http://www.teachyourgundog.co.uk/

Teach Your Gundog, Haslemere (2026)

05/08/2026

Our frame of mind, anxiety levels, and excitement can have a huge impact on how our gundogs respond during assessments and competitions.

Most tests and assessments take place in unfamiliar locations, often surrounded by unfamiliar people, dogs, scent, and activity, so your dog’s senses are likely to be heightened already. They do not benefit from us adding additional pressure through our own nerves or expectations.

It is also important to remember that your dog has absolutely no idea that they are being judged or assessed.

They do not know what a rosette, certificate, qualification, or score sheet means.

As far as they are concerned, you are simply training together in a different environment.

Unfortunately, I think this is something handlers lose sight of once nerves, ambition, or ego begin creeping in.

Regardless of what the assessment or competition means to you, the most important thing should always be that your dog is coping well emotionally and genuinely enjoying the experience.

If you are susceptible to feeling nervous at tests and assessments, like so many of us are, breathe slowly and deeply and try to stay focused and present in the moment.

It is easier said than done and it certainly takes practice and preparation, but these strategies work well.

If the outcome isn’t quite as expected, do not be disappointed and remember that whatever happens during the assessment or a competition is just feedback for your future training.

If you're thinking about doing competitions or assessments with your gundog, we've put together a blog to help you decide what would be most suitable for you and your dog, alongside some other advice to help you prepare, and what equipment you’ll need.

To read in full head to https://www.teachyourgundog.co.uk/blogs/news/preparing-for-gundog-assessments-and-competitions

02/08/2026

Assessment and competition days can feel quite overwhelming if you have never attended one before, particularly as there is often a lot of waiting around, listening, and organisation involved before you even begin working your dog.

While waiting for your turn, in an assessment or competition scenario, your dog should not be off lead or running around freely.

If you have trained with me before, you will know that I encourage all my students to develop short routines or exercises to help transition their dog from waiting around in a group to getting ready to work.

When you arrive with the judge or assessor, sit your dog, keep their lead on, and wait for instructions.

Listen carefully to the explanation of the assessment or test. This is critical because most judges and assessors will explain things in a way that helps you succeed - they are not trying to trap you.

They may give you distances, so it helps to have a reasonable understanding of what 50 metres actually looks like. They may also refer to specific landmarks or cover, so it helps if you know your oak from your ash and your bracken from your kale.

During the explanation, take time to assess the environment as well. Consider the wind direction and any potential “bunkers” that might pull your dog away from the correct area. These factors will influence how you choose to handle your dog during the exercise.

If you are unsure about any instruction or how the assessment or test is set up, ask for clarification before you begin.

Once everything has been explained, you will be asked to remove your dog’s lead and say when you are ready. Do not send your dog until the judge or assessor instructs you to do so.

If you're thinking about doing competitions or assessments with your gundog, we've put together a blog to help you decide what would be most suitable for you and your dog, alongside some other advice to help you prepare, what equipment you’ll need, and why you need to consider your mindset before taking part.

To read in full head to https://www.teachyourgundog.co.uk/blogs/news/preparing-for-gundog-assessments-and-competitions

30/07/2026

Here's what's coming up at Teach Your Gundog in August and September...

Puppy / Beginner Gundog
Saturdays 9:30am to 10:15am, Haslemere
• 8 August
• 22 August
• 5 September
• 19 September

Foundation GAP 1
Saturdays 10:30am to 11:30am, Haslemere
• 8 August
• 22 August
• 5 September
• 19 September

Foundation GAP 2
Saturdays 11:45am to 1pm, Haslemere
• 8 August
• 22 August
• 5 September
• 19 September

Foundation GAP 2
Wednesdays 10am to 11:15am, Haslemere
• 5 August
• 19 August
• 26 August
• 16 September

Monthly Progressive GAP 3/4
Fridays 10am to 12pm, Loxwood
• 21 August
• 18 September

Royal Kennel Club Working Gundog Certificate
9:30am to 12pm, Loxwood
• 16 August
• 23 August
• 20 September

Can't make any of the dates? Or want to focus on something specific? You can also book one to one sessions with Jules.

If you have not done any gundog training before - whether you have a puppy or young dog, or an older dog that has done basic training but nothing gundog specific - you will need to start with our Puppy / Beginner group classes.

For booking and more information head to https://www.teachyourgundog.co.uk/collections/all

27/07/2026

When it comes to equipment for training there’s a ton of gundog gear, gadgets, tools and accessories on the market.

However, when participating in assessment days or competitions, you generally do not need to carry as much equipment on your person as you would during normal training.

Dummies will typically be provided by the organisers to keep everything fair for the dogs and straightforward for the judges, assessors and dummy throwers.

The only essential pieces of equipment you will usually need during the assessment or competition itself are your whistle and lead. Your dog will not normally be required to wear a collar while working and should not wear a harness.

With less to carry around with you, you might decide that your routine gundog training vest is not a necessity. However, unless you typically wear jeans and bright, fluorescent clothing, it can help your dog if you are dressed in a similar way to how you normally train.

Environmental cues are extremely important to dogs and sudden changes in clothing, equipment, or routine can sometimes affect how confidently or fluently a dog works.

Beyond that, what you bring with you will depend largely on the weather, the event set up, and any instructions given by the organisers. You may be away from your car for long periods of time and there can often be a considerable amount of waiting around between exercises.

I usually like to think about the following:
· Water for both myself and my dog
· Snacks for both myself and my dog, including treats for afterwards
· Appropriate clothing for the weather such as a hat, coat, jumper, or umbrella
· A coat for my dog in very cold or very hot weather
· A chair, as there is often a lot of waiting around
· Sunscreen

The goal is not to carry lots of equipment, but to make sure both you and your dog are comfortable, prepared, and able to focus on the work. A calm, organised handler often helps create a calmer, more settled dog.

If you're thinking about doing competitions or assessments with your gundog, we've put together a blog to help you decide what would be most suitable for you and your dog, alongside some other advice to help you prepare, and why you need to consider your mindset before taking part.

To read in full head to https://www.teachyourgundog.co.uk/blogs/news/preparing-for-gundog-assessments-and-competitions

24/07/2026

Not every dog thrives in a group.

And not every gundog training challenge fits neatly into a class structure.

That’s where one-to-one training sessions with Jules come in.

Some owners book 121s because timing works better than classes. Others want to dig into specific issues, especially when something's not quite working. Many simply want the space to ask "silly" questions and learn without distractions or the pressure of a group.

Whether your dog struggles to focus around other dogs, gets anxious in new settings, or if you just need to crack one specific behaviour, a 121 can make all the difference.

There’s no pressure to keep pace with a group. No waiting for your turn while your dog’s stress builds. Just calm, focused training time with expert eyes on you and your dog.

Some owners book 121s because timing works better than classes. Others want to dig into specific issues, especially when something's not quite working. Many simply want the space to ask "silly" questions and learn without distractions or the pressure of a group.

To book a one-to-one with Jules today and get personalised support tailored to your dog, head to https://www.teachyourgundog.co.uk/products/in-person-121-with-jules

21/07/2026

Most gundog assessments and competitions will not permit you to give treats or toys, play with your dog, or physically interact with them while under the judge or assessor.

For many handlers and dogs, this is one of the biggest differences between normal training and working in an assessment or competition environment, and it can sometimes catch people out if they have not prepared.

Traditionally, the expectation has been that the dog should find the work itself reinforcing. And, to be fair, many gundogs, especially those from working bred lines, genuinely do enjoy the work enormously.

However, it can be difficult for some dogs if reinforcement has not been faded thoughtfully before entering an assessment or competition.

If reinforcement suddenly disappears altogether, some dogs may feel frustrated or disappointed and the quality of their work can begin to deteriorate even during a short assessment.

The goal is not to eliminate reinforcement, but to gradually teach your dog to work for longer periods or complete more repetitions before reinforcement is delivered.

You can also teach your gundog that reinforcement happens after the entire exercise has finished and take them away from the working area before delivering it.

Following assessments or competitions, it is beneficial to return to a higher rate of reinforcement again during normal training for a short period.

If you're thinking about doing competitions or assessments with your gundog, we've put together a blog to help you decide what would be most suitable for you and your dog, alongside some other advice to help you prepare, what equipment you’ll need, and why you need to consider your mindset before taking part.

To read in full head to https://www.teachyourgundog.co.uk/blogs/news/preparing-for-gundog-assessments-and-competitions

18/07/2026

Competitions, such as Gundog Working Tests, are better suited to handlers who are comfortable working under pressure, enjoy the challenge of competing alongside other dogs and handlers, and may have ambitions to progress further within the gundog world through higher level competition, such as field trials, or by establishing a recognised kennel name for breeding purposes.

Alongside offering the WGC, The Royal Kennel Club is also the governing body for nearly all gundog and field trial societies in the UK which organise Gundog Working Tests in accordance with the J Regulations, commonly referred to as the “J Regs”.

By artificially simulating shooting day scenarios within various exercises called tests, these competitions seek to assess the working abilities of the various breeds of gundog without game being shot.

Gundog Working Tests are normally held outside of the shooting season, between March and September and are divided into three main classifications: open, novice and puppy. Although it is common to also see other unclassified levels such as special puppy, novice dog / novice handler, veteran, intermediate and junior handler.

If you are looking to enter GWTs, you should familiarise yourself with the J Regs rule book.

Before entering a Gundog Working Test it's also a good idea to enlist the help of a trainer who is familiar with the standards required for the test you are entering to give you an unbiased appraisal of you and your dog’s skills and preparedness.

If you are new to Working Tests, it is also good practice to approach your local gundog club and ask to spectate or help at some events (without your dog) first so that you can learn more. Clubs are usually very keen to accept offers of help and it is an invaluable way to gain knowledge and experience.

If you are interested in what assessments you can do with your gundog, we've put together a blog to help you decide what would be most suitable for you and your dog, alongside some other advice to help you prepare, considerations around rewarding your dog, what equipment you’ll need, and why you need to consider your mindset before taking part.

To read in full head to https://www.teachyourgundog.co.uk/blogs/news/preparing-for-gundog-assessments-and-competitions

15/07/2026

Our Puppy / Beginner gundog training classes take place in Haslemere on the Surrey, West Sussex, Hampshire border.

Suitable for all gundog breeds, puppies and older beginners, no previous experience is required to join these classes.

These small group classes for those new to gundog training will teach your gundog the foundation behaviours including heel location, games to develop a rocket recall, a reliable retrieve chain, hunting patterns, self management and much more.

You will also learn about your dog's personality, how to use a clicker and deliver reinforcement effectively, and how to engage with your puppy to get them to focus on you.

This class is suitable for pet gundogs, and those who would like to work their dogs or are looking to compete in working tests in the future.

A 10% discount is automatically applied at checkout when you book a block of 3 classes.

For booking and more information head to https://www.teachyourgundog.co.uk/products/puppy-beginner-gundog-classes

12/07/2026

Non-competitive assessments, like the Gundog Trainers Academy’s Gundog Assessment Programme (GAP) and the Royal Kennel Club’s Working Gundog Certificate (WGC) on Dummies or on Game, will assess you and your gundog individually against a set of criteria.

These criteria are typically specialised for your dog’s breed type (retriever, spaniel or HPR) or the role they would perform on a shoot (beating, picking up, or rough shooting).

Assessments are ideal for handlers who are looking for a structured way to measure their training progress without the added pressure of direct competition against other dogs and handlers.

At Teach Your Gundog, all of our group training classes are structured around the GAP levels, with the curriculum, distances and distractions present designed to ensure that dogs are always working on the essential skills needed for that level and to prepare owners for taking the final field assessment, should they wish, before moving up to the next class.

Levels 1 and 2 cover foundation gundog skills including bumbling (walking leisurely off lead), recall, heelwork, steadiness, a reliable retrieve chain, basic stop whistle, different retrieve scenarios and hunting patterns.

The higher levels then progress towards more advanced skills such as multiple and complex retrieves with shot, co-ordinated hunting, stopping to shot and fall, pointing for HPRs, and higher levels of steadiness and focus around more challenging distractions.

If you are considering working your dog, you might want to aim towards completing the Royal Kennel Club’s Working Gundog Certificate on Dummies, and later on Game.

The WGC is a non-competitive assessment designed to provide credible proof that a handler and dog partnership is ready for the shooting field. It is designed to show that both you and your dog will be an asset to a shoot and have all the necessary qualities of a competent working team and are ready to fulfil the general requirements of fieldwork.

The criteria focuses on self-control, obedience, temperament, hunting and retrieving. To determine if your gundog is suitable and you are both ready for assessment, it is incredibly useful to read through the WGC official handbook.

If you are interested in what assessments you can do with your gundog, we've put together a blog to help you decide what would be most suitable for you and your dog, alongside some other advice to help you prepare, considerations around rewarding your dog, what equipment you’ll need, and why you need to consider your mindset before taking part.

To read in full head to https://www.teachyourgundog.co.uk/blogs/news/preparing-for-gundog-assessments-and-competitions

09/07/2026

People are often drawn towards gundog assessments and competitions because they enjoy having something to work towards with their dog.

For some handlers it provides structure and motivation in training, while for others it is simply a chance to spend a day doing something they enjoy together.

They can also give you valuable feedback about your training and highlight areas that may need further work, while helping expose both dog and handler to new environments, different challenges, and the added pressure of working away from familiar training grounds.

There are several different routes you can consider taking with your gundog depending on your interests and training goals.

We've summarised the options in our recent blog, alongside some other advice to help you prepare, considerations around rewarding your dog, what equipment you’ll need, how to approach the assessment or competition day, and why you need to consider your mindset before taking part.

To read in full head to https://www.teachyourgundog.co.uk/blogs/news/preparing-for-gundog-assessments-and-competitions

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