MEET THE TRAINER AND WHERE WE TRAIN
For details of the training venue, CLICK HERE.
Meet the trainer
Hi! I'm Philippa, the owner of Fundog Gundog. My gundog training journey began with my own pet working cocker spaniels, who I realised needed outlets for their genetically bred behaviours; simply put, I needed them to work with me in the countryside of Dorset, not disappear in pursuit of smells, sights, chases and all-round fun! Taking a relationship-based positive approach to training has seen both of my current dogs complete Gundog Club grades up to Grade Four at Distinction level, take the Kennel Club Working Gundog Certificate test, compete in Working Tests and beat on local shoots.
Teaching humans for 20+ years has shaped my approach- everyone (human or canine) best responds to a rewarding, positive approach to learning. Applying modern learning theory to training gundogs helps develop the relationship with your gundog, especially understanding what motivates them and how to use that in training. I love helping people work out what motivates their dog, and then working with that to bring out the best in the partnership. I am passionate about our pet gundogs, and can't wait to help you on your training journey!
I am qualified and accredited with the following organisations:
Gundog Trainer's Academy- Accredited Trainer (AD)
Animal Behaviour Training Council- Accredited Animal Training Instructor (ATI)
Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDT)
I also hold The Open College Network Accredited Certification ‘Principles of Dog Training and Behaviour', Level 3. I am a committee member of Wiltshire Working Gundog Society and a member of other gundog societies in the South West and beyond.
Why do I believe in the value of taking courses myself and taking my dogs for tests? Well, as someone with over 20 years working in education, I am a firm believer in always developing, especially as our understanding how learners learn is always evolving. By constantly updating my knowledge I am best-placed to support you and your dog on your training journey. My motto has always been "prioritise fun and the learning will come"- this is true of dogs as well as humans, and I aim for training to be fun and enjoyable for owners and dogs alike!
Qualifications and ongoing training
Gundog Teacher's Course- Gundog Trainer's Academy- Accredited Trainer (AD)
Gundog Handler's Course- Gundog Trainer's Academy
Animal Behaviour Training Council- Animal Training Instructor (ATI)
Clicker Trainer Competency Assessment Programme- pass with Distinction- Gundog Trainer's Academy
Membership Assessment- pass with Distinction- IMDT
Positive Gundog Conference 2023- attended as Handler
The Gundog Club, Grades 1-4 - The Gundog Club
Spaniel Sunday- full day workshop with Jane Ardern, author of "Mission Control"
"Using Drills and Sequences to Proof Gundog Steadiness" - Jane Ardern, webinar with Fenzi Dog Sports Academy
Adolescent Dog Conference- Fenzi Dog Sport Academy
Working Test Training Day- Bristol and West Working Gundog Society
Water Retrieving Workshops- Clicker Gundog
Memories, Marks and Blinds Workshop- Develop Your Dog
Water Assessment Day- Dorset Working Spaniel Club
4 Day Practical Instructor Course- IMDT
2 Day Career as a Dog Trainer- IMDT
1 Day Canine Body Language- IMDT
1 Day Canine Aggression Workshop- IMDT
21 Days to Tighter Heeling- Hannah Branigan, Wonderpups
Warm-Up/Cool-down Routine, Obedience Specific Course- Dogs4Motion Academy
AKC Fit Dog Level 1- The Hiker Pup Academy
Where we train
Our main training venue is a fantastic 2.5 acre field in Merley (BH21), just outside Wimborne Minster. The venue is perfect for gundog training, and with places limited to 4 dogs in any session, there is plenty of space for all dogs to work comfortably.
For details of classes and 1-2-1s available, please see our bookings page.