Transform Your Gundog: Training Classes and Workshops in Hampshire and Wiltshire

Whether you’re preparing for trials, a shoot day, or simply want a well-behaved pet, our gundog training classes cater to every need. Designed to harness your dog’s natural instincts, these sessions provide fun and engaging challenges that prevent unwanted behaviors—like chasing squirrels or grabbing things they shouldn’t. Start building a deeper bond with your dog while giving them the mental and physical stimulation they crave.


Build a Strong Foundation with Fun and Structured Games

Our gundog training classes, held in Hampshire and Wiltshire, focus on establishing solid foundations through positive and engaging activities. From fun games to structured exercises, we ensure every session is light-hearted and enjoyable for you and your dog. As you progress, you can explore advanced handling techniques—if that’s your goal.

Whether you’re working with a young puppy or a seasoned companion, our methods help you build trust and cooperation, turning training time into quality time.


Small Group Gundog Classes for Personalised Attention

We believe in quality over quantity, which is why our classes are intentionally small. This personalized approach allows us to focus on your dog’s unique needs, giving you tailored advice and practical solutions.

  • Flexible Scheduling: Midweek classes every other week for regular sessions and weekly for puppies.
  • Practice at Your Own Pace: Plenty of time between lessons to reinforce skills.
  • Supportive Environment: Learn alongside others in a welcoming, encouraging setting.

Small groups mean big results for both you and your dog!


Ideal Training Locations in Marlborough, Wildhern, and Beyond

Our classes take place at three exceptional locations:

  • Marlborough Cricket Club Field: A secure, enclosed space that’s perfect for puppies and beginner dogs to thrive.
  • Wildhern, near Andover: A convenient option for those living in the Andover area, providing a quiet, rural setting ideal for training.
  • Varied Farmland: For advanced training, we move to open farmland to simulate real-world scenarios and build on your dog’s growing skills.

All locations are designed to provide safe, stimulating environments where your dog can learn and grow.


Book a Class or One-to-One Session

Ready to unlock your gundog’s potential? We offer both group classes and tailored one-to-one sessions to suit your needs.

  • Group Classes: Perfect for learning in a supportive, social setting.
  • One-to-One Training: Customized to your dog’s specific challenges and goals.

Booking is easy via our online system. Choose the option that works best for you and take the first step toward a more responsive, well-mannered gundog.

Join a Class Today

Book a One-to-One Session


Why Choose Us?

  • Positive training methods that build confidence and trust.
  • Experienced trainers passionate about gundog development.
  • A welcoming community for pet and working gundog owners alike.

Don’t wait—start your gundog’s journey today and see the difference our training can make!

 

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.

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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.

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