GROUP GUNDOG TRAINING
GUNDOG GROUP TRAINING
We offer a range of group gundog training sessions at our venue near the village of Perry Green, just outside Wembdon in Somerset. These sessions are designed to support both you and your dog as you develop the skills needed for life together, whether that’s in the field, at home, or out and about. Our training focuses on building a strong relationship, a positive learning history, and the confidence to work together as a team. With these foundations in place, you’ll be better equipped to navigate challenges and enjoy a variety of activities with your dog, including group training and gundog-related pursuits. Group sessions are structured to provide a supportive learning environment, but they do require a level of prior understanding from both dog and handler. For this reason, clients must have completed a 1:1 training package with me before joining a group course. This allows you and your dog to build the core skills, understanding and engagement needed to get the most from group training, while also helping to maintain a calm, positive and productive environment for everyone. If you’re new to training with me, the best place to start is with a 1:1 training package, where we can build these foundations together before progressing into group work.
Group training sessions will be held between March and November.
Grass Roots Gundogs
The Grass Roots Gundog Course is designed for handlers who are new to gundog training, as well as dogs that are young or inexperienced. This course provides a structured introduction to the key foundations needed for gundog work. Across the initial four sessions (with the option to continue beyond), you and your dog will begin to develop core skills such as recall, early whistle cues, basic directional work, and the foundations of a retrieve. For spaniels, this will also include an introduction to hunting. We will also cover everyday skills such as loose lead walking, helping to support your dog both in and out of the training environment. This level is ideal for those working towards their Gundog Club Grade One Assessment. Each training session runs for one hour.
Beginner Gundogs
This course is designed for handlers and dogs who already have some basic training in place and are ready to progress their skills further. It is ideal for slightly older or more experienced dogs who are building on their foundations and beginning to work with more consistency and control. The focus of this course is to develop and refine key gundog skills. Training will include progressing the retrieve (with an emphasis on hand delivery and memory retrieves), on and off lead heelwork, steadiness, focus and engagement, as well as the introduction and development of the stop whistle. Where appropriate, we will also begin to progress hunting skills and build the dog’s confidence in taking direction and working at distance, always with consideration to the individual dog and their breed. As with all of our training, the emphasis is on building a positive learning history, strengthening the relationship between dog and handler, and working with the dog you have in that moment. This course is suitable for those working towards their Gundog Club Grade Two Assessment and is designed to continue beyond the initial block, allowing for ongoing progression and development.
COURSE DAY: SUNDAY
COURSE: Beginner Gundog
COURSE TIME: 11.30am - 1pm
(90 minutes)
COURSE DATES:
14th September 2025
21st September 2025
5th October 2025
19th October 2025
2nd November 2025
COURSE PRICE: £135
Intermediate Gundogs
Intermediate Gundogs
This course is designed for handlers and dogs who are more accomplished and have their foundation skills firmly in place. It is suited to those ready to work at a higher level, with increased complexity, precision and expectation. Where numbers allow, groups may be split by breed type to ensure training remains relevant and appropriate for the dogs involved. Training at this level builds on all previously learned skills, introducing greater levels of distraction and more complex scenarios. This will include elements such as multiple retrieves, honouring, work around shot, and increased distance handling, alongside further refinement of steadiness, control and overall performance. We will also begin to develop the dog’s ability to complete increasingly complex blind retrieves, building confidence in taking direction, maintaining focus, and working with clarity at distance. As exercises become more advanced, sessions are extended to allow time for thoughtful, quality training. Each session runs for an hour and a half. This course is suitable for those working towards their Gundog Club Grade Three Assessment and above, and is designed to support ongoing progression as both dog and handler continue to develop.
COURSE DAY: Wednesday Retrrievers
COURSE: Intermediate Gundog
COURSE TIME: 11am to 12.45pm
COURSE DATES
13th August 2025
27th August 2025
17th September 2025
21st September 2025
15th October 2025
22nd October 2025
COURSE PRICE: £246
Please check with Connected Canines before booking
STROLL & TRAIN
Stroll and Train
The “stroll and train” is a group training session. We walk and train as we travel through Great Wood. There will be a variety of gundog related retrieves and challenges set for you. Each exercise can be adapted to the needs of your dog. The session is designed to be fun whilst challenging both you and your dog.. After the Stroll and Train we will reconvene at the Fox Bean Café for Lunch, this is not included in the charge for the session. Sign up for as many or as few of these sessions as you choose
COURSE DAY:
COURSE: Stroll & Train
COURSE TIME:11am - 1pm
COURSE DATES:
COURSE PRICE: £
