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⭐ Trusted by dog owners across East Yorkshire for 27+ years
Dogs with enthusiasm… and humans trying to keep up
We offer force-free dog training that strengthens trust, builds real-life skills, and creates lasting harmony between dogs and their humans.
We help owners channel their dogs’ natural working instincts through kind, effective gundog training — for a calm, reliable companion you can be proud of.
We don't just help Spaniels, Labradors, Retrievers and other working breeds to train as pet gundogs. We also help owners looking for kind, progressive alternatives to old-school training
Training dogs isn’t about control.
At Guns & Noses, we help dogs with big feelings, fast brains, and busy bodies learn how to focus — without force, fear, or frustration. And just as importantly, we support the humans at the other end of the lead, because confidence travels both ways.
Whether you’re raising a puppy, living with an excitable adolescent, or training a gundog for real life, you’re in the right place.
"Positive isn’t permissive - it’s powerful"
You don’t have a “bad dog”
You have a dog who feels a lot.
Maybe they:
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Pull like a steam train the moment you leave the gate
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Lose their ears when excitement kicks in
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Know the cues… until the environment gets louder
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Try their hardest, then unravel when it all gets a bit much
Sound familiar? You’re not alone — and nothing here needs “fixing”.
Enthusiastic dogs aren’t difficult. They’re unfinished conversations. Our job is to help you listen, respond, and guide them forward.
Training that works with your dog, not against them
We use force-free, evidence-based training that builds skills through clarity, consistency, and reinforcement — not correction.
That means:
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No harsh equipment
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No intimidation
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No “just be firmer” advice
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Instead, we focus on:
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Emotional regulation
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Real-life focus around distractions
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Strong foundations that hold up outside the training field
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Helping owners understand why behaviour happens — not just how to stop it
Because suppressed behaviour doesn’t disappear. It waits.
We train so your dog can choose better responses — even when it matters.
How you can train with Guns and Noses
We offer flexible ways to train, because no two dogs or humans learn the same way.
🐾 Group Classes
Supportive, structured sessions covering puppy foundations, mixed ability training, and pet gundog skills. Ideal for building focus, confidence, and reliability around other dogs.
🎯 One-to-One Training
Personalised support for specific challenges — lead walking, recall, over-arousal, confidence building, or simply getting things back on track.
🦆 Gundog Training for Real Life
For owners who love gundog work and want reliable skills without pressure or tradition-based force. Practical, thoughtful, and dog-centred.
💻 Online Support & Resources
Training guides, challenges, and resources you can use at home — because progress happens between sessions, not just during them.
Why train with me?
Hi, I’m Helen 👋
I’ve spent over 27 years working with dogs, starting as a kennel maid and building my career through education, hands-on experience, and continual professional development.
I’m a force-free trainer, a member of professional organisations, and — most importantly — someone who understands what it’s like to live with dogs who don’t come with an “off switch”.
I don’t train dogs for owners.
I train owners to understand their dogs, so progress lasts long after the session ends.
No judgement. No pressure.
Just honest support, practical guidance, and space to learn.
"Build your dog’s skills through play and praise"
🎓 Recent Success Stories
🎖️ Celebrate Every Step Forward At Guns & Noses, every client who passes a level receives a stunning rosette—because progress deserves to be proudly displayed. Ready to take your training to the next level?
Take a look at some of the dogs (and their humans!) who've proudly passed their training levels with Guns & Noses.
If you’re still unsure about working with us, why not take a moment to check out what other dog owners have to say?
Kate
I have attended the gun dog workshops with my labrador and love the variety of exercises that Helen thinks up to help with all aspects of training. Every time is different and all related to everyday control when you are out with your dog. I would recommend Helen to anyone who needs help with basic training but also to then develop further skills.
Kirsty
Attended a 1-1 session today to help us with lead pulling with our border collie pup. Helen is extremely knowledgeable and gave us some fantastic advice going forward. Wouldn't hesitate to book again and recommend.
Thank you so much for your time and patience
Amy
Monty Dog and I have just completed our 6 week Puppy Training. We have been given a great foundation to work on with really practical tips. Helen’s excellent teaching style also encouraged individual advice, questions and discussion which have been invaluable.