11/20/2025
This right here is what makes us very different from a lot of gun dog trainers…
How to Find a Good Gundog Trainer:
Choosing a Gundog trainer can feel totally overwhelming. Social media is full of glossy perfectly executed videos, trainers list super impressive field trial achievements, and everyone seems to have an opinion on what “good” looks like, well everyone has an opinion full stop … but when you strip all that back, one truth remains:
• A good Gundog Trainer isn’t necessarily defined by their success, but by how well they help YOU train YOUR dog.
With that in mind here’s what to look for when choosing the right Gundog Trainer:
1. Ability to teach as well as train
An experienced trainer can produce a high level of training in a dog of his own, but it does not automatically mean they can teach an owner to train his to that same level.
These are two completely different skill sets:
• Training a dog requires timing, feel, consistency and experience.
• Teaching a handler requires patience, communication, empathy and an understanding of how different people learn.
The best trainers are the ones who can break skills down in a way that makes sense to you, who spot when you’re confused, and who support you without judgement.
If you leave lessons feeling clearer, not smaller, you’re in the right place.
2. Look for a Trainer who is prepared to work with any dog, not just their ideal dog.
Every dog has a different temperament, drive level and way of learning.
A good Gundog trainer will tailor their approach to:
• Sensitive dogs
• Very high drive dogs
• Inexperienced or over exuberant youngsters
• Dogs with baggage or training gaps
• Older dogs needing to rebuild basics
A trainer who only has one system, one pace, one method, one answer to everything, will never get the best out of your individual dog.
You want a trainer who looks at your dog first, and their programme second.
3. They should concentrate on making you a better handler.
Some trainers can get your dog going beautifully in minutes… and then hand the lead back and watch everything fall apart.
A good trainer ensures:
• That you understand why something works
• That you can replicate it at home
• You know what to do when things go wrong
• You gain confidence rather than dependence
• Their goal is not to impress you with what THEY can do, it’s to empower you to do it yourself.
4. Field Trial results are super impressive but not the whole story.
Field trial results show technical skill, discipline and commitment. They absolutely can be a marker of a high quality trainer!
But they don’t tell you:
• Whether the trainer is kind
• Whether they communicate clearly
• Whether they push too hard or too fast
• Whether they can coach a beginner without frustration
• Whether they understand pet homes, dual purpose dogs, or dogs that don’t fit the trial mould
A brilliant trial handler might be a mediocre teacher.
A modest, non-competitive trainer might be exactly what you and your dog needs.
The win list is definitely a part of the picture but absolutely not the whole picture.
5. Look for a Trainer who prioritises progress over perfection.
Beware of trainers who:
• Rush you through stages
• Shame you for mistakes
• Treat the lesson like a performance
• Take the lead from you too often
• Blame you or the dog rather than adjusting the plan
• Your trainer should celebrate the small wins, show you how to build foundations properly, and remind you that the journey is the important bit.
• The best trainers know that progress doesn’t always look tidy.
6. Watch how they treat dogs/people when nobody is watching
Before committing, observe a class or a training day.
Look for:
• Calm, consistent handling
• Fair corrections
• Genuine praise
• Dogs that look keen, not cowed
• Handlers who feel relaxed, not intimidated
A dog’s body language will tell you more than any website ever could.
7. Check Their Integrity
Good trainers:
• Admit when they don’t know something
• Refer out when a dog needs a different specialist
• Don’t promise quick fixes
• Don’t use heavy pressure to mask problems
• Genuinely care about dog welfare and handler wellbeing
A trainer with integrity won’t just train for the result - they train for the dog.
It’s a partnership between trainer and handler.
The right Gundog trainer is someone who:
• Understands your dog
• Supports your learning
• Adapts to your goals
• Builds your confidence
• Communicates clearly
• Treats both you and your dog with respect
• Helps you enjoy the process
Field trial wins may show talent, but the real measure of a great trainer is how much they help you and your dog grow as a team
By Julia Baxter.
