DON’T KNOW how to dizzy a pigeon? In need of some pointers to train your pointer? Got a cocker going crackers? Keep calm and get a gundog trainer. The world of working gundog training has never been more inclusive and accessible. You can choose the traditional route of sending your dog away to a residential training school and receive him perfectly polished at the beginning of next Season. Or you can grab a whistle and slip-lead, and you and the dog train together. In fact, these days most trainers would rather teach you and your dog at the same time. And it’s much more fun that way. You can join in with groups or go on training holidays in Britain’s beauty spots. You can even test yourself and your faithful friend in mock field trials. Take your pick from our round-up of where to go to school this year.
CASTLEMANS GUNDOGS
Region: Predominantly in Yorkshire but also runs residential courses at venues across the country.
About: The founder of the Dogs for Life organisation, Philippa Williams is a pioneer of gundog training as a hobby in its own right and specialises in different training opportunities, particularly residential holidays. She breeds and works golden retrievers, labradors and cocker spaniels, emphasising the full range of activities – including obedience and agility – that dogs can enjoy. Williams focuses on family gundogs that may never go anywhere near a shoot but whose owners want help in understanding their behaviour to ensure manageable companions that can go anywhere and be under control.
All breeds
