I am passionate about my dogs and making sure they live a rich and fulfilled life. My dogs are pets and also working companions and live as part of my family.
I believe that there is no reason that dogs cannot work and also be a happy family pet, just a little thought and planning needs to be applied to make this successful.
I have had dogs in my family since I was born and experienced a few different breeds but mainly Gundog types. The first dog I worked and trained myself was Tia, my beautiful Italian Spinone. I have since owned and worked Flatcoated Retrievers and Cocker Spaniels.
Training approach
I focus on my clients learning what makes their dogs tick so they can base their training and reinforcement on the characteristics of the individual dog they have, and use rewards that their dog values.
I think the most important thing when developing a successful working team is getting the relationship between dog and handler right. I like to meet all clients on a 1 to 1 basis prior to joining any classes so I can help them to make sure they have the best relationship and find out what might work for them and their dog.
I don’t use any aversive methods and teach my clients to work with their environment, to set dogs up so they succeed, and to use the least intrusive ways to manage any mistakes so that they don’t damaging their relationship with their dog.
Gundog experience
I started beating with my dad when I was 12 and whilst I have over the years been along for some rough shooting, I have most experience working on driven shoots as I am not a shooter myself (I’m a terrible shot).
I have worked my own dogs beating and latterly picking up and have experienced both smaller syndicate and larger shoots. I currently beat and pick up during the season on a small syndicate shoot and do working tests out of season. With my next dog I am planning to work towards entering field trials.
Particular breed knowledge
My expertise is with retrievers and spaniels, although I have also worked with HPRs. I have not only owned and worked retrievers and spaniels myself, but have worked with many, many owners as a trainer and instructor through my Gundog classes and my work at an assistance dog charity.
Qualifications and other Accreditations
I have an honours degree in animal biology with behaviour, and I am also a trained teacher having completed a further year PGCE – combining both these things led me to a career as a dog trainer.
Since 2007, I’ve worked at an assistance dog charity, training dogs to work for people in a life changing way which has offered unparalleled CPD; I have a graduate certificate in Pheromone Therapy and Animal Therapy giving me a real insight into the holistic nature of health and behaviour and how this impacts training our dogs.
I am an accredited Instructor with the Kennel Club.
I am currently studying a masters degree in Animal Manipulation as I feel the health and wellbeing of our dogs has a huge impact on their training and performance working in the field or competition.
Services offered
I am a foundation instructor and focus on training for both people and dogs that would like to do some Gundog style training or work towards taking the Gundog grades, and those looking to train their dogs to work with them in the field (beating or picking up).
I offer 121 sessions in your own home or training area plus I can arrange sessions at a training ground near High Wycombe conveniently located by junction 5 of the M40. I also run advanced classes for current students who are ready to work with the distractions of group sessions.
I cover all of Buckinghamshire and may be willing to travel further, but there might be a small additional mileage charge.
Contact Jay
Jay is looking forward to hearing from you and discussing your gundog training needs.