Helen Phillips Clicker Gundog

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Helen Phillips Clicker Gundog

Helen Phillips is the author of the popular gundog training book "CLICKER GUNDOG".

Gundogs have inherited specialised skills that have been honed over hundreds of generations. Helen Phillips has been taking this natural skill, enhancing it and using it to enrich a working partnership that is a joy to experience. Good field work is built on an understanding of the dog's ability to maintain self control and the handler's ability to understand this and the environment. With Clicker

Training your gundog you can learn how to develop a partnership using positive training in depth. Learn how to use careful planning so that you build a high level of control that exceeds the stimuli of the hunt and shoot. Clicker Gundog has developed a range of workshops and seminars to help teach these skills to both the handler and the dog. The seminars and workshops are held at a training facility that has been developed especially for the purpose and incorporates a working shoot so that both dogs and handlers new to the sport can experience what a shoot is all about, and those with experience can then practice their skill in the working environment.

30/06/2025

Here’s what’s coming up at the Clicker Gundog Training Centre in Charlton, Worcestershire:

📅 July
· HPR Training: Sunday 6th July at 9am
· Retriever Skills (all breeds): Sunday 6th July at 1pm
· Retriever Skills Camp (all breeds): Monday 7th July to Friday 11th July
· Puppy Gundog: Sunday 13th July at 9am
· Beginner & Pet Gundog: Sunday 13th July at 1pm
· Graduate Foundation: Sunday 20th July at 9am
· Hunting Retriever Group: Sunday 20th July at 1pm
· Beginner Gundog Water Training Camp: Monday 28th July - Friday 1st August

📅 August
· HPR Training: Sunday 3rd August at 9am
· Retriever Skills (all breeds): Sunday 3rd August at 1pm
· Progressive Gundog Evening Classes: Monday 4th August at 6pm
· Stop to Flush Part Two: Saturday 9th August at 9am
· Going for a Bumble Camp: Thursday 14th to Saturday 16th August
· Puppy Gundog: Sunday 17th August at 9am
· Beginner & Pet Gundog: Sunday 17th August at 1pm
· Hunting and Stop Whistle Workshop pt3: Saturday 23rd August at 9am
· Foundation Water Workshop pt3: Saturday 23rd August at 1pm
· Graduate Foundation: Sunday 24th August at 9am
· Hunting Retriever Group: Sunday 24th August at 1pm
· A Weekend of Gundog Skills: 30th & 31st August

📅 September
· HPR Training: Sunday 7th September at 9am
· Retriever Skills (all breeds): Sunday 7th September at 1pm
· Hunting Skills Camp (all breeds): Monday 8th September to Friday 12th September
· Puppy Gundog: Sunday 14th September at 9am
· Beginner & Pet Gundog: Sunday 14th September at 1pm
· Graduate Foundation: Sunday 21st September at 9am
· Hunting Retriever Group: Sunday 21st September at 1pm

Can't make any of the dates? Or want to focus on something specific? You can also book one to one sessions with Helen and Lynsey on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, occasional Thursdays and Fridays.

For booking and more information, visit https://clickergundog.co.uk/collections/all

28/06/2025

There’s something truly special about watching a gundog respond to directional casts with accuracy and confidence, and many consider being able to fluently handle a distance something that sets a truly well-trained gundog apart from the rest.

Not only do we need the dog to stop promptly on the whistle (even if they are mid-retrieve or engrossed in hunting) we also need them to respond to our cue to take a line left, right or back without hesitation, possibly interrupting and redirecting them several times again, all to end up in the exact spot they need to be.

When it all comes together, it’s a clear sign of a well-established partnership with their handler.

It’s one of those skills that often makes people stop and take notice, and for good reason.

Being able to guide your dog across distance, through cover or over challenging ground, and towards a dummy, or bird, they haven’t seen fall isn’t just impressive to watch, it’s also vital if you’re out in the shooting field and need to ensure all shot game ends up in the bag at the end of the day.

We have put together a blog to explore why we need to teach directional cues, the other cues we use when retrieving, how to teach left and right and finally, some other considerations when training them to go back.

To read in full head to: https://clickergundog.co.uk/blogs/news/handling-your-gundog-and-casting-them-left-right-and-back

26/06/2025

Open to all breeds this supportive and immersive experience is designed for all gundog breeds (yes, spaniels and HPRs are also welcome) looking to level up their retrieving skills.

If you’ve already introduced a basic stop whistle, have started working on directional casts with your gundog, and are ready to build more confidence and precision in these key retriever skills, we’d love to welcome you to our week-long Retriever Skills Training Camp.

Held at our dedicated training grounds in Worcestershire, over the course of five days, we’ll focus on refining your handling skills, improving your gundog’s confidence with left, right and back cues, and building reliable stop whistle responses in real-world settings.

We will also look at progressing marks, memories and blinds, holding an area, the hunt there whistle and sweeping, water work, arousal management, and building connection. Starter pistols, dummy launchers, and bolting rabbits will be introduced during the week.

Monday 7th July - 9.30am to 4pm
Tuesday 8th July - 10am to 4pm
Wednesday 9th July - 10am to 1pm (half day)
Thursday 10th July - 10am to 4pm* (followed by pub supper)
Friday 11th July - 10am to 1pm (half day)
Individual days can be booked if you can't attend all week.

Whether you’re enriching your pet gundog’s life, furthering your hobby, preparing for the shoot season, or working towards working tests, this camp offers a unique opportunity to progress in a positive, pressure-free environment.

These weeks aren’t just about the training either. They’re unforgettable experiences, a chance to connect with your dog, and an opportunity to meet and socialise with like-minded handlers who truly get it.

Need to camp? You can book on-site hardstanding camping facilities with and without electric from £25 per night including access to toilets, shower and kitchen facilities via Kemble's Field.

To book a place on the retriever skills camp head to: https://clickergundog.co.uk/products/retriever-skills-camp

07/06/2025

Looking for tailored gundog training that suits your dog’s unique needs?

One-to-one sessions with Helen Phillips provide expert, personalised guidance in a supportive and relaxed environment.

Whether you’re dealing with specific challenges or looking to fine-tune advanced skills, Helen’s force-free, positive reinforcement methods will help you and your dog succeed.
One-to-one gundog training is an excellent option for:
Dogs who struggle in group settings - If your dog finds group classes overwhelming or distracting, private sessions provide a calm, focused environment.

Pet gundog owners seeking practical breed-specific solutions - Perfect for those who don’t wish to pursue gundog training as a hobby but need help addressing specific behaviours like recall or heelwork in gundog breeds.

Advanced training needs - Ideal for handlers already participating in regular gundog classes but requiring additional support to work on skills such as steadiness, water introductions, delivery to hand, stop whistle etc.

Each session is designed to meet you and your dog wherever you are with your current training. Helen will assess your needs and offer clear and achievable steps. You’ll leave each session with practical techniques and renewed confidence.

To book a session, please head to https://clickergundog.co.uk/products/in-person-121-with-helen

05/06/2025

Even if you have no interest in shooting, gundog training as a hobby sport has so much to offer.

And it’s not just about having an obedient pet gundog and preventing behavioural problems either.

Pet gundog training can help you meet like minded dog people, is a good way to keep fit and active yourself, and there are also plenty of certificates to aim for and working tests to enter for those who like collecting rosettes and being competitive.

If you would like to get started with gundog training, we always recommend thoroughly researching any potential trainers to ensure that you are comfortable with the methods they use.

All of our gundog trainers at Clicker Gundog are accredited or are working towards their accreditation as gundog training instructors with the Gundog Trainers Academy and animal training instructors with the ABTC (Animal Behaviour Training Council).

They are required to adhere to a Code of Practice, so you can be confident that all our trainers only use the most scientifically sound and ethical methods of animal training and strictly prohibit harsh handling and any punitive tools or techniques.

If you would like to get started with your pet’s gundog training, we offer 121s, group classes and workshops.

For more information head to https://clickergundog.co.uk/collections/all

03/06/2025

Think your non-working pet gundog is “too much” and difficult to train? It’s not you - it’s their breed.

If you’re struggling with a pet spaniel, retriever or HPR who never seems to settle, drags you on walks, steals food from the counters, ignores your recall, or worse, growls when you go near their favourite chew, please know this:

There’s nothing wrong with your dog.
And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with you.
You’re just living with a gundog.

These breeds were designed to hunt, chase, and retrieve. And if those in-built instincts aren’t given a safe and constructive outlet, they don’t just disappear, they show up as behaviours we often label as ‘problems.’

At Clicker Gundog, we don’t believe gundog training is just for those working dogs in the shooting field. We believe it’s essential for pet gundogs too.

Because when you train a gundog like a gundog (using kind, ethical, reward-based methods) you start to see a completely different dog. One who listens, focuses, settles, and thrives.

Join us for a Weekend of Gundog Skills – 30th & 31st August 2025

We have designed this weekend specifically for pet gundog owners who want:
✔️ A calmer, more connected dog
✔️ Practical skills that actually work in real life
✔️ A fun, safe space to understand and train their dog as the breed they are

Come for one day or stay for the full weekend, there are no prerequisites, just a willingness to learn and a dog who needs you to see them for what they are.

Saturday 30 August
AM Heelwork – End the pulling. Walk together.
PM Recall – Teach your dog to come back, even around distractions.

Sunday 31 August
AM Wait & Stay – Build calm, steadiness and self-control.
PM Retrieve – Channel their need to carry into a skill you can actually use.

Suitable for all gundog breeds and any level of experience.

Supportive, down-to-earth, and fun.

Taught by experienced, compassionate trainers who get it. All of our trainers are accredited or are working towards their accreditation as gundog training instructors with the Gundog Trainers Academy and animal training instructors with the ABTC (Animal Behaviour Training Council).

Let’s stop the shame and start training gundogs the way they were meant to be trained, ethically, positively, and with purpose.

To book your space head to https://clickergundog.co.uk/products/a-weekend-of-gundog-skills-30th-31st-august-2025

📸 Alice Loder Photography

01/06/2025

Incorporating breed-specific training and gundog activities into your non-working pet gundog’s daily life is essential if you want to avoid the long list of problems commonly associated with bored Labradors, Spaniels, and HPRs.

Below, we will look at some of the basic gundog behaviours.

Focus in the environment
One of the biggest challenges for gundog owners is getting their dog’s attention when instincts to hunt, chase, and retrieve are in full swing. But with consistency, you can shift the balance so your dog sees connecting with you as more valuable than what’s going on around them.

Recall
A strong recall is essential for safety. In gundog training, it’s taught around distractions and paired with high-value rewards, so your dog learns it’s worth returning, even when something exciting is going on nearby.

Heelwork
Whether pet or working, a dog walking at your side in heel position simply can’t be pulling on the lead. It’s a skill that makes everyday walks more enjoyable and more controlled.

Steadiness
Gundogs need to resist the urge to charge in after a retrieve or bolt when the hunt pauses. Teaching steadiness helps dogs develop self-control—preventing things like lunging, food stealing, or chasing squirrels.

Stop
The stop whistle is a vital part of gundog training. It tells your dog to pause and wait—whether to receive direction or to keep them out of danger. For pet gundogs, it’s a safety tool that could prevent accidents before they happen.

Retrieve
We harness your dog’s natural desire to fetch by teaching them to retrieve on cue and deliver to hand. This reduces frustration at home, especially for pet gundogs with a habit of carrying (or destroying!) your belongings.

Hunting Games
We teach dogs to hunt on cue while staying engaged with their handler. Even for pet gundogs, the skills and games used in hunting training encourage teamwork and make listening to you far more rewarding than going self-employed.

It should also be noted too that gundog training is great fun and a fantastic way to establish and build a wonderful relationship with your dog.

To learn more about the benefits of getting involved in gundog training even if you don’t want to work your dog on a shoot, and what fun, hobby gundog training involves, head to: https://clickergundog.co.uk/blogs/news/living-with-a-pet-gundog-how-to-manage-a-non-working-hunting-dog-in-the-home

30/05/2025

Here’s what’s coming up at the Clicker Gundog Training Centre in Charlton, Worcestershire:

📅 June
· HPR Training: Sunday 1st June at 9am
· Retriever Skills (all breeds): Sunday 1st June at 1pm
· Beginner Gundog Training Camp: Monday 2nd - Friday 9th June
· Beginner Gundog Evening Classes: Wednesday 4th June at 6pm
· Puppy Gundog: Sunday 15th June at 9am
· Beginner & Pet Gundog: Sunday 15th June at 1pm
· Progressive Gundog Evening Classes: Monday 16th June at 6pm
· Hunting and Stop Whistle Workshop pt2: Saturday 28th June at 9am
· Foundation Water Workshop pt2: Saturday 28th June at 1pm
· Graduate Foundation: Sunday 29th June at 9am
· Hunting Retriever Group: Sunday 29th June at 1pm

📅 July
· HPR Training: Sunday 6th July at 9am
· Retriever Skills (all breeds): Sunday 6th July at 1pm
· Retriever Skills Camp (all breeds): Monday 7th July to Friday 11th July
· Puppy Gundog: Sunday 13th July at 9am
· Beginner & Pet Gundog: Sunday 13th July at 1pm
· Graduate Foundation: Sunday 20th July at 9am
· Hunting Retriever Group: Sunday 20th July at 1pm
· Beginner Gundog Water Training Camp: Monday 28th July - Friday 1st August

📅 August
· HPR Training: Sunday 3rd August at 9am
· Retriever Skills (all breeds): Sunday 3rd August at 1pm
· Progressive Gundog Evening Classes: Monday 4th August at 6pm
· An Introduction to Beating and Picking Up Shooting Scenarios - Saturday 9th - Sunday 10th
· Going for a Bumble Camp - Thursday 14th - Saturday 16th
· Puppy Gundog: Sunday 17th August at 9am
· Beginner & Pet Gundog: Sunday 17th August at 1pm
· Hunting and Stop Whistle Workshop pt3: Saturday 23rd August at 9am
· Foundation Water Workshop pt3: Saturday 23rd August at 1pm
· Graduate Foundation: Sunday 24th August at 9am
· Hunting Retriever Group: Sunday 24th August at 1pm
· A Weekend of Gundog Skills: 30th & 31st August

Whatever your goals, we’ve got the training to set you and your gundog up for success.

For booking and more information, visit https://clickergundog.co.uk/collections/all

28/05/2025

Many pet gundog owners think that they can simply tire their dogs out by giving them plenty of exercise.

However, allowing a gundog breed to free run for two or three hours a day is a recipe for disaster.

Gundogs were bred to work all day, week in, week out, for months during the shooting season. When we give our gundogs more and more exercise, we are only helping to improve their fitness level, and this, over time, will create an athlete, not a relaxed or sleepy dog.

What’s more, while you think letting them off the lead is helping them to “burn off excess energy”, the reality is that you are encouraging them to go off and be “self-employed”.

Allowing them to do whatever they want repeatedly teaches them to disengage from you when you're out and about - no wonder they don’t want to stay close or come back to their “boring” human when called away from enticing scents and wildlife.

Similar problems also occur when owners focus only on the retrieve, e.g. throwing an endless number of balls for their pet gundog to fetch in the park.

Yes, the dog is more likely to want to be with you (well, your ball), but it will still be getting fitter every day, and you will soon create a “wired”, adrenaline-filled, ball-obsessed dog.

As long as they are getting plenty of mental stimulation and brain work (such as short daily training sessions involving the activities they were bred to do such as hunting/scenting, e.g. searching games, and retrieving, e.g. structured set ups involving the retrieve of a variety of articles from a variety of situations), our gundog breeds only really need 20 to 30 minutes of free exercise per day.

To learn more about the benefits of getting involved in gundog training even if you don’t want to work your dog on a shoot, and what fun, hobby gundog training involves, head to: https://clickergundog.co.uk/blogs/news/living-with-a-pet-gundog-how-to-manage-a-non-working-hunting-dog-in-the-home

26/05/2025

If you’ve previously booked field and barn hire or shoot experiences through Clicker Gundog, you’ll be pleased to know they now have a new home under our dedicated venue business, Kemble’s Field.

Same great location. Same high standards. Just a new name to make things clearer as we grow.

Whether you're looking to book the enclosed training field, the indoor barn, or one of our special shoot experience days, you'll now do so through Kemble’s Field.

We’re also expanding what’s on offer, starting with something completely new: a themed scentwork experience inspired by classic noir detective stories and a scentwork beginners course.

Fully Enclosed, 5-Acre Dog Training Field
Ideal for private dog walking, reactive dogs, or focused training
Retrieving lanes, jumping pens, hunting cover, and a large pond
Suitable for gundog training, hoopers, obedience, swimming, and more.

Indoor Training Barn
Spacious, weather-proof environment with heating
Includes a classroom, toilets, kitchen, and indoor training area
Great for puppy training, scentwork, and general obedience
Ideal for business meetings, workshops, conferences, and more

Whether you’re a dog trainer, gundog club, pet professional or small business owner, Kemble’s Field is available for:
Private and group hire - with ample parking for 20+ vehicles
Dog training events and shows
Conferences, seminars, and indoor workshops

Don’t Miss Our First Special Event: The Curious Case of the Canine Conspiracy 🕵️‍♀️
A scentwork experience like no other - part training, part immersive theatre, and all fun. Whether you’re brand new to scentwork or a seasoned sniffer, this game day promises a tail-wagging, brain-teasing adventure you and your dog won’t forget.

Coming Soon:
Beginner’s Scentwork Course - A perfect introduction for dogs and handlers curious about using their nose and working as a team.

Live Game Exposure - Proof your dog's steadiness, focus and control around live birds ahead of the shoot season.

Gundog Shoot Experience Days - Bring your dog on a relaxed, informal shoot where the Guns but the dogs' needs first, to fully prepare them, and you, for the real thing.

Shoot Preparation Camps - Week long camps to ensure your gundog is ready to work on a shoot.

To book your field or barn hire, or scentwork courses now, or enquire about hosting your own training or events, please head to: https://kemblesfield.co.uk/

24/05/2025

If you have recently got a pet gundog, you might not have realised or fully understood what your dog’s breed was designed to do and what impact this has on your day-to-day life.

Maybe you're struggling to train them basic obedience like recall or loose lead walking.

Or are finding it a challenge to get them to settle in the house.

Or cannot seem to stop them from chasing, lunging on the lead, stealing food from the kitchen worktops, destroying your shoes or furniture, or growling when you go near them and their favourite chew toy.

It can be hard not to think there is something wrong with your dog, or your training methods.

But the truth is, nothing is wrong with you or your dog - they just need you to see them, understand them, appreciate them and train them, as the gundog they are.

It is easy to assume that gundog training is exclusively for people who want to work their dogs in the shooting field.

And there is no shame in owning a gundog breed and having absolutely no desire or intention to work them on a shoot.

But there is a growing danger that more and more ‘working line’ dogs are missing out on vital opportunities to do what they were bred to do as they end up in pet homes.

You might have bought your pet Labrador, Golden Retriever, Spaniel, Setter, or Vizsla with the expectation that they will simply fit into your everyday life like any other breed of dog.

But with no outlet for their innate desires to hunt, chase, and retrieve, pet gundogs are more susceptible to developing lasting and damaging behavioural problems.

The best gundogs thrive, and make excellent pets, when owners combine these dog sports with gundog work and when their in-built genetic “gundog” needs are being met.

To learn more about the benefits of getting involved in gundog training even if you don’t want to work your dog on a shoot, and what fun, hobby gundog training involves, head to: https://clickergundog.co.uk/blogs/news/living-with-a-pet-gundog-how-to-manage-a-non-working-hunting-dog-in-the-home

22/05/2025

This is your once-a-year invitation to fully immerse yourself in a whole week of gundog training.

If you've ever dreamt of stepping away from everyday life and diving headfirst into five whole days of focused, force-free gundog training, this is your chance.

Our annual gundog training camps are a rare opportunity to make incredible progress with your dog while surrounded by like-minded handlers who truly get it. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine advanced skills, we’ve got a camp tailored to you:

Beginner Camp – open to all breeds and ages, perfect for laying strong foundations

Water Camp – a full five days dedicated to water work

Retriever Camp – ideal for anyone looking to sharpen their retrieving skills, open to all breeds

Hunting Camp – designed for dogs who need focused hunting practice

These aren’t just training weeks, they’re unforgettable experiences and a chance to connect with your dog as well as other handlers.

As well as being surrounded by dog friendly accommodation options to suit all budgets, we also have hard-standing camping on-site with access to the barn's well-equipped kitchen, toilet and shower facilities, and electric.

Individual days can be booked, but to make the most from the training, we recommend attending all days.

We only run each camp once a year and spaces are limited, so when they’re gone, they’re gone.

For booking and more information on what's included head to https://clickergundog.co.uk/collections/camps

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