stop feeling overwhelmed by your gundog's behaviour. start enjoying life together.
A clear, step-by-step programme for owners of Spaniels, Labradors, HPRs, and all gundog breeds who are ready for real change.
Click above to fill out a short application. We'll review it and reach out within 24 hours.
1,000+
Dogs Helped
95%
Success Rate
5-Star Rated
60-Day
Programme
Imagine this.
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A walk where your dog settles into a rhythm with you. They’re calm. Present. You’re not scanning ahead for triggers or bracing for what might happen next. You’re just walking together, and it feels easy.
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Imagine calling them back from the hedgerow and them actually coming. No hesitation. No second-guessing. Just turning and choosing you.
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Imagine passing another dog without it turning into a scene. No tension. No apologies. Just moving past and carrying on.
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Imagine taking them to a pub. A café. A holiday cottage. They settle at your feet while you have a drink. Not needing to be managed every second. Just there. Calm. Part of your life.
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That’s what our clients tell us they want when they first come to us.
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And it’s what they tell us they have by the time they’ve been through the programme.
owning a gundog was supposed to feel different from this.
You're exhausted. Not just physically, though that too. Emotionally exhausted. You feel like you're failing your dog, and you can't understand why because you did your research. You got the right breed for your lifestyle, or so you thought. But here's what's actually happening.
At home, your dog has energy they can't burn. They're buzzing from morning to night. You're constantly managing them. When guests come, you're apologising for them. When the kids are around, you're bracing for hell. By the end of the day, you're so drained from managing that you have nothing left for anything else. You can't relax. You can't enjoy your own home.
Or maybe your dog is calm inside. But the moment you step out the house, you lose them. They're pulling before you've gone ten meters. You're scanning ahead for triggers, bracing for the next lunge. The moment something moves in the hedgerow, they're gone. Self-employed. Completely unreachable. You look like you can't control your own dog, and the worst part? You can't.
And so you stop trying. You stop taking them places. You stop inviting people over. The dog you thought would bring joy into your life has become a daily source of stress instead. And the shame of that? That sits with you. Because you're supposed to know what you're doing. You researched. You prepared. So why can't you figure this out?
"I researched the breed. I did everything right. So why does this feel so hard?"
You see other people with calm, responsive dogs and wonder what you're missing. You're not missing something obvious, you've just been given generic advice for a dog with very specific needs.
90% of our clients say the same thing: "I love my dog, but I'm starting to feel like I'm failing them." That feeling is real. But it's not accurate. It's a reflection of an industry that has never properly catered for pet gundog owners. You've been handed working dog methods, generic obedience classes, and advice designed for a completely different type of owner. The constant management drains the joy out of it, and the bond you thought you'd have starts to feel out of reach. That's what this programme is designed to fix.
the common misconception
Most owners believe the answer is more training, stricter commands, more repetition, or finding the right reward. But here's the truth: for a gundog with unmet drives and no real outlet, piling on more obedience without addressing the root cause is like turning the music up to drown out the noise your car is making. The noise doesn't go away. And the more you ignore what's underneath it, the worse it gets.
what you're getting
Your 60-day Calm By Nature programme includes everything you need to transform your gundog's behaviour and build a partnership that actually works.
Three private 1-2-1 sessions (in-person for West Yorkshire locals, via Zoom for everyone else)
Daily WhatsApp support from Nick, so you're never figuring it out alone
Weekly group calls with video replays if you can't join live
Access to a private Hub with your personalised behaviour roadmap, video library, homework, and all resources in one place
INTRODUCING
the calm by nature programme
A clear, step-by-step programme designed to help overwhelmed gundog owners move from constant stress to calm. With personalised, behaviour-led support, your dog learns how to relax at home, listen more reliably outdoors, manage impulses, and cope better with the world around them.
We work with your dog's natural instincts, not against them. By focusing on the underlying drivers of their behaviour, we create lasting change.
AVAILABLE IN-PERSON WEST YORKSHIRE OR ONLINE WOLRD-WIDE
01
the game plan
02
foundation & fulfilment
03
real-world application
04
freedom
We start with a 1-2-1 onboarding call to map out exactly where you and your dog are right now, then build a personalised 60-day roadmap. The path is proven, but the plan is tailored to your dog, not a template.
Within the first few weeks, the constant buzzing settles. Your dog starts to relax. You start to breathe. We teach you to meet your gundog's physical and mental needs in a way that actually creates a lasting shift.
Now you're applying everything where it actually counts. On walks. At home. In the real world. Through the hub, weekly calls, and WhatsApp support, you're guided every step of the way.
The result: a dog with a reliable recall, a loose lead, and the ability to settle wherever you are. A gundog that fits into your life, not one you have to manage around.
the outcome vision
Walks where you're not bracing for impact. A recall that actually works when it counts. A dog that can come to the pub, the café, the holiday cottage, and just settle.
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That's not the best-case scenario. That's what our clients describe as their normal, once they've been through this programme.
hear from owners who have got their gundogs under control
from uncontrollable prey drive, no ability to switch off, and walks that ended in frustration, to a fulfilled, settled dog with reliable recall and a stronger bond than ever.
"Our walks have gone from chaos to enjoyable, Buttons has so much more freedom and I have the comfort that he will listen and that he is safe. It feels like we both have so much confidence in each other, and that only blooms more and more each day."
aby & buttons
from running on overdrive with no ability to settle, to focused, calmer and confidently off-lead.
"Before Bear Basics, Loki was running on overdrive, unable to settle and walks were a struggle. Now he settles much better, listens to what is being asked of him and has even been off lead for the first time ever."
becca & loki - @itsmeloki24
from over-excitement, zero recall, and too reactive to take anywhere, to a settled, focused spaniel her owners are proud to have by their side.
"We went from not being able to take her anywhere to the complete opposite. She walks off-lead, recalls from any distraction, is neutral around dogs, and settles in the office for eight or nine hours."
babsi & lima
how calm by nature is different from traditional gundog training
traditional training
Training-First Focus
Focus is on teaching obedience and commands, but the underlying issues (reactivity, anxiety, energy) are never truly addressed.
Manages Visible Behaviour
Teaches you how to correct pulling or barking, but the dog is still frustrated underneath.
Short-Term Fixes
Some trainers promise results in a single session or a day. But without addressing the root cause, the behaviour always comes back. It's a temporary patch that keeps you dependent on a trainer.
Session-Based Training
Training happens in a controlled session with a trainer present. Your dog behaves in that bubble, but the moment you're back home on your own, you're left figuring it out alone.
the calm by nature way
Whole-Dog Approach
We understand your dog as a whole, their instincts, breed drives, daily stress, diet, and routine, and work with all of it.
Focus on Underlying Drivers
We dig into why your dog is reactive or pulling. Once we understand the root cause, we can fix it.
Long-Term, Lasting Change
Build a system that works for your dog's entire life, so you're never dependent on a trainer. Because we resolve the root cause, the behaviour stays changed, and that's better for you and your dog.
Guided in Your Real World
Because we work remotely, we coach you inside the actual environment where the problems happen, your home, your walks, your dog. There's no artificial training bubble to fall back on, which means the change sticks.
is this programme right for you?
this is for you if...
You’re feeling burnt out, overwhelmed, or embarrassed by your dog’s behaviour.
You live with a high-energy gundog (Spaniel, Lab, HPR, etc.) who struggles to settle.
You’re open to doing things differently and want to understand your dog properly.
You have the flexibility to apply changes consistently in everyday life.
You’ve tried other routes and are ready to follow clear, specialist guidance.
this is not for you if...
You’re hoping for a quick fix without putting in the work between sessions.
You’re not open to changing how things are currently done at home.
You mainly want reassurance rather than being guided through change.
You’re unwilling to use practical tools or strategies that support progress.
You’re not ready to make changes yet and prefer to live with the problem for now.
real updates from real owners
a simpler path forward
With the Calm by Nature system, you can get results without:
Endless trial-and-error at home. Stop guessing and follow a clear, repeatable playbook.
Scrolling through conflicting advice online. Get a single, trusted source of guidance tailored to your dog.
Struggling through group classes that make your dog worse or don't fix the behaviour in real-world situations. Get personalised support for your dog’s specific needs.
Figuring it out alone. You’ll have our full support and guidance for the entire 60 days.
Constantly correcting your dog. Learn how to build a partnership where you’re both working together.
Carving out hours for training drills. We build the work into the walks and routines you are already doing, so it fits around a full-time job and a busy life.
your life befor and after calm by nature
without us
Walks are a constant source of stress and pulling.
You can’t trust your dog off-lead and rarely let them run free.
Your dog is wired at home, unable to settle down.
You feel embarrassed by your dog’s behaviour in public.
with calm by nature
Walks are calm, manageable, and enjoyable for both of you.
You have a reliable recall and can give your dog off-lead freedom with confidence.
Your dog can switch off and relax peacefully both at home and on days out.
You feel proud of your dog and confident taking them anywhere.
i created this programme because i was once where you are
Hi, I’m Nick. When I first brought my gundog, Seidon, home, I had a vision of long walks and perfect partnership. The reality was nothing like that. Seidon was reactive, wired, and full of an energy I couldn’t control. Walks were stressful, and I honestly started asking myself, “Am I just not cut out for this?”
I did what everyone does. I tried traditional gundog training, where the answer was always to slap on a slip lead and correct him. It only made things worse. I tried buying all the latest tools and gadgets, hoping for a magic bullet. I even saw trainers for weekly sessions, but the progress we made in the sterile training environment would vanish the second we got back to the real world.
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I felt like I was failing him. The problem wasn’t Seidon, and the problem isn’t your dog. It was that I wasn’t working with his instincts. His behaviour was just his breeding screaming out, with no proper outlet.
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That’s when I started developing my own system, built around 7 core pillars that address a gundog’s needs from the ground up. Once I started understanding the why behind his behaviour and gave him the right outlets, everything changed. Walks became calm. He grew confident. We finally reconnected. I created Calm By Nature to give other owners the system I wish I’d had, so you can skip the years of frustration I went through.
the results speak for themselves
from chaotic, uncontrollable walks to a dog that listens and settles outside.
"Before Bear Basics, walks were a nightmare and we couldn’t trust him off-lead. Now he’s calm on walks, follows boundaries, responds to training, and settles at home. He’s happy, engaged, and life with him is finally enjoyable."
toni & remy - @sprocker.adventures
from pulling, overexcitement, and chasing wildlife to a calm, manageable, and enjoyable companion.
"Since starting with Bear Basics, everything has changed. Walks are calm, he stays on a loose lead, pays attention, and recalls reliably off-lead, even around pheasants. He’s calmer at home, and he gets along with our cat. Changing his diet has even made a positive impact."
holly & cooper
from an out-of-control prey drive, zero focus and no off-lead freedom, to enjoyable off-lead adventures and a spaniel that actually listens.
"We now have really enjoyable off-leash adventures and Ruby is responsive. Her on-lead walking has come on massively, and being able to take her to a coffee shop or pub and have her settle is just fantastic. What Nick and Yas have created is absolutely life-changing."
anne & ruby
from being dragged on walks, lost recall, and relentless jumping, to a dog that walks calmly on the lead, comes back reliably, and settles in the house.
"The transformation has been incredible. Vinnie is so much calmer on walks and in the house... I can now confidently take him out without fear. Three months ago, I didn’t want to leave the house with him. Now, I’m confident and reassured."
stacy & vinnie
from a manic and stressful life to enjoyable walks and a completely transformed relationship.
"Now, I understand my dog's needs, our walks are enjoyable, and our relationship has completely transformed. I'm no longer stressed, and my dog is much calmer and happier. This programme was an absolute miracle for us!"
trish & copa
from fearful, frustrated walks and zero recall to confident, calm, and reliable outdoors.
"From the moment we got started everything clicked into place, and now Saige’s recall, lead walking, and day to day confidence have all completely levelled up."
lucy & saige - @arloandsaige
from jumping up, pulling on the lead, and unreliable recall, to a confident, calm companion her owner genuinely enjoys walking.
"So much has changed now. I can let her off, and I feel way more confident. If we see another dog, she comes back to me. I actually enjoy going for a walk with her now. We enjoy her more, feel more confident taking her out, and the kids are happier playing with her. It's definitely a lot easier having her around."
milly & mae
from an inability to settle and unreliable recall around other dogs, to a calm, self-regulating companion with reliable recall.
"The improvements that Zeus has made have just been incredible. The recall has gone from 80% right up to 100%. It's made walks so much more enjoyable. He's so much more settled in the house now too. He seems happier, we're less stressed, and it's just easier in general, which is what I really wanted from the start."
aisling & zeus
the people behind the programme
Nick and Yas are the co-founders of Bear Basics, countryside people through and through. Nick is the behaviour specialist; Yas keeps everything running behind the scenes and behind the camera.
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Between them, they bring a deep understanding of working breeds, gundog life, and the real day-to-day of owning a driven dog. Their approach has always been the same: work with the dog in front of you, understand the instincts behind the behaviour, and build something that actually lasts.
risk-free calm by nature
We are so confident in our ability to help you and your dog that we offer a full money-back guarantee. If you follow your tailored plan, attend all three of your 1-2-1 sessions, attend 2 classroom calls per month, and complete your weekly check-ins, and you still don’t see significant improvements in your dog’s behaviour within 60 days, we will refund your investment in full.
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You can even keep all the digital assets as a thank you for giving us a try. That’s how certain we are that this will work for you.
the life you've been waiting for is one decision away
The stress, the management, the dread before every walk, none of that has to be your normal. A gundog that fits into your life is possible, and it starts here.
Here's What Happens Next:
Fill out our short application to express your interest in working with Nick. We only take on clients and dogs we know we can genuinely help, so we'll review your answers personally and reach out within 24 hours.
1
fill out your application
Click the button below and tell us about your dog and your goals. It only takes a few minutes.
2
chat with nick
Nick personally reviews your answers and gets in touch within 24 hours.
3
start your programme
If you decide to move forward, we'll get you onboarded and begin your 60-day journey.
WE ONLY TAKE ON 10 CLIENTS PER MONTH. LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE.