What do our force-free gundog training classes involve?
Gundog training classes and workshops are not just suitable for people who want to take their dogs on a shoot or enter trials. If you have a pet gundog and want them to become more responsive, you’ll find gundog training classes are geared in a way that taps into your dog’s innate drives. Your gun dog breed has been designed for hunting and retrieving. These drives need to be channelled into appropriate activities to keep them out of mischief!
In our gundog training classes, which are held in Hampshire and Wiltshire, time is spent establishing solid foundations. We do this with structured games, before progressing on to more complex handling techniques (if you decide to take it further). We always make sure you are building a rapport with your dog and having fun.
Small group gundog training classes in Hampshire and Wiltshire
Meeting midweek on a fortnightly basis for gundog training classes, and weekly for gundog puppy classes, there’ll be plenty of time to practice between sessions. You’ll be pleased to know that groups are kept deliberately small so everyone gets the attention they need.
We have the use of wonderful private facilities on the edge of town in the grounds of the Marlborough Cricket Club. The field is enclosed with short grass which is ideal for puppies and beginners. We also have access to varied farmland for advancing the dog’s experience into more realistic scenarios, when you are ready.
Details of our upcoming gundog training classes in Hampshire and Wiltshire can be found here
One to ones are held at a variety of locations to suit your needs and can be booked through the online system by following this link
Please read the Gundog Trainers Academy Code of Conduct
Steadiness – Recall – Whistle Work – Retrieving –
Directional Control – Hunting – Distraction Training.
Here’s some feedback from clients Jill has helped
Gus and I recently did a cold game training workshop with Jill.
Gus has only ever picked up balls or dummies. He now happily picks up cold game ie: pheasants and ducks. We thoroughly enjoyed our day. Thanks to Jill’s innovative training methods Gus continuous thrive and become more confident. That is until he runs out of energy which I think shows he gives his all. Thank you Jill
Jill’s recent Memories, Marks and Blinds workshop was a highlight of our training journey so far.
An invaluable opportunity to look in depth at the various retrieves we have practised and to understand how and why they differ. The beautiful location and thoughtful way that each scenario had been set up really brought the exercises to life and gave us a taste of how it will feel in the field.
Jill is an inspirational trainer who is constantly encouraging and eager to share her impressive understanding. I would highly recommend her to anyone who wishes to get the most out of their gundog.
Me and Cherry had a brilliant time at the memories, marks and blinds workshop.
Cherry was great, Im so proud of her! what a fab workshop, so much fun. We really did have a brilliant time and was great for building her confidence as shes always been super sensitive and is a worrier.
I can highly recommend Jill … I consider myself to be an experienced dog owner, so when I was faced with a young spaniel who decided he was in charge I approached Jill to come to my rescue.
A year later and what a difference. I no longer watch in horror as my dog chases a deer heading for the M4. Nor do I worry whether he will disappear down a hole never to be found.
I have learnt so much about myself and the mind of a working dog. I have also found a new hobby and new friends. It’s been absolutely amazing. We now have our Grade 1 Hunting Retriever certificate and look forward to working toward the next level. Thank you Jill
When Elsa developed a fear of gunshots she became very sound sensitive and nervous
“Jill is a fantastic dog trainer and has been so patient with Elsa, my sensitive Labrador. She has really helped her come out of her shell and gain confidence in her retrieving, especially with her swimming at the water training day!
When Elsa developed a fear of gunshots she became very sound sensitive and nervous, Jill was on hand to give me a lot of helpful advice and support to get her through it and back to enjoying her walks again. Her extensive knowledge about dog behaviour is very apparent and she is full of activities/tactics to help combat any issues your dog may have.
I can’t recommend Jill highly enough, her love of dogs and training ability is second to non and I’m so glad I found her!”
It has been amazing to see my little pocket rocket thrive in the job she was bred to do.
“If you are looking for a gun dog trainer Ivy, my husband and I would highly recommend Jill Thorpe @ Develop your dog. Ivy and I have learnt so much since we started working with Jill. From basic manners, distraction, steadiness, recall and commands all the way through to blind retrieves, cold game and Ivy’s first time out on a shoot in December. It has been amazing to see my little pocket rocket thrive in the job she was bred to do.”
I fully recommend Develop your Dog to anyone wanting help training any dog.
Please do not be misled into thinking that Develop your Dog, Jill Thorpe, is only suitable for people who want to take their dogs on a shoot or enter gun dog trials.
I have a very cheeky working cocker, who is fundamentally the family pet. We had tried traditional puppy classes held in a village hall but they really weren’t stimulating enough for either of us and failed to address his challenging behaviours.
Jill has helped me to understand why Frankie does what he does and addresses our issues with activities that are broken down into manageable stages and allow us to have fun.
Jill’s enthusiasm for her work and commitment to force free, positive training is so apparent in her love for the dogs. She’s very patient with the owners too!
I fully recommend Develop your Dog to anyone wanting help training any dog. I’m so glad we found her and can’t imagine what I’d have done without her!
I would highly recommend Jill to anyone with a dog of any age, she really goes above and beyond for her clients.
Millie and I have been going to Jills classes for nearly a year and we will continue to do so as we both love them! At the moment we are benefiting form the online classes which have been great, not only are we keeping on top of Millie’s training but it keeps her entertained whilst going through this tricky time. I would highly recommend Jill to anyone with a dog of any age, she really goes above and beyond for her clients.
It is so rewarding to see Flora progress to what she has been bred to do.
I am so pleased to have found Jill as a trainer, her approach and teaching style is fantastic and would highly recommend her to anyone. Flora and I have been going to Jill’s classes for nearly a year and are seeing the benefits. The exercises are built up in a fun and entertaining way allowing to you to build a strong and engaging relationship with your dog. It is so rewarding to see Flora progress to what she has been bred to do. We are loving the online training were now following; having access to training videos set by Jill and then videoing your own exercises and submitting for feedback has been a welcomed and fun approach in these difficult times.
Gundog Training Courses
Have you got a gundog breed at home? Would you like to train him/her for the shooting field, or would you just like to train your dog to a high level? I can help with these scenarios.
Puppy Training Courses
When you first bring a puppy home it can be very exciting but daunting all at the same time, so I am on hand to come and guide you through those key canine development stages to ensure that your puppy grows up to be well-mannered.