, they did not come to fruition and we have had to get on with plan B.

Our services are still available for existing clients, many of whom have been extremely loyal to us over the years. It is simply a case of not being able to continue with the level of work we have had over the last few years. So we have decided going forward to focus purely on our Gundog Training and Residential Training.

This decision has not been taken lightly, but something needed to give in an attempt to find a better work/life balance for Suzanne and I, and also to create time to enjoy our own dogs, their training and working them.

If you have any questions about how / if this affects your training etc with us please contact Steve via Whatsapp on 07795466007.

To the few of you who knew this was happening, we thank you for your continued support and friendship x.

Best regards

Steve & Suzanne x

23/01/2025

23/01/2025

WOOOHOOO!!!

Well, this year, No. 1 on our goal list was the renewal of our Residential Training Kennels Licence, and better the 3-star, 2-year license we had ✔️

The good bit is we've only gone and got a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ License! for the next 3 years. (License No. AWL0202 ) 😁

Hard work does pay off!

Must say thank you to Suzanne and Kelly for being part of the success on achieving it.

22/01/2025

Who says you can't have your working dogs on the sofa 🤔 🫣

Riley still 'working' 😍

21/01/2025

Aside from training and working our own dogs on a number of Shoots in the Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex areas, for well over 40 years, (where I started brushing on the farm my father used to work on), we have offered a range of services to those in the gundog world looking to hone their skills or help give newcomers to this wonderful pastime the opportunity of getting themselves and their Gundog on to a shoot.

Sourcing a Gundog Puppy
Finding the right gundog puppy is crucial for future success. At Breckspride Gundogs, we help you source a puppy with the ideal temperament, working lineage, and health checks. Whether you need a family companion or a working gundog, we ensure you start with the best foundation possible.

Gundog Puppy Foundation Training
Lay the groundwork for a confident and obedient gundog. This program introduces basic commands, recall, steadiness, and an understanding of whistle commands. It's designed to build a positive bond and instill trust between handler and puppy, setting the stage for future training.

Gundog Puppy Training and Socialisation
Early exposure to various environments, people, and other dogs is key to raising a well-rounded gundog. This service combines foundational skills with socialisation exercises to ensure your puppy is calm, focused, and adaptable in different settings.

121 Gundog Training
For tailored guidance, our one-to-one sessions focus on you and your dog’s specific needs. Whether it’s building steadiness, refining retrieves, or addressing challenges, we create a personalized plan to help you achieve your training goals.

Group Gundog Training Classes
Our group classes are perfect for dogs and handlers to practice skills in a social setting. We cover obedience, steadiness, retrieves, and more while preparing your dog to work with distractions in a group environment.

Simulated Gundog Training Workshops
These workshops replicate real-life scenarios, from marked retrieves to stop whistles and directional control. Ideal for honing skills without the pressure of a live shoot, these sessions help build confidence and readiness for fieldwork.

‘In The Field’ Gundog Training During an Actual Shoot
Take your training to the next level with real-world experience. Under expert guidance, your dog learns to work in an actual shooting environment, practicing retrieves, steadiness, and teamwork. This hands-on approach is invaluable for transitioning to working in the field.

Residential Gundog Training
Leave your dog in the hands of experienced trainers for a fully immersive training program. Whether your gundog needs basic obedience or advanced field skills, we create a structured routine to achieve your training goals while keeping you updated every step of the way.

Part-Trained and Trained Gundogs
Looking for a working gundog without the long training process? We offer part-trained and fully trained dogs ready to join your shoot or home. Each dog is trained to a high standard, ensuring they meet your specific requirements.

20/01/2025

And, another happy client out into the shooting field for the first time with their dog.

Rebecca & Kipps joined Steve for their first day in the shooting field on Saturday. Kipps started his journey with Steve for some residential training in the early stages, Gundog 121s and our Sunday Gundog Groups, and to say he has been a challenge along the way would be an understatement. None the less he did himself and Rebecca proud on Saturday, 1st retrieve on warm game, and despite a fear of water, even got wet.

Once again the smile on the clients face said it all

When you start your gundog journey with the intention of working your dog on a shoot. Make sure your trainer can take you all the way....from Pup2Peg, we can and we do.

Well done Rebecca and Kipps 👏x

17/01/2025

Looking for in home boarding rather than kennels?

You won't get better than young Nicky at

Welcome to Rookery Lodge. A 5* Home Boarding and Day Care provider. We are a small, friendly business offering home boarding, day care services for your dogs and much more. We have no kennels on site, the dogs are boarded in our home along with our residential dogs.

16/01/2025

16/01/2025

Residential training works, but only if the client actually listens and implements what is done with their dog while it is with us.

Following 6 months of Residential Training from 8 weeks old. Steve popped in to see Jody and Nel today, (Nel is Willow's sister from the post earlier today) following handover a couple of months ago

To say It is going well would be doing Jody an injustice. Jody listens, does make mistakes 🫣 (but most importantly recognises when) but is developing a lovely bond with Nel, and it's coming out in their training.

Today in their session we looked at Nel's retrieving and how to push that on, introduced the stop Whistle, and fixed a couple of small things that had slid a bit.

If there could be a blueprint to residential training this could be it.
Foundations, calmness and manners instilled during residential training and then working with a willing client to push that training to new levels.

Well done Jody and Nel 👏👍X you've done yourselves proud and the bond you're developing is lovely to see.

See you again soon for more updates 😁.

16/01/2025

Early start this morning, young Willow now in her new home in Wetherby following a handover after being pup to pet trained since she was 8 weeks.

14/01/2025

Additional 121 Sessions Now Available To Book In April 2025.

Gundog Trainer Steve Swallow offers 121s both at BDT's training centre in Ashill, and farmland in the local areas to tailor your training to suit.

14/01/2025

We have now added our working dog food range to the website
https://gundogtraining-equipment.co.uk/product-category/dog-food/

This will grow in the weeks ahead, as we are seeing a vast increase in those clients who have ordered food from us lately.

if you have any questions about the ranges we offer please email [email protected]

10/01/2025

Breckspride Tottington aka Frazzle proving a Working Cocky Spaniel can sit still 🤭

08/01/2025

A client's just informed me that its apparently National Labrador Day here is 1 or 2 of Steve's 🫣🤭 let's see yours.......

08/01/2025

A dog's sit can tell you an awful lot when you know what you're looking for 🧐

A dog sitting with this legs splayed out, leaning to one side of having difficulty transitioning from stand to sit and back to standing again can be a sign of weakness, asymmetry and even pain.

Have you noticed your dog sitting funny? Get in touch for an assessment to find out more! 🐾

07/01/2025

Transform Your Pet Dog with Gundog Training.🐾

Did you know gundog training isn't just for working dogs? It’s also perfect for pet dogs—especially those with gundog breeds like Labradors, Spaniels, and Retrievers! Here's why:

Channel Natural Instincts
Gundog training taps into your dog's natural instincts, giving them a purpose and reducing unwanted behaviors like digging or chewing.

Boost Obedience & Focus
From recall to sit-stay, gundog training hones obedience in a fun and structured way. A well-trained dog = a stress-free owner!

Mental & Physical Stimulation
A tired dog is a happy dog! Gundog exercises keep your dog’s body and brain active, preventing boredom and promoting calm behavior at home.

Build a Stronger Bond
Training together strengthens your relationship and builds trust, creating a lifelong connection.

Perfect for Everyday Life
Loose-lead walking, reliable recall, and impulse control? Yes, please! These skills aren’t just for the field—they make walks, family outings, and park visits a dream.

At Brecklandgundog Training, we specialize in gundog training for both working and pet dogs. Whether you’re looking for private 1-2-1s, group classes, or residential training, we’ve got you covered.

Message us today to find out how we can help transform your dog!

07/01/2025

There's a lot of dog training and behaviour experience via Phil and Linda Hams under one roof at Dereham Dog Academy

Thoroughly recommended to Pet Dog Owners in the Breckland Area 👍 you may even see us there soon with our own pups in the months ahead.

We’ve officially moved into the Dereham Dog Den, and we’re thrilled to welcome you all—both familiar faces and new friends!

The new space is warmer, more comfortable, and ready to host all your favourite workshops, plus some exciting new additions for 2025. This January, we’re introducing Rally & Relax, an informal TD rally workshop, and Canine Fitness and Rehab with Turn It Around Veterinary Physiotherapy and Linda Hams - Dog training and Behaviour to our lineup, alongside our established sessions in scentwork, parkour, obedience, and more.

Check out January’s workshops below—we can’t wait to see you and your dogs there!

Here’s to an exciting 2025 in our new home.

06/01/2025

To Have a Field-Ready Gundog - Start with the Basics!

Expecting your gundog to perform perfectly in the shooting field without proper preparation is like expecting to win a marathon without training!

Here’s the truth:
If your dog struggles to deliver consistent recall, steadiness, or retrieves in a quiet field or garden, they won’t magically master it amidst the excitement of flushing game, gunshots, and other dogs in the field.

Why?
Gundogs need to learn skills step-by-step, starting with low-level distractions and gradually building confidence and reliability in more challenging scenarios. This foundation is key to their success when it really matters!

How to Set Your Gundog Up for Success:
- Train the basics in a controlled, distraction-free environment.
- Gradually add distractions—other dogs, noises, movement, etc.
- Don’t rush the process. Build skills layer by layer.
- Proof key commands like recall, sit, and the stop whistle in various environments.

Remember, the shooting field is the ultimate test—but training is where your gundog learns to excel. Start slow, stay consistent, and the results will speak for themselves!

Are you interested in a structured training plan? At Breckland Gundog Training, we help you and your dog build the solid foundation needed to shine in the field. DM us to learn more about our gundog training programs!