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Gundog Training at Guns & Noses
Thoughtful gundog training for real dogs, real handlers, and real life
Gundog training doesn’t have to be loud, forceful, or old-fashioned.
At Guns & Noses, we train gundogs (and gundog-type dogs) using kind, evidence-based methods that build reliability through understanding, not pressure.
Whether you shoot, aspire to work in the field, or simply love gundog training as enrichment for your pet dog, our focus is the same:
calm focus, clear communication, and dogs who want to work with you.
"Dogs do what works.
Make the good stuff work better."
Pet Gundog vs Working Gundog — What’s the Difference?
One of the most common questions we hear is: “Is gundog training only for working dogs?”
The short answer is no.
At Guns & Noses, we work with both pet gundogs and working gundogs, and the core training principles are the same — the difference lies in context, not capability.
🐾 Pet Gundogs
Pet gundogs are dogs who live primarily as family companions but enjoy gundog work as:
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Enrichment
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Mental stimulation
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A way to channel natural instincts
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Support for everyday manners and focus
Training for pet gundogs focuses on:
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Reliable recall in real-life environments
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Calm focus around distractions
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Controlled retrieves and delivery
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Emotional regulation and impulse control
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Enjoyment of gundog work without pressure
There is no expectation to work on a shoot, and no pressure to train beyond what suits your lifestyle.
Many pet gundog owners train simply because their dog loves the work — and it helps them live more calmly day to day.
🦆 Working Gundogs
Working gundogs are dogs who are trained with the intention of working in the field or on shoot days.
Training focuses on:
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Reliability under higher levels of excitement
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Steadiness around game and gunfire
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Clear whistle cues and handling
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Consistent delivery and control
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Supporting emotional regulation in demanding environments
Force-free training is especially important here — suppressed dogs don’t think clearly under pressure, and thoughtful training builds reliability that lasts.
What they have in common
Whether pet or working, gundogs:
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Have strong instincts
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Thrive when given clear jobs
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Need help regulating excitement
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Learn best when training is fair and consistent
The goal is always the same:
a dog who understands their role, enjoys their work, and can think even when it matters.
Which one are you?
You don’t need to label your dog.
Many dogs sit somewhere in the middle — pet dogs who enjoy gundog work, or working dogs who also live as family companions.
Training is adapted to:
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Your dog
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Your goals
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Your environment
Not a title.
Who is gundog training for?
This training is ideal if you:
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Have a gundog or gundog-type dog with lots of enthusiasm
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Want reliable recall, delivery, and focus without force
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Are frustrated by advice that doesn’t suit your dog
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Want to enjoy gundog work without pressure or judgement
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Value progress, not perfection
You don’t need a “finished” dog.
You don’t need experience.
You just need curiosity, consistency, and the right support.
Our approach to gundog training
We specialise in dogs with enthusiasm — the fast, driven, emotional dogs who love to work but can easily tip into over-arousal.
Our training focuses on:
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Building steadiness without suppression
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Teaching dogs how to regulate their emotions
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Developing reliable skills that hold up in exciting environments
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Helping handlers understand why things fall apart — and how to fix them
That means:
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✔️ No harsh handling
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✔️ No intimidation
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✔️ No “just make them do it” mentality
Instead, we train so dogs:
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Understand their role
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Can think under pressure
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Choose the right behaviours — even when it matters
Because suppressed behaviour doesn’t equal trained behaviour.
Gundog Training Options
🦆 Gundog Classes
(Pet & Working Gundogs)
Best for: Owners who want structured, progressive gundog training in a supportive group environment.
Classes focus on:
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Engagement and focus
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Whistle cues and responsiveness
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Retrieves and delivery
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Hunt and search exercises
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Steadiness and impulse control
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Working around distractions
Training is adapted to suit:
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Pet gundogs
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Working gundogs
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Young dogs building foundations (From 6 months)
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More experienced dogs refining skills
Progress is individual — no pressure, no comparison.
🎯 1-to-1 Gundog Training
Best for: Dogs or handlers who need individual support.
Ideal if:
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Your dog struggles with over-arousal or focus
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You want to work on specific challenges
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You prefer private, tailored sessions
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You want help transferring skills into real-life environments
Sessions are built around your dog, your goals, and your pace.
🌊 Specialist Workshops
(Seasonal & Availability Dependent)
Best Value
3 x Gundog sessions (For Pet Dogs)
70
Working towards the
Shootingsky Awards
Do you love our Gundog workshops? Would you like a discount on everyone you book? Well now you can! Book anytime that suits you. Saving £5
Valid for 6 months
3 Gundog sessions
Choose from Water, cold game, café walks, pet gundog class
Best Value
5 x Gundog sessions (For Pet Dogs)
100
Working towards the
Shootingsky Awards
Love our Gundog workshops? Would you like a discount on everyone you book?
Valid for 6 months
5 Gundog sessions
Water, Cold Game, Social walk, Gundog classes
Save £25
Best Value
The Dedicated Gundog Handler Package
180
The Dedicated Gundog Handler Package is for handlers committed to gundog training long term. Train regularly, save more overall, and book flexibly across sessions as your dog develops and progresses.
Valid for 6 months
Save £70!
10 sessions at a reduced rate
You can choose from a range of sessions
Water Workshops
Cold Game
Pet Gundog Classes
Social Walk and Café Trip
6 Months to use your package
Best Value
The mixer plan
185
Ideal for those who appreciate a dynamic blend of dog training experiences.
Valid for 6 months
5 x Mixed ability classes
5 x Gundog workshops
Choose from Water, Cold game, Café walks or Pet gundog class
Package worth £215
Why not choose a package and save on every session
What makes Guns & Noses different?
Hi, I’m Helen 👋
I’ve spent over 27 years working with dogs, including gundogs, pet dogs, and dogs who don’t always fit neatly into traditional training boxes.
I believe:
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Gundog work should be enjoyed
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Dogs should be trained with clarity, not fear
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Handlers should feel supported, not judged
I don’t train dogs for people.
I train people to understand and train their dogs, so progress lasts beyond the session.
This is gundog training that respects the dog in front of you.
What this training is — and isn’t
✔️ This training is:
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Kind, thoughtful, and evidence-based
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Focused on emotional regulation and reliability
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Suitable for pet and working gundogs
❌ This training isn’t:
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Force-based or traditional dominance training
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About suppressing enthusiasm
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A quick fix
Ready to train?
Whether you’re building foundations, refining skills, or rebuilding confidence after a wobble, you’re welcome here.
👉 View Gundog Class Dates & Book
👉 Book 1-to-1 Gundog Training
👉 Ask a Question or Book a Zoom Call