Beginner Gundog

Develop a fun partnership with your dog using positive reinforcement

and reward-based methods

This course works towards the Gundog Club Grades 1 & 2 Field Tests

What it's About...

This is a 6-week course working you towards Grade 1 & 2 Field Test of the Gundog Club Graded Scheme. It's suitable for dogs who have successfully completed our Gundog Foundations course as it focuses on developing the skills learnt from the course, or for those who's dog can reliably perform the skills covered in the course.

The course provides a great follow-on for those wishing to continue to learn Gundog specific skills for both pet or working Gundogs. They are suitable for all gundogs who are being trained for Spaniel, Retriever, or HPR style gundog work or for those with Pet Gundogs who'd like a well-behaved, obedient dog whilst having fun, and giving them a job to do by harnessing their instincts.

The Assessments are split into 2 parts.

Basic Obedience
Basic Retrieves
Hunting Pattern (for hunting breeds only)

These basic field assessments look to set you up on the first stage in the Gundog Club's training programme of a competent pet or working gundog.

Topics Include:

Heelwork - on and off lead - working up to 30 paces
Whistle cues (Recall, Stop, Hunting, & Turn) - building on reliability at distance control
Hunting patterns (Spaniels /HPRs)
Steadiness with distractions
Steadiness (no running in) & Stays building up to 2 minutes
Seen Retrieves - perfecting the retrieve pattern & advancing distrances
Memory Retrieves
Directional Casting - Left, Right & Back
Introduction to Shot (Starting Pistol)
Steady to Fall
plus much more

Please note, that dogs must be able to cope and stay in the car during the breaks.

Suitable for all gundog breeds over 6 months of age that have either attended a Puppy, Foundation Gundog course, or have had a 1-1 session with us before starting this course.

The Assessment to get your Grade 1 is Optional and will be taken after the 6-week course.

For those wishing to take the Gundog Club Assessments, a one-off registration fee of £20 per dog to the Gundog Club.
There is then an individual assessment cost of £38 for Grade 1 and £44 for Grade 2.

Interested?

Please Note:

Please note that refunds will not be given if you are no longer able to attend your booking, your female dogs come into season or they are ill during the course and you're no longer able to continue.
Places are not confirmed until payment has been received. If you reserve a place choosing to book via BACs but someone pays before you - unfortunately they'll get the place.

A session may be covered over a live Zoom session if the weather is too cold/severe in the Winter months, or too hot in the Summer months, this is for the welfare of your dogs.

January Term Dates