The Scary, Yet Rewarding World of Beginner Gundog Training

Our First Training Day

As I turned up to my first ever gundog training day, it couldn't be more obvious that I wasn't from this world. 

I parked up, in between the pick-ups and 4x4s, in my campervan, which barely made it down the off-road track. I then stepped out in my dirty running trainers and grabbed a bag of tennis balls as I went. Against the sea of green and brown, if I didn't already feel like a fish out of water, I certainly did now. My first training experience was honestly daunting for me and the dog.

I’d grown up around gundogs, but this was my first time as a handler. Despite many people welcoming us to the group, well-meaning questions felt like an exam I’d not revised for. We’d not got her from any reputable breeder. She wasn’t KC registered. I was even too scared to correct people, “She’s a Sprocker actually”, when they assumed she was a Cocker.

Oh and her tail wasn’t docked either.

Finding the Right Place

Despite the nervy start, and after a little searching, we found the right place for us.

Now, I’ve become absorbed into this world. I’ve added several items of green to my wardrobe, swapped muddy trainers for muddy boots, and we’ve bought the whole size range of dummies.

My Sunday morning natter in a field, with a training group run by Claudia’s Canine Coaching, is a regular highlight of my week. Embracing whatever the weather throws at us, it’s rare to come away without experiencing at least one laugh-out-loud, snort-your-coffee-through-your-nose moment. The shared experience of successes and frustrations easily forges friendships. I’ve also watched my dog sprint back to me with a retrieve, come alive in the beating field, and share in the partnership we’ve developed.

If I ever felt alone, all I had to do was look down to my left to know we were in this together.

We Need Beginners Too

I’m not the only beginner who shares this sentiment. When asked, other beginners explained that it required a lot of determination to stay in the sport. But, if too many learners are too easily shut out or discouraged it poses a real threat to the legacy of the sport. Sure, a lot of people are “born” into the sport or introduced to it by family members, but that is not my story.

I’m here because of the dog.

When we first brought Merlot home, I had this little puppy with Disney-worthy brown eyes who looked up to me for protection and guidance. All I wanted, and continue to want, is to give her the best training opportunity possible. One that works with her natural instincts and that she enjoys.  

The gundog world can in ways feel like a series of closed doors. By sharing my experiences, I hope others can understand what it’s like to come into this world as a newcomer, how important safe spaces to learn are, and how crucial it is to take a chance on beginners.