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.

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

07/02/2025

Before we look at fixing a gun-shy dog, we need to understand a bit of training theory.

Unless you live next to a clay shooting ground, where your dog can gradually become “habituated” to the sounds of gunfire so that it is background noise and irrelevant, you will need to proactively introduce them to the noise.

When introducing our dogs to the sound of shot, we are trying to “condition” them so that they know that the sound is relevant and will make a positive association with it when they hear it in the future.

Eventually, we want them to know that shot means “look towards the sound” as there might be a dummy or bird landing which needs to be marked in preparation for retrieving. It may also mean “stop hunting and stand still” until the handler cues the continuation of hunting or to retrieve.

When this introduction is done wrong, it is possible to accidentally “sensitise” the dog to the sound of shot which means they become reactive to the noise and it results in an emotional state of anxiety, fear, or phobia.

Behaviour modification called “de-sensitisation” can be used if the dog is already “gun shy” or “gun nervous”, e.g. anxious and fearful of the sound.

This involves gradually increasing the level of exposure to the sound over a great deal of time and is usually used in tandem with “counter-conditioning” another behaviour modification which aims to gradually change the dog’s emotional response to the stimulus of the shot.

It is possible in some cases to fix a gun-shy or gun-nervous dog. Still, it requires a considerable amount of commitment and work, along with the intervention of a very experienced trainer or behaviourist. As you can now see, getting the initial introduction to shot right the first time is much better.

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

04/02/2025

Get ready for an action-packed start to 2025 at Clicker Gundog!

We’ve got an incredible line-up of training opportunities to help you and your gundog kick off the year with confidence. Here’s what’s coming up at the Clicker Gundog Training Centre in Charlton, Worcestershire in February and March:

📅 February
HPR Training: Sunday 2nd February at 9am
Retriever Skills (all breeds): Sunday 2nd February at 1pm
Puppy Gundog: Sunday 9th February at 9am
Beginner & Pet Gundog: Sunday 9th February at 1pm
Pet Gundog Day: Saturday, 8th February
Graduate Foundation: Sunday 16th February at 9am
Hunting Retriever Group: Sunday 16th February at 1pm
Introduction to Shot Workshop: Saturday 22nd February at 9am

📅 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
Heelwork Workshop: Saturday 22nd March at 1pm
Barriers and Jumps Workshop: Saturday 22nd March at 9am
Graduate Foundation: Sunday 23rd March at 9am
Hunting Retriever Group: Sunday 23rd March at 1pm

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

01/02/2025

This is a difficult question to answer because all our gundogs are different, and your home and training locations will vary enormously.

Helen typically takes her young puppies out with her older dogs, and when the puppy is happy and relaxed in the environment, Chris fires his gun or a starter pistol in the neighbouring field.

The pup will look to the older dogs for how to react. As they are all happy with the sound, somewhat even excited about it, the puppy learns that this noise is nothing to be concerned about.

If you got your puppy from an experienced gundog breeder, it is very likely that they will have started the process for you and already introduced the sound of shot to the litter before you bring your puppy home.

Many breeders will have begun exposing puppies to loud noises, like clanging food bowls, and bangs at a distance, while the pups were happy feeding or playing.

At that young age, the noise will be meaningless, and the puppies should have a positive emotional response to the sound because they are doing something enjoyable at the time.

Other dogs around at the time, litter mates, and their mother would not have reacted adversely, so they would not have had cause for concern.

Once you get your puppy home, you will have a few weeks available to introduce them to the world and life in general.

As part of that socialisation period, you can take the opportunity to gradually expose your puppy to the sound of shot and loud bangs. This is about habituation at this stage, not conditioning, so the sound should happen at a distance and start at a very low volume while the puppy is eating or engaged in play.

When your puppy reaches approximately sixteen weeks (around the time they lose their puppy teeth) and on through the early part of adolescence (approximately a year but this is very much dictated by individual dogs), you are advised not to introduce shot at all.

There are many other biological, physiological, and psychological processes taking place in your dog during this time, and there is a far greater risk of an unpleasant emotional response occurring in connection to shot.

If this is your first gundog, you might not have known to introduce them to the sound of shot when they were a puppy. Equally, if they came from a non-working, pet gundog breeder, they might not have been introduced to loud noises and bangs when they were very young puppies either.

Provided they’re not in that delicate adolescent stage, the process for introducing older dogs to shot is the same. To replicate the safe feeling puppies have when they are with their litter, you might also consider enlisting help from friends with dogs who are happy around the sound of shot when introducing the sound.

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

29/01/2025

Join our Introduction to Shot Workshop - a practical, supportive session designed to help your gundog become comfortable with the sound of gunfire.

📅 When? Saturday, 22nd February 2025
🕘 Time? 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
📍 Where? Clicker Gundog Training Centre, Charlton, Worcestershire, WR10 3LQ

Workshop Highlights:
· Gradual Exposure: Progress from cap guns to starter pistols, ensuring your dog is at ease with each step.
· Controlled Environment: Learn key considerations like wind direction and environmental factors for a positive introduction.
· Practical Exercises: Hands-on training to build your dog’s confidence with shot sounds before incorporating formal retrieves.

Who Should Attend?
· Owners of all gundog breeds and experience levels introducing their dogs to shot for the first time.
· Handlers aiming for working tests, competitions, or enhancing their gundog training as a hobby.
· Those seeking to build their dog’s confidence with sound training in a controlled setting.

Important: This workshop is not suitable for dogs known to be gun-shy or gun-nervous. For these dogs, we recommend booking one-to-one training instead.

Let’s make their introduction to shot a positive experience. Book today at https://clickergundog.co.uk/products/introduction-to-shot

26/01/2025

If you are thinking about beating, picking up or rough shooting with your retriever, spaniel or HPR, want to compete in working tests or trials, or are looking to progress your gundog hobby with advanced training days, you will need to introduce your gundog to the sound of shot.

Some gundogs will not bat an eyelid at the sound of a shotgun, starter pistol or dummy launcher. But others will be more cautious. And unless you want to risk causing irreparable damage and “ruining” your dog, an introduction to shot is not a process to be rushed.

In this blog, we will cover the basic training theory you need to understand before getting started, when you should introduce the sound of gunshot to your puppy, the equipment you will need, and how to introduce the sound and pair it with something fun.

When attempting the step-by-step recipe at the end of the blog, 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.

There is plenty of potential for the introduction to gunshot to go wrong, so we highly recommend that if you’re in doubt, seek help.

To read in full head to https://clickergundog.co.uk/blogs/news/how-to-introduce-your-gundog-to-the-sound-of-shot

📸 Alice Loder Photography

23/01/2025

If you haven't voted for us yet, it only takes a minute.

A huge thank you to everyone who nominated us for the Best Game Meat Educator category in the Eat Game Awards 2025.

Your support means the world to us, and we’re thrilled to be moving on to the final voting stage!

If you've trained with us before, you know that it's not all about getting the dogs shoot ready and we’re very passionate about educating gundog owners about game - from how it's reared to how to prepare yummy meals.

So now we need your help again to secure a spot in the top three and get one step closer to the awards...

Voting is open until 3rd February 2025. Every vote counts!

How to vote:
Visit https://eatgame.co.uk/eat-game-awards/
Find the Best Game Meat Educator category
Submit your vote for Clicker Gundog

Eat Game

20/01/2025

The “Pheasant Diaries” video series has given our Clicker Gundog community a unique, behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to rear pheasants for training shoots.

From preparing the pens and welcoming the poults, to the daily challenges and triumphs, gamekeeper Chris has shared it all in an educational and engaging way.

We’ve compiled all the footage into a 45-minute film, offering a full journey through the 2024 pheasant-rearing season. Whether you’re curious about the meticulous preparation that goes into pheasant rearing or want to see Chris and his trusted dogs, Jack, Wren, Dibble and Teal, hard at work, this film is packed with valuable insights and heartwarming moments.

Viewers will see Chris tackling real-world challenges, from keeping the pheasants safe from predators to managing the balance between their natural instincts and the needs of the training shoot. There’s also plenty of footage highlighting the dogs’ role, offering a great example of how working dogs and gamekeepers collaborate.

The film doesn’t shy away from the realities of gamekeeping, either. It’s a testament to the dedication and effort required to rear pheasants in a way that’s both ethical and effective, all while maintaining the welfare of the birds and the ecosystem around them.

If you’ve been following along with the Diaries on our private Facebook group, this compilation will feel like a fitting finale to the series. And if you’re new to the Pheasant Diaries, it’s the perfect introduction to the work that goes into making our steadiness with live game workshops and group shoot over days possible.

Want to watch in full? Head to https://clickergundog.co.uk/blogs/news/behind-the-scenes-with-gamekeeper-chris

Already enjoyed the blog and our pheasant diaries? Please don't forget to vote for us as Best Game Educator in the 2025 Eat Game Awards.

Having been nominated, we're thrilled to have made it to the public voting stage and would appreciate your support getting to the final: https://eatgame.co.uk/eat-game-awards/voting/

📸 Alice Loder Photography

17/01/2025

Join us for our special Pet Gundog Day – a day of fun, games, and training designed specifically for pet gundogs and their owners.

📅 When? Saturday, 8th February 2025
📍 Where? Clicker Gundog Training Centre in Charlton, Worcestershire

What to Expect:
· An introduction to games and activities that channel your pet gundog’s natural instincts to hunt, chase, and retrieve.
· Practical tools and techniques to keep your pet gundog happy and fulfilled.
· Tips to help your dog become better behaved when out and about in the countryside.

Think of it as a taster day - you’ll leave with skills to enjoy training your gundog and giving them the mental and physical stimulation they need. And who knows, you might even decide that gundog training is your new favourite hobby.

Perfect for pet gundog owners who:
✅ Want to tap into their dog’s natural abilities.
✅ Are looking for ways to keep their dog focused and well-behaved.
✅ Want a day of fun and learning with their dog.

Give your gundog the outlet they’re craving and enjoy a happy, fulfilled dog both at home and in the countryside.

Spaces are limited to 8 dogs and handlers, so don’t wait. If you're interested and would like to book your spot today head to: https://clickergundog.co.uk/products/pet-gundog-day-all-breeds

14/01/2025

At Clicker Gundog, rearing pheasants isn’t just about training. It is also about making the most of a sustainable source of protein. These birds offer an excellent alternative to commercially farmed meats, combining high nutritional value with a low environmental impact.

Pheasant meat is lean, high in protein, and packed with vitamins and minerals. Compared to some mass-produced poultry or processed meats, pheasant offers a healthier and more ethical choice.

Wild or ethically reared pheasants require far fewer resources than factory-farmed livestock, and their diet is naturally sourced from the environment rather than relying on processed feed. For anyone conscious about sustainability, incorporating pheasant into your meals is a simple yet impactful step.

If you’re new to cooking with pheasant, there are plenty of ways to enjoy it. For a straightforward introduction, swap pheasant into any recipe that calls for chicken.
It’s a versatile ingredient that works well in curries, pies, and even stir-fries. If you’re looking for more inspiration BASC’s Eat Game website has a library of yummy recipes.

For gundog handlers attending our shoots, the opportunity to take home freshly shot pheasant is just one more way to appreciate the full cycle of the experience. It’s not just about the training - it’s about recognising the value of the birds and using them to create wholesome, nourishing meals.

Want to learn more about our training shoot and how we rear pheasants? Head to https://clickergundog.co.uk/blogs/news/behind-the-scenes-with-gamekeeper-chris

Already enjoyed the blog? Please don't forget to vote for us as Best Game Educator in the 2025 Eat Game Awards.

Having been nominated, we're thrilled to have made it to the public voting stage and would appreciate your support to getting to the final: https://eatgame.co.uk/eat-game-awards/voting/

📸 Alice Loder Photography

11/01/2025

We’ve made it to the next stage of the 2025 Eat Game Awards.

A huge thank you to everyone who nominated us for the Best Game Meat Educator category. Your support means the world to us, and we’re thrilled to be moving on to the final voting stage!

If you've trained with us before, you know that it's not all about getting the dogs shoot ready and we’re very passionate about educating gundog owners about game - from how it's reared to how to prepare yummy meals.

So now we need your help again to secure a spot in the top three and get one step closer to the awards...

Voting is open until 3rd February 2025. It only takes a minute and every vote counts!

How to vote:
1) Visit https://eatgame.co.uk/eat-game-awards/
2) Find the Best Game Meat Educator category
3) Submit your vote for Clicker Gundog

08/01/2025

Rearing pheasants isn’t for the faint-hearted. As the Pheasant Diaries videos reveal, our gamekeeper, Chris, faces many challenges.

One of the first hurdles is the weather. From wet winters that delay planting cover crops to summer heat waves that make it difficult to keep water stations topped up, Chris must adapt every year to the constantly changing conditions.

Poor weather early in the season can limit crop growth, which impacts the cover available for the birds later in the year, while hot days mean extra vigilance to keep the pheasants hydrated.

Predators are another persistent challenge. Foxes, birds of prey, and other wildlife can threaten the pheasants, particularly in the early stages when they are less experienced at roosting safely. Chris uses a combination of secure fencing, habitat management, and regular patrols to minimise losses, but the threat is ever-present.

Keeping the pheasants inside the pen during their initial weeks is a key task. As seen in the Diaries, Chris often spends hours “dogging in” to herd the birds back to safety. This task becomes even trickier when the birds start exploring their surroundings and need to learn how to return to the pen on their own. Without this guidance, birds that stray too far may become disoriented or fall prey to predators.

Disease prevention is another critical part of rearing pheasants. Birds in close quarters quickly spread illnesses if precautions aren’t taken. Chris’s routine includes regular cleaning of feeders and water stations, monitoring for signs of disease, and ensuring the birds have enough space to reduce stress.

Despite these challenges, Chris approaches his work with unwavering dedication. Whether it’s mending a broken fence at dusk or responding to a predator attack, everything contributes to the safety and well-being of the birds. Rearing pheasants is hard work, but this commitment ultimately ensures the success of our training shoots.

Want to learn more about our training shoot and how we rear pheasants? Head to https://clickergundog.co.uk/blogs/news/behind-the-scenes-with-gamekeeper-chris

Already enjoyed the blog? Please don't forget to vote for us as Best Game Educator in the 2025 Eat Game Awards.

Having been nominated, we're thrilled to have made it to the public voting stage and would appreciate your support to getting to the final: https://eatgame.co.uk/eat-game-awards/voting/

📸 Alice Loder Photography

05/01/2025

We’ve got an incredible line-up of training opportunities to help you and your gundog kick off the year with confidence.

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

📅 January Highlights
Group Shoot Over Days: Saturdays – 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th
HPR Training: Sunday 5th January at 9am
Retriever Skills: Sunday 5th January at 1pm
Beginner Gundog Evening Classes: Wednesdays, starting 8th January
Puppy Gundog: Sunday 12th January at 9am
Beginner & Pet Gundog: Sunday 12th January at 1pm
Graduate Foundation: Sunday 26th January at 9am
Hunting Retriever Group: Sunday 26th January at 1pm

📅 February Highlights
HPR Training: Sunday 2nd February at 9am
Retriever Skills (all breeds): Sunday 2nd February at 1pm
Puppy Gundog: Sunday 9th February at 9am
Beginner & Pet Gundog: Sunday 9th February at 1pm
Pet Gundog Day: Saturday, 8th February
Graduate Foundation: Sunday 16th February at 9am
Hunting Retriever Group: Sunday 16th February at 1pm
Introduction to Shot Workshop: Saturday 22nd February at 9am

🌟 Don’t Miss Out! 🌟
Spaces fill quickly, so book early to secure your spot and start 2025 with progress, fun, and success for you and your gundog. Let’s make this a year of steady, confident dogs and happy handlers.

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

03/01/2025

Rearing pheasants is a year-round commitment that requires careful planning, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of the birds’ needs.

At Clicker Gundog, this process is overseen by our gamekeeper, Chris, whose duties, as you’ll see in the Pheasant Diaries video, begin well before the birds arrive.

Preparing the pens involves everything from clearing brambles and strimming vegetation to repairing fences and setting up the watering stations. This groundwork ensures the pens are secure and ready to provide the right shelter and resources for the pheasants as they settle in.

Once the poults arrive, the focus shifts to keeping them safe, fed and watered.

Chris is often seen “dogging in”, which involves walking the birds back toward the pens when they start to wander too far. Jack, Wren, Dibble and Teal play an integral role in this process. While Chris patrols the pens and surrounding areas, the dogs assist by gently guiding the pheasants back to their enclosure.

Over the months, Chris remains vigilant. From maintaining cover crops to protecting the birds from predators and managing risks like disease, his role is both varied and demanding.

Every detail from the type of feeders introduced to the timing of evening walks plays a part in ensuring the pheasants are healthy and well-prepared for their role in training shoots.

Want to learn more about our training shoot and how we rear pheasants? Head to https://clickergundog.co.uk/blogs/news/behind-the-scenes-with-gamekeeper-chris

Already enjoyed the blog? Please don't forget to vote for us as Best Game Educator in the 2025 Awards.

Having been nominated, we're thrilled to have made it to the public voting stage and would appreciate your support to getting to the final: https://eatgame.co.uk/eat-game-awards/voting/

📸 Alice Loder Photography

31/12/2024

As we step into 2025, it’s the perfect time to think about your next steps with your dog. Whether you’re aiming to refine a behaviour you've been struggling with, if you want to take your dog on their first shoot, or are looking to provide a more enriching outlet for your pet gundog's natural instincts, set a goal and go for it - we’ll be here to help you achieve it.

Our training dates for 2025 are now live, with sessions for all levels and breeds - from puppy and beginner classes to advanced skills workshops. Whatever your focus, we’d love to support you and your dog on your journey this year.

Let’s make 2025 a year of progress and plenty of time dedicated to doing what you and your dog love most.

Here’s to a fantastic year ahead,
Helen and the Clicker Gundog Team

28/12/2024

At Clicker Gundog, rearing pheasants is a vital part of creating the very best training environment for gundogs, as these birds allow us to provide real-life scenarios that are essential for teaching and refining key fieldwork skills.

It can be challenging for owners to really proof their dogs’ steadiness before the shooting season begins. As we all know, even the pheasant-pelted dummies and launchers just don’t compare to the real thing for many of our high-drive dogs.

With access to our own live birds, we can carefully plan training exercises that are as close to real-life shooting scenarios as possible that will set our dogs up for success, all in a relaxed and supportive setting.

From October to January, our pheasants allow us to offer 121 shoot-over training sessions and our extremely popular Group Shoot Over Days, where training progresses to simulate real shoot-day conditions.

These live game training sessions are run as mini-shoots, including rough shooting, walk-ups, and beating. They provide the perfect environment for testing your gundog’s skills and control in a relaxed, educational setting.

For both handlers and dogs, these days offer a chance to put theory into practice. Whether it’s honing hunting ability, improving control, or mastering general field skills, every activity is designed to prepare for formal shoots or competitions.

These days are rewarding and crucial for building confidence and cementing the relationship between dog and handler.

Want to learn more about our training shoot and how we rear pheasants? Head to https://clickergundog.co.uk/blogs/news/behind-the-scenes-with-gamekeeper-chris

Already enjoyed the blog? Please don't forget to vote for us as Best Game Educator in the 2025 Eat Game Awards.

Having been nominated, we're thrilled to have made it to the public voting stage and would appreciate your support to getting to the final: https://eatgame.co.uk/eat-game-awards/voting/

📸 Alice Loder Photography

25/12/2024

As the year draws to a close, we want to say a heartfelt thank you for training with us this year. Whether you joined us with a new puppy or continued developing your dog’s skills, it’s been a joy to see the progress you’ve all made.

Our 2025 training dates are now live, and we’d love to welcome you back next year. From puppies to more advanced training, there’s something for every breed and ability, whether you're looking for a well-behaved pet gundog or a skilled working dog.

For now, we hope you enjoy a well-deserved rest over Christmas and that you get plenty of time to snuggle up and relax with your dogs.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas,
The Clicker Gundog Team

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Videos

Getting started with place boards

Ready to get started with some fun indoor gundog training activities now that winter is here? Here’s a practical guide for using place boards, tailored to engage your gundog’s curiosity and drive, all while keeping them mentally stimulated during the winter months. You will need to start with a place board large enough for your dog to sit or stand comfortably. Begin in a distraction-free area of your home. Have treats ready in a bowl nearby or in your lap to allow for quick and precise reward delivery. Sitting in a chair, place the board on the floor in front of your dog. As they notice the new item, click and reward any small sign of interest such as sniffing, looking, or stepping closer to the board. Next, aim for small movements toward the board. If your dog places even one paw on the board, click and reward generously on the board itself. You can increase your expectations gradually, rewarding each step until your dog willingly steps onto the board. Once your dog is comfortable standing on the board, start encouraging them to sit or remain steady in place. Reward them on the board for staying calm and focused. Over time, you can increase the duration they stay on the board by delivering a series of treats before releasing them. When your dog is reliably stepping onto and staying on the board, introduce a verbal cue such as “place.” Say the cue just before they step on, and reward them generously once they’re on the board. As you practise, start moving the board around the room to help them generalise this skill. When you are ready, the first pattern for your place board is the recall. Have your board straight in front of you, throw food away, cue ‘place’ and click and pay on the board. Encourage your dog to find this location by throwing the food in all directions around the board, including behind you. Eventually, you can increase distance and start to use the board for different behaviours like heel, sit-stay-wait, stop whistle, and so m

If you would like to work on your water training, we not only include water training on our breed-specific camps and group classes, you can also book 121s with our instructors and can now hire the field for your own private practice. For more information about training at Clicker Gundog and using the pond facilities, please head to www.clickergundog.co.uk or email us on [email protected].

Our water training camp (15th to 19th July) will help you progress with your water work including arousal management and steadiness around water, retrieving in and over water, using water as a reward, and working safely in and around flowing water. To book your place head to https://clickergundog.co.uk/products/foundation-water-work-for-gundogs-all-breeds

The “catch up” game is a fantastic method for creating value for the location of heel position and enabling the dog to work out what is required. It is particularly useful with young puppies as they naturally have a desire to stay with you. Step one Select a baseline environment with little or no distractions. If safe, take your dog off the lead and feed them just for being with you. Step two Place a piece of food on the floor beside the heel of your left foot and then walk off as your dog finds it. Step three Your dog will likely finish the food and come to seek you out. Click them as they catch up with you and place the next piece of food down as before. Repeat this several times making sure you move off straight after you have placed the food down. Step four You can adjust the timing of your click to occur as your dog commits to coming back to you. Then pay when they arrive at your side. If they go to the wrong side, don’t be tempted to change the food placement - you are building value for the location. Step five You can add changes of direction and speed at which you walk, but don’t run. You can also add a step or two of walking beside you before you pay. Always stop to feed; don’t feed while walking. Step six Once your dog is walking a couple of paces with you, add a slight turn and click the commitment to turn with you. You can then add stopping to this exercise - did they stop with you? Step seven Don’t be tempted to do great chunks of training in this exercise. Try to keep it fun and successful. The criteria you are aiming for is to build value for the heel location. If you're looking to learn more about heelwork head to https://clickergundog.co.uk/blogs/news/how-do-i-stop-my-gundog-from-pulling-on-the-lead

Hoopers is perfect for those involved in gundog training who are looking for a fun, novel way to strengthen their off lead connection, handling skills and steadiness. To join our short hoopers course starting on 1 June with Sharon Edwards from Lakeside Dog Training head to clickergundog.co.uk/products/hoopers-workshop #hoopers #hoopersofinstagram #hoopersagility #hoopersdog #hoopersdogsport #gundogtraining #worcestershiregundog #eveshamdogtraining #eveshamgundog #pershoredogs #worcestershiredogs

As the birds get older they start to wander further from the pen. Sometimes the game crop can grow quite tightly together and it offers very little access to the birds. Pheasants don't like it when the cover is too thick. In this instance, we would cut rides in the crop which will allow them to wander down the middle and get in and out as they please. This year our gamekeeper Chris kept video diaries to help teach you more about what goes into keeping pheasants for the Clicker Gundog live game training and shoot over days. In the video, Chris explains how he uses a topper to cut V shaped access paths in the crop, and adds in some feeders. To watch our full length 2023 Pheasant Diaries head to: https://clickergundog.co.uk/blogs/news/keeping-pheasants-for-our-live-game-training-and-shoot-over-days

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