Gundog Training Days   (last updated Sept 2010)

We offer live game training suitable for any 
dog handler from beginner to Field Trial or         Working Test competitor who wish to sharpen  and steady up their dog(s).  Cost is £35 per handler (minimum 2 handlers / maximum 12) working any number of dogs.   

We have not 'caught up' any pheasants this 
year and there are 'plenty' of wild rabbit (early  a.m. and dusk) giving excellent training opportunities. August and September are    suitable for more experienced dogs as there are lots of pheasant poults on the ground  making very testing conditions.   September (partridge) and October onwards can involve shooting and retrieving as the game season commences.   There is a small training pond and a larger pond with three islands for those wanting water retrieves. 

All days are accompanied by the Gamekeeper (above) who is an experienced dog handler and trainer.  Plans are underway to construct a large rabbit pen - please enquire for more details.

We have various Mock Trial events and have hosted the 2008/2009 and 2010 offical Field Trial for the Sussex Spaniel Association  www.sussexspaniels.org.uk  We are also the venue for the West Lancashire Gundog Society see www.westlancsgundogs.com/ for details of training courses.  If you wish to attend as a spectator on any of the Field Trial or Mock Field Trials please contact us for dates.  We also have HPR/spaniel/labrador and flatcoat working dog groups visiting us.  We have clients who book year on year with us for live game training, many of which are top Field Trial Competitors and Judges.

You can 'shoot over your dog' (October to February), work the dog to flush the game, you/a friend shoots the game and then re-create a field trial with a timed retrieve with one dog being sent out.  If the retrieve is unsucessfull, another dog can then be cast out, so on and so forth.  

You can tailor the terrain to concentrate on where your dog is particularly weak e.g. beet crop with lots of birds being flushed or ground game, hares and rabbits.        

It's your day, you can change dogs as many times as you like and YOU will decide on the type of terrain that you want for training.   You are welcome to view the ground prior to training to check on its suitability.

Team sizes are to your own requirements

50% deposit required at time of booking

All persons shooting MUST have public liability insurance or be member of one of the various shooting organisations that include this as part of the membership.(e.g. BASC, CPSA, Countryside Alliance etc).   We cannot accept any bookings from persons not having this insurance.  You are responsible for your animals welfare whilst on the shooting ground.    

Proof of valid membership will need to be shown to the keeper on the day.   We recommend that all dog handlers also consider appropriate insurance.