Helen Phillips Clicker Gundog

19/03/2025

A fab opportunity to work on your stop whistle with Helen...

Arena 1 (Outdoor) with Helen Phillips at 15.45 through to 17.15

16/03/2025

Our gundog training camps are the perfect way to fully immerse yourself in your gundog training hobby.

Have fun with your dog, identify areas of training which need improvement, build confidence and challenge yourself and your dog to achieve and progress.

· Spring Training Camp (All Breeds) - 19th to 23rd May 2025
· Beginner Gundog Camp (All Breeds) - 2nd to 6th June 2025
· Retriever Skills Camp (All Breeds) - 7th to 11th July 2025
· Water Training Camp (All Breeds) - 28th July to 1st August 2025
· Going for a Bumble Camp (All Breeds) - 14th to 16th August 2025
· Hunting Skills Camp (All Breeds) - 8th to 12th September 2025

The Clicker Gundog camps provide a focused, supportive environment where both you and your dog can achieve significant progress in a relatively short period.

Individual days can be booked as well as the whole week.

We also have on-site hard-standing camping facilities for £25 per night which includes access to the barn's toilet, shower and kitchen facilities.

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

14/03/2025

The best ‘walk’ you will ever have with your gundog is where you set off together and never have to recall, stop, or attach the lead.
You are entirely in sync with each other, your dog is not off self-hunting, nor are you having to do controlled hunting exercises with them all the time, and you end the walk together.

The key to creating this successful ‘walk’ with your gundog is what we call bumbling.

The definition of bumble is: “to act or move in a way that is not smooth or steady or showing clear thought”.

Unlike going out on a walk, which can unintentionally come across to our dogs as purposeful (like hunting), the art of bumbling is all about zig-zags and circles and taking breaks along the way.

You decide which way to go, and your dog learns to look to you for direction. It should feel very different from training or work, and the only thing your dog needs to understand is that you are in control of the route and the pace.

Instead of nagging your dog to be glued to your leg, or continuously recalling them because they’ve suddenly gone off hunting by themselves, you need to learn to recognise the changes in your dog that indicate when they are going to get overstimulated or cued to hunt by the environment.

By practice and observation, you can begin to identify the environmental triggers in your dog and gauge at what point to interrupt them and at what point it's safe to continue on your bumble.

If you are suddenly struggling with a dog that just wants to hunt now that the season is over, you need to be on the lookout for what is triggering this. Keep an eye on their body language and start to predict when they are about to “go self-employed” and instead of continuing on your walk, dedicate time to doing nothing.

The art of taking a break is especially important for our post-shoot season working dogs, as hanging around is something that clearly distinguishes your walk or bumble from an intense working shoot day.

Even if your dog is not about to go off hunting, you should take regular pauses on the walk. Stop to enjoy the view, rest on a gate, sit on a stile, catch up with messages on your phone, or even just sit in the middle of the field.

Remember that going for a bumble or ‘walk’ is for the dog as much as it is for us. It’s not just about exercise so you could spend half an hour in the same area taking in information and be quite happy.

If you're currently struggling to "walk" your hunting dog, we've put together a blog to help. To read in full head to: https://clickergundog.co.uk/blogs/news/teaching-your-gundog-the-difference-between-hunting-and-walking

📸 Alice Loder Photography

12/03/2025

Clean up your handling skills and develop a better approach to your gundog training at our Spring Training Camp.

Perfect for gundogs of all breeds and experience levels, our Spring Camp will cover topics including:
· Reinforcement management
· Cue delivery
· Cue selection
· Temporary cues, including the benefits of changing cues and when to, how to and why to
· Shaping behaviour
· Isolation of cues
· Troubleshooting and how to manage errors
· Play and its importance in gundog training
· How to build behaviour and create crisp and clean responses to cues

To book on head to https://clickergundog.co.uk/products/spring-camp-all-breeds

10/03/2025

A "self-hunting" or "self-employed" gundog refers to a dog that wants to work independently of its handler. You might be headed out the door on a relaxing country walk, but they’re getting ready to hunt and flush game without taking any instructions from you.

You might previously have worked hard to help your gundog understand that it is more valuable to ‘hunt’ with you than by themselves. Searching games are a great way to allow your gundog to use its natural abilities in a constructive and controlled way and will, over time, reduce their desire to ‘self-hunt’.

However, if you have been working with your dog during the shooting season, months of encouraging them to think independently and do whatever it takes to find game can backfire.

The result might be a relapse in their understanding of what cues hunting and the creation of a dog that wants to ‘self-hunt’ every time you venture out into the real world.

If you're currently struggling to "walk" your hunting dog, we've put together a blog to help. To read in full head to: https://clickergundog.co.uk/blogs/news/teaching-your-gundog-the-difference-between-hunting-and-walking

📸 Alice Loder Photography

08/03/2025

Our Quartering Clinic is perfect for owners who would like a better understanding of how the wind direction and other environmental factors can impact their dog's hunting.

It's open to all breeds of flushing and pointing dogs (e.g. spaniels and HPRs) that will work in the beating line, walk up or rough shooting. As well as non-working pet spaniels and HPRs who enjoy hunting and would benefit from learning exercises that encourage them to stay close to their owner when they're off lead in the countryside.

You’ll learn how to:
· Recognise the importance of wind direction and how it influences your dog’s quartering pattern.
· Understand the different patterns to expect from your dog in relation to the wind.
· Read your dog’s body language, including the difference between air scenting and ground scenting.
· Use hunting exercises to develop a confident and controlled working pattern.
· Recognise your dog’s natural quartering style and refining it for fieldwork.
· Teach the turn whistle cue to ensure responsiveness and control in hunting environments.
· Troubleshoot common and individual quartering challenges.

To book on head to https://clickergundog.co.uk/products/quartering-clinic

06/03/2025

As inconvenient as it might be if you’re just trying to go for a peaceful dog walk, hunting cannot be extinguished from your gundog between February and October and reignited for the shooting season.

It is part of their DNA and although you may be tempted to try and suppress it when it becomes inconvenient, you’ll likely find that it sneaks up on you when you least expect it.

In an ideal world, your gundog should see the hunt as purposeful. It should create excitement and have a specific outcome. While it is instinctive, it can be trained using cues and should be controlled and directed by the handler.

If you’ve been involved in gundog training with your pet or working dog, it’s likely that you’ve already introduced the concept of “controlled hunting” to your dog and will have probably taught a turn whistle, a hunt there cue, and, depending on breed, a basic quartering pattern.

However, environmental cues also play a big role. And while your hunting environment might previously have been your training field, after their first shooting season, our gundogs can quickly switch on to cues in the countryside that lead them to start going off “self-employed”.

If you're currently struggling to "walk" your hunting dog, we've put together a blog to help. To read in full head to: https://clickergundog.co.uk/blogs/news/teaching-your-gundog-the-difference-between-hunting-and-walking

📸 Alice Loder Photography

04/03/2025

Take the first step towards smoother heelwork with this two-part workshop.

You’ll learn techniques to build focus and connection so your gundog chooses to stay by your side and fun, effective exercises to develop calm and controlled heelwork, both on and off-lead, even around distractions.

To book head to https://clickergundog.co.uk/products/heelwork-workshop

02/03/2025

There is a great deal of debate, conflict and confusion in the gundog world, especially in regards to spaniels, whether you should let your dog run free, off lead in the countryside, irrespective of whether they are a family pet or a working gundog.

That’s because, for our gundog breeds, it is never just ‘a walk’ due to their innate instincts and genetics.

Our retrievers (e.g. labradors and golden retrievers), hunting retrievers (e.g. spaniels) and HPRs (e.g. vizslas, pointers and weimaraners) have been selectively bred for generations to hunt, point, flush, and retrieve game. Dogs with working parents and/or a lot of FTCHs in their pedigree will have more prey drive and hunting instinct.

The countryside, with its wide-open spaces and abundance of wildlife and scent, is a natural trigger for all these hunting instincts, regardless of whether they are pets or workers.

Often, those who selected their puppy with the aim of taking them beating, picking up or rough shooting are aware that the characteristics that prove helpful on a shoot day can also pose problems on the daily dog walk if not carefully managed.

And while you might have carefully managed these instincts successfully so far, it can be difficult to get your gundog back on track after their first shoot season, when they have made the powerful connection between scent and thrill of flushing or retrieving.

If you're currently struggling to "walk" your hunting dog, we've put together a blog to help. To read in full head to: https://clickergundog.co.uk/blogs/news/teaching-your-gundog-the-difference-between-hunting-and-walking

📸 Alice Loder Photography

28/02/2025

Our Barriers and Jumps Workshop is perfect for all breeds of young or inexperienced gundogs learning to tackle obstacles for the first time and owners who want to improve their dog’s confidence and form when jumping.

What You’ll Learn:
How to teach your gundog to approach barriers and jumps.
Build their technique for tackling different obstacles.
Practical exercises to help your dog learn to think and problem-solve while navigating barriers.

To book on head to https://clickergundog.co.uk/products/barriers-and-jumps-workshop

26/02/2025

Now that the shoot season is over, many gundog owners find themselves facing an unexpected challenge - they’re suddenly unable to “walk” their dog.

After months of actively encouraging your gundog to use their incredible instincts to find, flush and retrieve game, you’re now asking them to switch gears and enjoy a quiet walk in the countryside.

Pet gundogs, and even experienced working dogs, are not immune from this, and indeed, any dog bred for hunting will always be wired to pursue quarry and follow scent with unwavering determination.

However, for gundogs who have had their first real season out beating or picking up, the transition between hunting and walking can be particularly confusing. And even if you have never struggled to keep them close and focused on you before, you might now be struggling.

If they’ve spent the last few months being actively encouraged to hunt in the open countryside for game (not just in the training field, and not just for dummies or balls), when they come across scent on your daily dog walk, not only will their natural instincts kick in, but there will be a new assumption that this is what you want and expect from them all the time.

Instead of a relaxed stroll, your outings might start to feel like a battle to keep them close and under control and to stop them from disappearing into the hedgerows or darting off to follow scent trails.

If you're currently experiencing this, we've put together a blog to unpack the role of your dog’s natural instincts and the concept of “self-employment.” We’ll also show you how to shift their approach from “on the job” to enjoying a more relaxed “bumble” through the countryside.

To read in full head to: https://clickergundog.co.uk/blogs/news/teaching-your-gundog-the-difference-between-hunting-and-walking

📸 Alice Loder Photography

24/02/2025

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

📅 March
· HPR Training: Sunday 2nd March at 9am
· Retriever Skills (all breeds): Sunday 2nd March at 1pm
· Puppy Gundog: Sunday 9th March at 9am
· Beginner & Pet Gundog: Sunday 9th March at 1pm
· Going for a Bumble Two-Day Workshop: Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th March
· Barriers and Jumps Workshop pt1: Saturday 22nd March at 9am
· Heelwork Workshop pt1: Saturday 22nd March at 1pm
· Graduate Foundation: Sunday 23rd March at 9am
· Hunting Retriever Group: Sunday 23rd March at 1pm

📅 April
· Barriers and Jumps Workshop pt2: Saturday 5th April at 9am
· Heelwork Workshop pt2: Saturday 5th April at 1pm
· HPR Training: Sunday 6th April at 9am
· Retriever Skills (all breeds): Sunday 6th April at 1pm
· Puppy Gundog: Sunday 13th April at 9am
· Beginner & Pet Gundog: Sunday 13th April at 1pm
· Graduate Foundation: Sunday 20th April at 9am
· Hunting Retriever Group: Sunday 20th April at 1pm
· Quartering Clinic: Saturday 26th April at 9:30am

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

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

22/02/2025

Looking back, the Clicker Gundog Shoot Season 2024/2025 was a resounding success, with well-supported shoot days, a variety of handlers and dogs participating (from across the UK and Europe), and an overall improvement in performance from everyone involved (including the Guns! 🤣).

In her end-of-season speech, Helen commented on how enjoyable it's been, especially with the transition to hosting at the barn.
Special thanks were given to landowners for access and it was noted that apart from the flooding everything went to plan with the birds holding well.

Awards were presented to standout handlers and dogs, celebrating their progress and achievements.

🏆 The award for “new to shooting” was presented to Sara Mitchell, Stanley and Moss.
🏆 The award for “best beating team” went to Sam Negus and Callisto.
🏆 And the award for “best picking up team” was given to Sophie Edwards and Norbert.

Congratulations to you all for making such incredible progress, not just with your individual dogs, but as handlers too.

There was plenty of banter and acknowledgements given to the Guns for their contributions, quirks, and memorable moments.

Finally, very special thanks were extended to Chris for his hard work as shoot captain, gamekeeper, and chef, ensuring both a well-run shoot and exceptional food at elevenses and the end of the day. As Helen says, it is his hard work that "makes this all possible".

We are already looking forward to another successful year starting in November 2025.

For more information on our group shoot over days head to https://clickergundog.co.uk/collections/shoot-training

20/02/2025

Whether it’s hedges, ditches, fences, or walls, overcoming physical obstacles is a key skill for any gundog.

Our Barriers and Jumps Workshop will give you the tools to build your dog’s confidence as well as helping them to develop their own safe and reliable technique.

📅 When?
· Part one, Saturday 22nd March 2025
· Part two, Saturday 5th April 2025
📍 Where? Clicker Gundog Training Centre, Worcestershire

Perfect for:
· Dogs preparing for working tests or real shooting scenarios.
· Young or inexperienced dogs learning to tackle obstacles for the first time.
· Owners who want to improve their dog’s confidence and form when jumping.

What You’ll Learn:
· How to teach your gundog to approach barriers and jumps.
· Build their technique for tackling different obstacles.
· Practical exercises to help your dog learn to think and problem-solve while navigating barriers.

Spaces are limited, to book on head to https://clickergundog.co.uk/products/barriers-and-jumps-workshop

18/02/2025

The following recipe can be used for cap guns, party poppers and a starting pistol.

We suggest you progress in that order as the sounds get progressively louder. You might also want to check that the wind is initially carrying the noise away from the dog by ensuring it is behind you.

For this exercise you will need a helper so that you can give your dog your undivided attention.

Step one:
Have your dog sit or stand by your side looking forward, and make sure you have your reward ready. If you are using food, it can be fed directly to them, scattered on the ground, or thrown about. If you are using a game with a toy that involves throwing, make sure you throw behind you, not towards the noise.

Step two:
Choose a distance that you can hear the shot at, but it is not so loud as to cause you to startle. The dog needs to be aware of it and orientate to it, but not ‘startle’ at it. About 50 metres is a rough guide but this is not set in stone, it is better to err on the side of caution and use a greater distance if you are concerned. You can always decrease the distance if everything is fine.

Step three:
Fire the shot, and engage the dog in the chosen reward process. Repeat three times, and if there is no reaction and everything is fine move to the next step. Otherwise, stop here for this session.

Step four:
Fire the shot, take a pause to allow the dog to absorb the information and then engage in the chosen reward process. You are looking for the dog to orientate and be alert to the shot in anticipation of what is coming from you. Repeat three times. If there is no reaction and everything is fine move to the next step. Otherwise, stop for this session.

Step five:
You can move on to party poppers and repeat the process from step four. If there is no reaction and everything is fine, move to the next step. Otherwise, stop for this session.

Step six:
At this point introduce the starter pistol and repeat the process from step four. If there is no reaction and everything is fine move to the next step otherwise stop for this session.

Step seven:
You can now begin to decrease the distance between you and the shot. Do this by leaving the shooter in position and with you and your dog moving towards the noise. Just move up to 10 metres on this occasion. Repeat step four. If there is no reaction and everything is fine move to the next step. Otherwise, stop for this session.

Step eight:
Now introduce a formal retrieve to the process. Set your dog up for a marked retrieve. Get your helper to fire the shot, throw an article, pause, send your dog, and have a party on their return. Finish there.

Next time, begin from this point, remembering the distance and wind direction, making adjustments so that eventually, the dog is downwind of the shot. The distance of the shot needs to be no less than 20 yards.

Remember: When attempting the step-by-step recipe, it is essential that you keep a close eye on your puppy or dog and that you stop the training session immediately if you see any signs of avoidance, flight, or distress.

To learn more about how to introduce your gundog to the sound of shot, head to https://clickergundog.co.uk/blogs/news/how-to-introduce-your-gundog-to-the-sound-of-shot

16/02/2025

Take the first step towards smoother heelwork

If your gundog’s heelwork could use a little polish, our Heelwork Workshop is just what you need!

📅 When?
· Part one Saturday 22nd March 2025
· Part two Saturday 5th April 2025
📍 Where? Clicker Gundog Training Centre

What You’ll Learn:
· How to achieve loose-lead walking without frustration.
· Techniques to build focus and connection so your dog chooses to stay by your side.
· Fun, effective exercises to develop calm and controlled heelwork, both on and off-lead.

Whether you’re preparing for working tests or simply want to enjoy stress-free walks, this workshop will help you achieve reliable, happy heelwork with your gundog.

Perfect for gundogs of all breeds and experience levels.

To book head to https://clickergundog.co.uk/products/heelwork-workshop

13/02/2025

One of the best ways to begin introducing your dog to the sound of shot requires no equipment at all.

If you train in a group you might have already noticed that the dummy thrower will make a noise, or clap their hands together loudly, before throwing out a retrieve.

You can do this at home on your own too and it will prepare your dog that a noise will come before the article falls, which may result in a retrieve.

When it comes to the sound of “shot”, most gundog trainers in the UK use a starter pistol or blank firer with .22 short blanks.

Anyone can purchase one from a good gundog supplier and as they are not considered to be fi****ms you don’t need a licence. However, they should only be used in locations where you have permission, and you need to be aware that use in public spaces comes with the possibility that you could fall foul of the authorities.

It’s also vital to consider health and safety for yourself and others, ensuring that you have learned how to use this equipment safely and have any recommended ear and eye protection.

In reality, very few gundog handlers have suitable ground on which they can safely fire shots, and it is unlikely that those who do need to invest in their own starter pistol, especially if they are going to in-person classes with a good gundog trainer.

When introducing shot for the first time you may instead consider using a child’s cap gun. Another benefit is that they have a slightly softer sound than a starter pistol, and using something that is not so loud is an excellent first step. These are widely available online at stores such as Amazon.

An equally valuable and easy-to-come-by intermediary step is a party popper. Again, these are softer in sound and not as loud as the starter pistol. They are also cheap to buy and can be carried in your pocket easily. Just remember to remove all the stuffing before use!

Please consider the health and safety warnings when using any equipment mentioned. Clicker Gundog accepts no liability.

To learn more about how to introduce your gundog to the sound of shot, head to https://clickergundog.co.uk/blogs/news/how-to-introduce-your-gundog-to-the-sound-of-shot

10/02/2025

Struggling to switch from hunting to walks?

Now that the shooting season has ended, does your gundog charge off in search of game scent instead of settling into a countryside walk?

If so, our Going for a Bumble Workshop is the perfect solution.

📅 When? Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th March 2025
📍 Where? Clicker Gundog Training Centre, Worcestershire

This practical workshop is designed to:
· Help your dog reconnect with you on countryside walks.
· Channel their hunting instincts in a controlled, enjoyable way.
· Help young gundogs (fresh from their first season) to balance the thrill of game scent with focus back on you out of season.

Whether you’ve got a dog that’s overly enthusiastic after a busy season or you simply want to improve their recall and connection, this is a fantastic opportunity to get back on track.

Suitable for dogs of all breeds and all levels, with tailored support from experienced instructors to get your gundog back to “bumbling” beautifully through the countryside.

Book now to secure your place and enjoy stress-free walks with a focused, happy gundog: https://clickergundog.co.uk/products/going-for-a-bumble-workshop