BEAR BASICS
CANINE ACADEMY
build the skills that make life with your gundog better.
Ongoing one-to-one coaching for owners who want to train with their own dog, understand the work and make steady progress in the places that matter most.
A relaxed 30-minute Zoom chat to talk about your dog, your goals and whether 1:1 Gundog Training is the right place to start.
GUNDOG TRAINING, MADE PERSONAL
you don't need to figure it out alone.
You might have a young gundog who needs the right foundations. You might want more from your recall, heelwork, whistle work or retrieving. Or you may simply want a clear place to train regularly, ask questions and make progress with someone alongside you.
1:1 Gundog Training gives you practical coaching around the dog in front of you. You attend with your dog, learn the work properly and build it into the walks, outings and everyday life you want to enjoy together.
PRACTICAL GUNDOG SKILLS
train the skills that matter to you.
Your sessions are tailored to your starting point, your dog and the kind of life you want to build together. This isn't a rigid syllabus; it's clear, progressive training with a purpose.
01
foundations & engagement
Build the relationship, attention and handling habits that make all future training easier.
02
recall & whistle work
Teach a recall and whistle system you understand and can use with more confidence outdoors.
03
lead walking & heelwork
Develop practical lead skills and a dog who can move with you more calmly and clearly.
04
retrieving & delivery
Introduce or improve retrieve work in a way that gives your dog a useful job and builds teamwork.
05
steadiness & impulse control
Help your dog learn to pause, listen and make better choices around movement, scent and excitement.
06
next-step gundog skills
Keep progressing the work that interests you and your dog: direction, hunting foundations, distance, handling or more advanced retrieves.
A 30-minute Zoom chat with Nick. Tell him what is happening on walks, what you have already tried and what you would like to be different. He will answer your questions and help you work out whether the Bootcamp is the right next step for you and your dog.
ONGOING SUPPORT, NOT A SINGLE SESSION
the support to keep moving forward.
Progress comes from learning the work, practising it between sessions and having somewhere to take your questions as life happens. Your membership gives you the time, guidance and resources to do exactly that.
four 1:1 coaching sessions each month
Regular owner-and-dog sessions in West Yorkshire or online, built around what is most useful for you to work on next.
your bear basics hub access
Relevant training videos and resources to help you revisit the work, understand the details and keep training between sessions.
whatsapp coaching between sessions
Send relevant questions, short updates and training clips on working days. Nick will respond with clear next-step guidance as soon as reasonably possible.
a clear monthly focus
Know what you are building, why it matters and what to practise before your next session.
training in the right setting
Work in person in West Yorkshire when that is the best fit, or use online coaching to get guidance in the places you actually walk and live with your dog.
ongoing progress at your pace
Keep building the useful skills that help you and your dog enjoy more together—without being rushed through a fixed programme.
A 30-minute Zoom chat with Nick. Tell him what is happening on walks, what you have already tried and what you would like to be different. He will answer your questions and help you work out whether the Bootcamp is the right next step for you and your dog.
IS THIS FOR YOU?
a good fit for owners who want to learn the work.
1:1 Gundog Training works best for owners who want to learn alongside their dog, practise between sessions and keep building their skills over time.
THIS IS FOR YOU
you're in the right place.
You have a Spaniel, Retriever, HPR, Setter or Pointer and want to build practical gundog skills with your own dog.
You want tailored guidance rather than a one-size-fits-all class, but do not need a full behavioural-change programme.
You are happy to attend, practise little and often and be part of the training.
You want to understand the work, ask questions and keep progressing over time.
You are starting from foundations or want to take existing skills further in a clear, supported way.
THIS IS NOT FOR YOU
this probably isn't the right fit.
You want to hand your dog over and collect them trained without being part of the work.
You want a one-session fix without ongoing practice or support.
You need a broader, behaviour-led programme for more complex day-to-day issues, rather than skills-focused gundog coaching. Calm By Nature may be the better route to discuss.
You want to suppress your dog’s instincts, rather than understand them and give them a useful place to go.
A 30-minute Zoom chat with Nick. Tell him what is happening on walks, what you have already tried and what you would like to be different. He will answer your questions and help you work out whether the Bootcamp is the right next step for you and your dog.
INVESTMENT
your 1:1 training membership.
Includes four 1:1 owner-and-dog coaching sessions each month, Bear Basics Hub access and WhatsApp coaching between sessions.
pay in full
£395p/m
Two-month initial commitment. Then continue month to month while it remains useful.
STILL GOT QUESTIONS?
the honest answers.
01
where do the sessions take place?
Sessions are available in person in West Yorkshire, with owners travelling to the agreed training location. Online coaching is also available where that is the best fit for you, your dog and the work we are doing.
02
can i start with a puppy or young dog?
Yes. 1:1 training can be a great place to build early foundations, engagement and useful habits before the outside world becomes more exciting.
03
do i need to have done gundog training before?
No. We will start with the dog and owner in front of us. You might be starting from the beginning or looking to develop skills you have already introduced.
04
is this for working gundogs only?
No. It is for pet and aspiring working gundogs. The focus is practical training that makes sense for the life you are building with your own dog.
05
what happens if i need more behaviour-focused help?
Be honest with Nick on the call about what is happening. If you need broader behavioural support rather than skills-focused 1:1 gundog training, he will explain whether Calm By Nature may be the more useful route.
06
how do i know whether in-person or online is right for me?
Nick will talk this through with you. Some skills are great to learn in person in West Yorkshire; online coaching can also work well when feedback in your usual walks and home environment is the priority.
Still got a question? Message Nick on WhatsApp →
READY WHEN YOU ARE
train with more clarity and enjoy more together.
Tell Nick about your dog, what you would like to work on and where you would like to get to. He will help you decide whether 1:1 Gundog Training is the right route for you.
A relaxed 30-minute Zoom chat. No pressure and no preparation needed—just tell Nick what you would like to be different.
Prefer to ask one quick question first? Message Nick on WhatsApp →