Advanced Gundog Training

Advanced Gundog Training comprises two levels, each lasting 6 weeks:

•Foundation Course: provides an introduction to skills in the Advanced Gundog syllabus

•Improver Course: builds on the skills from the Foundation Course, taking them to a higher level

Who Is This Course For?

This course is for dogs who have already developed the skills we train at Junior level and have passed the Junior Gundog Fieldwork Test.

Specifically, all dogs should have a good level of obedience, be steady around distractions, and have a reliable recall. They should also be comfortable around other dogs. During the class, your dog will spend a lot of time off-lead.

If your dog has a noise phobia or is gun-shy, please discuss this with us before booking a place, as we may use a starter pistol or a dummy launcher during this course.

If you haven’t trained with us before but think your dog can demonstrate all of these skills (in an environment like a training field and with other dogs present), please submit a registration form, and we’ll be in touch to discuss this further. Select ‘Something More Advanced’ option on the form.

Skills Covered On This Course

This course covers the first half of the Advanced Gundog syllabus.

We develop the specific skills your dog will need for regular gundog work in the field. The focus is very much on working dogs as a team in their various breed-specific roles.

The Foundation Course provides an introduction to the skills listed below, which are then progressed to a higher level in the Advanced Improver course that follows:

Heelwork: (off-lead) left & right turns, about turn, past distractions such as other dogs and a rolling ball
Steadiness: extended duration, whilst handler remains at distance, disappears out of sight and with added distractions
Recall Whistle
Stop Whistle (whilst hunting) & Recall (from a dummy)
Marked Retrieves: from cover & over obstacles at distance up to 100m
Memory Retrieves: including multiple memories
Blind Retrieves: introduction to targeting post
Honouring other dogs & working as a team
Working with Shot: orientating towards sound
Split Retrieves: multiple dummies, no swapping
Directional Control: Casting Back, Left and Right
Hunting: in cover including turn & hunt whistle cues