Force-Free Gundog

Hello from me to you

I first became interested in gundog training in 2004, when we got a Weimaraner pup. I'd been told that Weimaraners were 'very intelligent' and 'needed a job to do'.

I threw myself into training, working and competing with Slate immediately. I didn't realise, at the time, that such a deep dive was perhaps an unusual approach to first-time dog ownership - but I've never really done things by halves so perhaps this was to be expected!

We ended up driving quite some way to attend classes and training events. It turned out that where we lived at the time (Brighton, UK) didn't even have a reputable general training class at the time. I was upset by this, because I could see dogs all around us desperately in need of decent training.

And so - almost as an on-the-side thing - I set off on the path to becoming a dog trainer and behaviourist. I secretly wanted to help people transition across to working their dogs, having seen how fantastically rewarding that was.

I became a full member of the APDT (UK) and became listed as an Animal Training Instructor with the ABTC.

I completed the Compass Advanced Diploma in Canine Behaviour Management.

I took a particular interest in working with canine reactivity (aggression), becoming a Certified BAT Instructor. I worked with BAT creator, Grisha Stewart, helping to assess CBATI candidates' video applications.

I founded School for Dogs in Brighton in 2006. In 2013, I established DogWorks in Jersey. These organisations ran general training classes for all breeds, gundog classes and behavioural work.

In 2013, I became an Accredited Instructor and Assessor with The Gundog Club, which offers a force-free gundog assessment system in the UK.

Sadly my goal of helping pet owners transition across to working their dogs, proved trickier than I'd anticipated.

I came to realise that the type of person who wants to get into dog sports, is a very particular type of person. The majority of people simply want to have a dog under reasonable control outdoors.

The people who want to learn how to train their dogs to be working gundogs are scattered the world over. It was with that realisation, that Force-Free Gundog was born.

Over the years, our own dogs have been HPRs and retrievers. We have owned Weimaraners, a Slovakian Rough-Haired Pointer, a GSP and Labradors. Our dogs have worked beating and picking-up on shoots in the UK - as well as rough-shooting.

We have competed successfully in working tests, spring pointing tests and field trials, gained the KC Working Gundog Certificate and participated in events like Natural Ability Tests.

Family and health saw us move to Jersey in 2013 and, whilst it has been difficult to compete from so far away, it has given me the time and space needed to write a book, make online courses and a podcast!

In 2019, my book - Force-Free Gundog Training: The Fundamentals for Success - was published.

I also began hosting a popular force-free gundog training podcast called Hold the Line.

Many newcomers attend gundog training classes with young and exuberant dogs and are told to 'correct' their dogs - or, even worse, have dogs taken from them and intimidated or hurt.

Many people associate this type of training with gundog training itself - not just with that particular trainer. As a result, they avoid gundog training completely. This is a huge loss at a time when we need to be encouraging newcomers.

I believe that people need additional help and guidance when starting out, until they have a well-trained dog which knows the basics.

At this point, when it's about the dog gaining experience and proofing to new locations, the force-free handler can easily join most mainstream classes without risking the experience of aversives.

Adam

You will recognise my husband, Adam, who appears in many videos for the courses and is incredibly helpful!

Whilst I prefer working the dogs, Adam shoots and takes a huge interest in preparing game for the table. This is a pretty good arrangement!

He also exercises our older dogs once they are no longer getting daily training with me. And he's a dab hand at fixing pens, bird launchers, carpentry, traps and all-things DIY!

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