http://www.completelygundogs.co.uk/

Completely Gundogs, Shrewsbury (2026)

23/06/2026

🐾 When a Dog Stops Marking...

Following on from my post about Nye, there was another change that caught my attention.

He stopped marking.

For a while, Nye had started marking regularly during training. If you've spent any time in the gundog world, you'll probably have heard the old explanation:

"It's a male dog being dominant."
"It's disrespectful."
"It needs correcting."

But the reality isn't always that simple.

Both male and female dogs can mark when they're feeling stressed, anxious, uncertain, or under pressure.

In Nye's case, we weren't seeing a confident dog trying to take charge of the world. We were seeing a sensitive dog who had lost confidence after a serious illness.

As his confidence returned and he started enjoying training again, the marking disappeared.

The dog hadn't been punished into stopping.

He'd simply become happier.

That's why I always think it's important to ask:

👉 What is the dog trying to tell us?

Behaviour is information.

Sometimes the answer isn't more pressure.
Sometimes it's understanding why the behaviour is happening in the first place.

Have you ever noticed your dog's behaviour change when their confidence changes?

You can read more in my recent blog here: https://completelygundogs.co.uk/post/is-marking-dominance

20/06/2026

🐾 Why Do Handlers Keep Coming Back?

One of the biggest compliments I receive isn't a review or a competition result...

It's when people book their next Gundog Holiday before they've even gone home from the current one.

Many of our handlers first arrive feeling nervous. They're worried their dog isn't good enough, that they won't know anyone, or that everyone else will be further ahead than them.

A few days later, they're leaving with:
🐾 A clearer training plan
🐾 More confidence in their dog
🐾 New skills and understanding
🐾 Friends who share their passion

Of course, the training matters. The varied ground, ponds, woods, mountain terrain, and experienced trainers all play a huge part.

But I think what really keeps people coming back is the atmosphere.

There is no pressure to be perfect.

Just like-minded people who love their dogs, enjoy training, celebrate each other's successes, and support each other through the inevitable challenges.

Over the years I've watched handlers progress from Foundation to Improver, from Improver to Advanced, from their first working test to competition success, and from complete beginners to confident handlers working their dogs in the field.

Being part of that journey is one of my favourite things about Completely Gundogs.

If you've joined us before, I'd love to know...

👇 What keeps bringing you back?

📸 darrylowenphotography

17/06/2026

🐾 The Dog We Didn’t Give Up On

One of the highlights of this week’s holiday wasn’t a perfect retrieve or a fancy handling exercise.

It was Nye.

About 9 months ago, Mike and Nye started their gundog journey with us. Nye is a talented young black Labrador who showed huge promise from the start. In fact, he achieved a Distinction in his Grade 4 assessment and looked to have a bright future ahead of him.

Then life got in the way.

Nye became very ill and went through a difficult time. Understandably, it knocked his confidence badly. This is a sensitive dog who feels things deeply, and after his illness he was no longer the same dog.

The confident young dog we knew became hesitant and worried. At times he wouldn’t even run out for a simple marked retrieve.

It was heartbreaking for Mike, and difficult for us as trainers too. We could all see the ability was still there, but we could also see a dog who was struggling.

To Mike’s credit, he never gave up.

Instead of pushing harder, he listened to the dog in front of him. He simplified things, reduced the pressure, made training fun again and gave Nye the time he needed.

Progress wasn’t linear. There were good days and difficult days. Plenty of moments where it would have been easy to become frustrated.

This week, however, something special happened.

Over the course of five days of training, we watched Nye grow in confidence with every session. The difference between Day 1 and Day 5 was incredible.

But the best part wasn’t the retrieves.

It was seeing a dog who looked genuinely happy again.

His tail, his enthusiasm, his willingness to have a go, his enjoyment of the work.

Everyone in the group noticed it. Everyone was rooting for him.

Sometimes success isn’t about winning a working test or nailing a difficult retrieve.

Sometimes success is simply seeing a dog rediscover their confidence and love for the job.

Well done Mike and Nye. You reminded us all this week that patience, kindness and perseverance really do pay off 🧡🐾

15/06/2026

🏆 A Proud Weekend for the Completely Gundogs Team

It's been a fantastic weekend and I'm incredibly proud of our trainers.

🏆 Gemma Cox won the Novice Dog/Novice Handler test, with a dog bred here at Completely Gundogs.

🏆 Sam Davis also took a win in her open competition, continuing what has been an impressive year both in competition and as a trainer.

In addition they entered the Southern Interclub the weekend before with huge success, Sam's team won and Gemma's team came 5th out of 18 teams!!

What makes me proud isn't just the results themselves. It's the dedication, consistency and hard work that goes on behind the scenes. The early mornings, the training sessions, the problem-solving and the commitment to continually improving.

Both Gemma and Sam bring that same passion and attention to detail to the Gundog Holidays they teach here at Completely Gundogs.

As we head towards the second half of the holiday season, I feel incredibly lucky to have such talented trainers helping our clients achieve their own goals.

Please join me in congratulating them both 👏🐾

08/06/2026

🐾 Planning Next Year’s Gundog Holidays… and I’d Love Your Input!

Whilst we’re enjoying this year’s holidays, I’m already starting to plan the schedule for next year.

One thing I’ve been wondering is whether there would be enough interest in a dedicated:

🐶 HPR Improvers Gundog Holiday

I’ve had a few HPR handlers join our holidays over the years and we have always enjoyed working with them. With more people getting involved in HPR training, I’m wondering whether it’s time to add a breed-specific option to the calendar.

Before I start moving dates around and reserving space in the schedule, I’d love to know:

👇 Would you be interested in an HPR Improvers Holiday?

And if you own an HPR, tell me:
🐾 What breed?
🐾 What level are you currently training at?
🐾 What would you most like help with?

Your feedback genuinely helps shape what we offer, and several of our current holiday formats started because people asked for them.

Let me know in the comments! 😊

📸 darrylowenphotography

05/06/2026

🐾 What Happens on a Typical Gundog Holiday Day?

One of the questions I get asked most often is:

"What actually happens on a Gundog Holiday?"
The answer is... quite a lot! 😆

☕ Start the day with a cuppa and a meet and greet to discuss the week ahead around 9.30am depending on weather (earlier if hot)
🐶 Morning training session on one of our many training areas. Depending on the group, this might be retrieves over water, hunting exercises, handling drills, steadiness work, or working on individual challenges.
🍰 Lunch break around midday for an hour.
🌿 More training on different area of the ground or offsite. One of the things that makes these holidays so effective is the variety of environments. Woods, ponds, fields, cover crops, and even mountain ground for the more advanced groups.
🍽️ Evenings are relaxed and social. Some people cook, some head out for a meal together, but there's always plenty of dog chat, laughter, and often a few stories from the day.
🐾 Then we do it all again the next day.

What I love most is seeing dogs and handlers arrive a little unsure of themselves and leave a few days later with more confidence, better understanding, and often a whole new group of friends.

It's not just training but a chance to completely immerse yourself in your hobby for a few days, surrounded by people who understand exactly why you get excited about a good retrieve or a beautiful stop whistle 😊.

If you've never experienced a Gundog Holiday before, I'd highly recommend adding one to your wish list.

📸

03/06/2026

☀️🐾 A Hot Week, But Huge Progress!

It was a very warm week last week in Mid Wales after the working test, but despite the temperatures we had a hugely successful few days of training, with dogs and handlers making massive progress.

One of the advantages of training here is that we have plenty of options to keep everyone comfortable:

💦 Two ponds for water work, including one that's shaded all day
🌳 Two woodland areas offering cooler conditions
⛰️ Access to mountain ground, which is often around 5 degrees cooler than down in the valley

It means we can adapt the training, look after the dogs, and still make the most of every session.
What never ceases to amaze me is how much progress dogs make when they get 3–4 days of focused training, varied ground, and the opportunity to really immerse themselves in the work.

One of my favourite moments this week wasn't from one of the holiday dogs at all. My retired boy Angus, now 11 years old, was watching the water retrieves and made it very clear he wanted a turn too! ☺️. So my helper Carole gave him a retrieve, and off he went. Watching him charge into the water with the same enthusiasm he's always had was a lovely reminder that whilst they may retire from work, they never forget.

The training, the memories, and most importantly the love of the job stay with them for life 🧡

With the season in full swing, our Gundog Holidays are nearly fully booked for this year. We do occasionally get cancellations, so if you'd like to join us:
📩 Book one of the remaining places
📩 Join our waiting list for this year
And with next year's dates being released soon, now is a great time to start planning ahead.
🐾 Train, stay, learn, laugh, and immerse yourself in gundogs for a few days in the Welsh hills.

01/06/2026

🐾 Nearly Fully Booked for 2026! 🐾

I was looking through the bookings this week and realised just how few places we have left this year.

A huge thank you to everyone who has booked a Gundog Holiday with us 💛

At the moment, we have just **one last-minute opportunity** available:

📅 **8–12 June**
🐶 **Advanced Retriever Holiday**
👩‍🏫 With Collette
🏡 Accommodation available in **Ysgubor** or the **caravan**

This is one of our most popular holidays of the year, using a huge variety of ground including woodland, water, fields, cover crops, and mountain terrain to challenge both dog and handler.

If you've been thinking about joining us this year, this could be your chance.

We do occasionally get cancellations throughout the year, so we're now also **starting a waiting list**. If you'd like to be contacted when a place becomes available, please get in touch and I'll add you to the list.

📩 Message me to secure this final June place or to join the waiting list for future cancellations.

It's also nearly time to start planning our **2027 dates**, so if a Gundog Holiday is on your wish list, now is the perfect time to start thinking ahead 🐾💛

Photo captured last week of the lovely Fly by Darryl Owen Photography

29/05/2026

🐾 Charity Working Test – 27th September

After an incredible day hosting the Mid Wales Working Gundog Society Working Test on Saturday, we’re already excited for the next one!

It was such a fantastic atmosphere brilliant dogs, supportive handlers, lovely feedback, and a real celebration of training and teamwork.

A very proud moment for us too…
🏅 Our very own Gemma Cox came 2nd in NDNH with a dog bred by us here at Completely Gundogs 🧡🐾

Working tests are such a great way to challenge your training, gain experience, and enjoy a day surrounded by like-minded people.

So if you missed Saturday…
📅 Save the date for our Completely Gundogs Charity Working Test – 27th September

Whether you’re experienced or just thinking about giving tests a go, you’ll be very welcome. To enter find the link on the website on the home page (scroll right down).

https://completelygundogs.co.uk

21/05/2026

Cute pic for attention of Ivy as a pup but this course is definitely not for puppies 🤣.

Last minute place available 🚨

8–12 June
Advanced Retriever 5 Day Holiday with Collette

A few days of challenging retrieves, varied ground, problem solving and progressing your dog in a supportive small group environment.

🏔 Mountain ground
🌲 Woodland & open land retrieves

Ideal for more experienced dogs and handlers wanting to push things further.

Details here:

https://completelygundogs.co.uk/gundog-training-holidays

Completely Gundogs

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