Looking for gundog training near Northamptonshire that’s fun, practical, and tailored to your dog? At Fresh Start Dog Training, we offer games-based gundog training to help both pet and working dogs improve their recall, focus, and off-lead control. Whether you’ve got a high-drive puppy, a reactive adolescent, or a working-line dog who needs direction, we’ll help you build a calm, responsive companion you can rely on.
When most people hear “gundog training,” they imagine long lines of Labradors on a shoot or Spaniels dashing through cover. But in reality, gundog training is so much more than preparing dogs to pick up game. It’s a structured, engaging way to help any dog — working or pet — channel energy, develop focus, and build rock-solid skills that carry over into daily life.
At Fresh Start Dog Training, we specialise in games-based gundog training that builds confident, responsive dogs through play, structure, and real-life challenges. Whether you’ve got a gundog breed or just a high-drive pup who needs direction, this style of training might be exactly what you’ve been looking for.
🎯 So What Is Gundog Training, Really?
At its core, gundog training teaches your dog to:
- Stay calm and focused around distractions
- Respond to cues like recall, stop whistles, and directional sends
- Retrieve and deliver items to hand with control
- Work independently without losing connection to the handler
But here’s the thing — even if your dog will never set foot on a shoot, the principles of gundog training are incredibly useful for day-to-day life.
🧠 Analogy: It’s like sending a high-energy child to learn the bass guitar. You’re not doing it so they end up in a band — you’re doing it to give them a positive outlet for all that energy, and to teach rhythm, focus, and discipline. Gundog training gives dogs the same sort of outlet — it channels drive, builds self-control, and strengthens your bond.
🐾 What Breeds Is Gundog Training Good For?
Traditionally, it’s aimed at breeds like Labradors, Spaniels, Vizslas, and GSPs — but games-based gundog training can benefit any breed. At Fresh Start, we’ve used gundog-style methods to help:
- 🔹 Over-excited young dogs learn calm focus
- 🔹 Rescue dogs build emotional resilience
- 🔹 Sporty pups prepare for agility, working trials, and film work
- 🔹 Owners get a grip on reactivity, distraction, or recall issues
And yes, it’s ideal for switched-on puppies who show promise for sports work or future assistance dog training — giving them the control, engagement and clarity they need to shine in whatever they go on to do.
🔎 Popular Questions We Hear (And What You Need to Know)
When should I start gundog training?
From as early as 12 weeks old. The sooner you start building calmness, focus, and structure into daily life, the better. But it’s also never too late — we work with dogs of all ages and temperaments.
What is gundog training for?
Originally developed for fieldwork, but now used to:
- Improve recall and off-lead control
- Help reactive dogs focus on tasks
- Channel drive and prevent overstimulation
- Build working relationships and handler trust
How much does gundog training cost?
- 1-1 sessions: from £50 per hour
- Monthly group class: £50/month, payable by standing order on the 31st
Do I have to work my dog on a shoot?
Not at all. Many of our clients never plan to shoot — they just want a better connection with their dog, more control on walks, and structured ways to meet their dog’s needs.
👣 How Our Gundog Training Works
We offer:
- ✅ 1-1 sessions tailored to your dog’s level and your goals
- ✅ A monthly group gundog class, ideal for real-world practice in a supportive space
- ✅ A focus on games, play and relationship, not pressure or punishment
- ✅ Behaviour-informed training that considers your dog’s emotions as much as their skills
We meet dogs where they are — whether you’re dealing with reactivity, over-arousal, or just a bouncy Spaniel who won’t switch off. Our methods are rooted in kindness, clarity, and progress at the dog’s pace.
🐕🦺 Who This Is Perfect For
- Puppies showing early drive or talent
- Pet gundog breeds needing more than just a daily walk
- Sporty homes preparing for agility, scentwork, or trials
- Owners struggling with reactivity, overexcitement, or distraction
- People who want a deep bond and reliable control without nagging or shouting
📍 Based in Northamptonshire
We work across the Northamptonshire area, including field-based sessions and secure outdoor setups. You’ll leave with practical skills, personalised support, and a dog that’s calmer, more focused, and ready for whatever’s next.
📩 Book Your Dog’s Fresh Start
If you’re ready to build a working partnership with your dog, or just want to help them calm down and tune in, gundog training might be the game-changer you’ve been waiting for.
👉 Email christine@freshstartdogs.com to book a 1-1 or enquire about our monthly gundog class.
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