Welcome to
Paws & Play Gundogs
Gundog training for the family pet.
Specialising in Retriever and Spaniel breeds, from Puppies to the more Advanced.
Taught by qualified, accredited trainers, who's main aim is teaching you how to effectively train your dog.
Gundog Training covering the Bakewell, Buxton, Chesterfield, and Sheffield areas.
"At Paws and Play Gundogs, we help owners of pet gundog breeds from working lines tap into their dogs’ natural instincts; bringing out the best in both the dog and the bond they share.”
Understanding Your Dog
Our training philosophy caters on understanding your dog's motivations, innate instincts, and the best training methods to harness their drive, energy, and natural instincts. Gundogs have been bred to be highly attuned to their environment, and our training methods cater to this natural curiosity. Even as a pet, they'll still possess the same instincts to hunt, chase, and retrieve as a working gundog.
Who We Help
Whether you have a family pet gundog, a working breed, or a crossbreed, our training courses are designed to equip you with the practical skills necessary to train and enjoy your pet gundog. We believe that with the right guidance, every dog can become a cherished member of the family.
Our Training Approach
We use a fun approach that emphasises on positive reinforcement, clicker training techniques, and interactive games. This method helps dogs understand that we are a valuable source of rewards, encouraging them to be focused on you over environmental distractions like game birds, movement, and scents.
Gundog Training
Whether you’re just starting or progressing through levels, our Gundog Training offers in-person group courses using fun, reward-based methods, for the pet or working dog.
We teach foundational skills, retrieves, whistle cues, and more—building control, confidence, and connection between you and your dog from Puppy to the more Advanced.
Online Training
Access full courses from home.
Our Online Training mirrors the in-person syllabus with video lessons, homework, and trainer support.
Ideal for those who missed a live course or live further away. Learn at your pace, in your space, with expert guidance.
The Gundog Hub
The Gundog Hub is your on-demand training library: 200+ bite-sized video lessons covering everything from puppy basics to advanced skills.
Train anytime, message your trainer for support, and join a supportive community of other gundog owners.
1-1 Training
Get hands-on, personalised coaching tailored to your dog’s specific needs.
Whether you’re overcoming challenges or pushing performance, 1-1 Training offers direct attention, custom plans and expert feedback to accelerate your progress.
Lindsay Hermann
Owner & Head Trainer
Since 2009, I've been dedicated to using positive reinforcement training, beginning with my first reactive dog, Troy. Over the years, I've continued these methods with Scarlett, Hobbs, Ellie, Tully & now Maola. Each of them has thrived, enjoying the training process and achieving success in Scurry competitions, Working Tests, and participating in local shoots, picking up and beating.
As an accredited and qualified Gundog Club instructor and assessor, my mission is to meet your dog's training needs with the most effective and convenient methods. We focus on making training sessions enjoyable for both you and your dog.
By empowering your dog to make the right choices, we enhance their learning and engagement. We use positive reinforcement, employing reward-based techniques to encourage desired behaviours and create a stress-free environment.
Join the Community
#pawsandplaygundogs
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![Some mornings it’s just me, Tully & little Maola…
two very different dogs teaching me the same lesson — slow down & actually see them.
Tully moves through the world like she’s read the rulebook twice… steady, thoughtful, always checking in. Maola… well, she’s all legs, questions & big feelings right now — but she tries so hard to get it right, & that’s what I love about her.
Our walks are a mix of shaping the next steps in her gundog foundations and letting Tully remind her how to “just be”. Loose lead… little sits… tiny retrieves she’s far too proud of…
And every time she copies Tully, my heart melts a bit.
These quiet sessions with the two of them keep me grounded. No pressure. No timelines. Just dogs learning at their own pace.
If you’re raising a young dog alongside an older one — watch the magic that happens when you let them learn from each other.
Tell me your dog’s biggest morning struggle & I’ll help you fix it. ⬇️
#labrador #cockerspaniel #gundogs]()
Some mornings it’s just me, Tully & little Maola… two very different dogs teaching me the same lesson — slow down & actually see them. Tully moves through the world like she’s read the rulebook twice… steady, thoughtful, always checking in. Maola… well, she’s all legs, questions & big feelings right now — but she tries so hard to get it right, & that’s what I love about her. Our walks are a mix of shaping the next steps in her gundog foundations and letting Tully remind her how to “just be”. Loose lead… little sits… tiny retrieves she’s far too proud of… And every time she copies Tully, my heart melts a bit. These quiet sessions with the two of them keep me grounded. No pressure. No timelines. Just dogs learning at their own pace. If you’re raising a young dog alongside an older one — watch the magic that happens when you let them learn from each other. Tell me your dog’s biggest morning struggle & I’ll help you fix it. ⬇️ #labrador #cockerspaniel #gundogsButton -
![… & your world goes into slo-mo while you pray your recall works ?
Will your recall hold up…?
Hit a ‘like’ or a drop ? in the comments
#gundogtraining #spaniel #recalltraining]()
… & your world goes into slo-mo while you pray your recall works 😂 Will your recall hold up…? Hit a ‘like’ or a drop 🦖 in the comments #gundogtraining #spaniel #recalltrainingButton -
![My ginger duo ?? Hobbs and Ellie
Managed to squeeze in a bit of training with these two just before the light disappeared…
These dark mornings & darker evenings really make it harder to fit training in… I’m grabbing 10 mins here & there with Tully & Maola ?? between work, life, everything else…
Who else’s routine has gone a bit sideways with the daylight?
But honestly…
5–10 minutes of focused, intentional training is enough. Short, sharp, successful bursts — that’s what keeps gundog work ticking over when life’s busy.
Stuck for ideas — Our Gundog Training Hub might help…
It’s a subscription packed with:
• Class-level training (Puppy, Beginner, Intermediate & Advanced)
• Advanced Drill exercises
• Skills-based modules you can dip in & out of
• Clear tasks you can do in exactly those 5–10 minute windows
Perfect when you’re juggling work, dogs & the winter daylight.
Paws & Play Gundogs are Sponsored & fuelled by
@teampureflax use code pawsandplay10%
@sportingsaint
Ambassador for
@pawsbrooklyn
@hoddysdogfood]()
My ginger duo 🧡🧡 Hobbs and Ellie Managed to squeeze in a bit of training with these two just before the light disappeared… These dark mornings & darker evenings really make it harder to fit training in… I’m grabbing 10 mins here & there with Tully & Maola 🖤🖤 between work, life, everything else… Who else’s routine has gone a bit sideways with the daylight? But honestly… 5–10 minutes of focused, intentional training is enough. Short, sharp, successful bursts — that’s what keeps gundog work ticking over when life’s busy. Stuck for ideas — Our Gundog Training Hub might help… It’s a subscription packed with: • Class-level training (Puppy, Beginner, Intermediate & Advanced) • Advanced Drill exercises • Skills-based modules you can dip in & out of • Clear tasks you can do in exactly those 5–10 minute windows Perfect when you’re juggling work, dogs & the winter daylight. Paws & Play Gundogs are Sponsored & fuelled by @teampureflax use code pawsandplay10% @sportingsaint Ambassador for @pawsbrooklyn @hoddysdogfoodButton -
![Is your gundog getting the right training for their breed?
Training Working-Line Labradors and Spaniels? Here’s What Really Makes the Difference ⬇️
Working-line Labs and Spaniels aren’t your average “walk round the block” dogs…
they’re purpose-bred, instinct-driven, clever as anything — and they thrive when their brains and bodies have a proper job to do.
If you want a calmer, happier, more responsive gundog, here’s what tailored training actually gives you:
1. Structured Outlet:
Routine, purpose & meaningful tasks to settle busy minds (and busy legs!).
2. Real-World Skills:
Heelwork, steadiness, delivery to hand, hunting patterns… skills that matter every single day.
3. Sharper Listening:
Breed-specific cues help them tune in quicker and ignore distractions — whether your Spaniel’s nose kicks in or your Lab locks onto a bird.
4. Natural Fulfilment:
Retrieving, hunting, memory work, pattern training… this is what they’re bred to enjoy.
5. Teamwork Mindset:
Training turns them into partners, not independent problem-solvers disappearing into the distance.
6. Mental Challenge:
Higher-level tasks prevent boredom — and the behaviour problems that come with it.
7. Calmer Behaviour:
A fulfilled working-line dog (Lab or Spaniel) is far less likely to be jumpy, mouthy, vocal, or destructive.
8. Adventure-Ready:
Reliability out on walks — woods, fields, water, cover, the lot.
9. Confidence Under Pressure:
Controlled challenges build emotional resilience, helping them stay steady when it counts.
10. A Dog Who Shines:
When a working Lab or Spaniel gets the right outlets… everything clicks.
If you want your gundog to feel settled, purposeful & truly understood…
train them in a way that honours who they are as a breed. ?
#labrador #workingcockerspainel #petgundogtraining]()
Is your gundog getting the right training for their breed? Training Working-Line Labradors and Spaniels? Here’s What Really Makes the Difference ⬇️ Working-line Labs and Spaniels aren’t your average “walk round the block” dogs… they’re purpose-bred, instinct-driven, clever as anything — and they thrive when their brains and bodies have a proper job to do. If you want a calmer, happier, more responsive gundog, here’s what tailored training actually gives you: 1. Structured Outlet: Routine, purpose & meaningful tasks to settle busy minds (and busy legs!). 2. Real-World Skills: Heelwork, steadiness, delivery to hand, hunting patterns… skills that matter every single day. 3. Sharper Listening: Breed-specific cues help them tune in quicker and ignore distractions — whether your Spaniel’s nose kicks in or your Lab locks onto a bird. 4. Natural Fulfilment: Retrieving, hunting, memory work, pattern training… this is what they’re bred to enjoy. 5. Teamwork Mindset: Training turns them into partners, not independent problem-solvers disappearing into the distance. 6. Mental Challenge: Higher-level tasks prevent boredom — and the behaviour problems that come with it. 7. Calmer Behaviour: A fulfilled working-line dog (Lab or Spaniel) is far less likely to be jumpy, mouthy, vocal, or destructive. 8. Adventure-Ready: Reliability out on walks — woods, fields, water, cover, the lot. 9. Confidence Under Pressure: Controlled challenges build emotional resilience, helping them stay steady when it counts. 10. A Dog Who Shines: When a working Lab or Spaniel gets the right outlets… everything clicks. If you want your gundog to feel settled, purposeful & truly understood… train them in a way that honours who they are as a breed. 🐾 #labrador #workingcockerspainel #petgundogtrainingButton
