BEAR BASICS
CANINE ACADEMY
give your gundog a useful place to start.
A small, six-week practical course for owners who want to introduce gundog training, build useful foundations and enjoy learning alongside their dog.
Apply below and we will be in touch within 24 hours to confirm whether Gundog Foundations is the right fit for you and your dog.
A BETTER START FOR YOU AND YOUR DOG
build the foundations before the outside world gets bigger.
You don't need to have done gundog training before. You just need a dog who is ready to learn, an interest in giving them a useful outlet and a clear place to start. Gundog Foundations is a progressive six-week beginner gundog training course for complete beginners and owners starting a young dog on the right foundations. Each week builds on the last, giving you time to practise, ask questions and understand how the skills fit into everyday life.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
six weeks of skills that build on each other.
This is not a random set of exercises. The course follows a clear progression, so you and your dog can build confidence without rushing the basics.
week 1
markers, engagement & calm handling
Learn how to communicate clearly, build your dog’s attention and handle them in a calm, useful way.
week 2
heelwork, steadiness & learning to do nothing
Start useful lead and proximity skills, then introduce the ability to pause and settle around activity.
week 3
recall whistle & stop whistle
Develop practical lead skills and a dog who can move with you more calmly and clearly.
week 4
retrieving foundations
Introduce retrieve work and delivery in a way that builds teamwork, purpose and steadiness.
week 5
introduction to hunting skills
Give your dog an appropriate outlet for their natural instincts, with simple, controlled hunting foundations.
week 6
moving stop whistle & mini field circuit
Bring the skills together in a practical mini field circuit and see how your dog has progressed across the course.
Apply below and we will be in touch within 24 hours to confirm whether Gundog Foundations is the right fit for you and your dog.
MORE THAN A WEEKLY CLASS
the tools, guidance and support to practise between sessions.
The learning doesN'T stop when the class finishes. You will leave each week clear on what to practise, with the basic kit and resources to get on with it.
six live practical classes
Six weekly 60-minute owner-and-dog sessions in a West Yorkshire field, with a maximum of six handlers in the group.
your starter equipment bundle
Receive all the high-quality core kit you need to start the course properly.
course handbook & homework
Your course handbook gives you clear guidance, session notes and practical tasks to follow throughout the programme. Each week, you will receive simple homework to help you practise the skills between classes and keep building confidently at home.
bear basics hub access
Access relevant videos and resources for the duration of the six-week course, so you can revisit the work between classes.
private course whatsapp group
Receive course updates and homework reminders, stay connected with your group and ask short, relevant questions between classes.
a small group that makes room to learn
With a maximum of six handlers and their dogs, there is space to ask questions, get individual coaching and practise without getting lost in a large class.
Apply below and we will be in touch within 24 hours to confirm whether Gundog Foundations is the right fit for you and your dog.
IS THIS FOR YOU?
the right first class for owners ready to learn alongside their dog.
Gundog Foundations is deliberately small and progressive. It works best when you want to understand the basics, practise the weekly work and build useful gundog skills in a supportive group.
THIS IS FOR YOU
you're in the right place.
You have a Spaniel, Retriever, HPR, Setter, Pointer or gundog cross aged six months or over.
You're a complete beginner, or you want to build the right foundations before moving on to more advanced work.
You want a structured, supportive group where you can learn practical gundog skills alongside your dog.
You are happy to practise the weekly homework and build the work gradually between sessions.
You want to give your dog a useful outlet and work with their instincts, rather than simply tire them out.
THIS IS NOT FOR YOU
this probably isn't the right fit.
Your dog is under six months old.
Your dog is aggressive or becomes extremely noisy or reactive around other dogs. If you are unsure, get in touch; Nick can help you work out whether a different Bear Basics route would make more sense first.
You are looking for a one-off class with no practice between sessions.
You want a drop-off service rather than owner-and-dog training.
Apply below and we will be in touch within 24 hours to confirm whether Gundog Foundations is the right fit for you and your dog.
YOUR PLACE ON THE COURSE
£295 for the full six-week course
Includes six practical owner-and-dog classes, a maximum of six handlers in the group, starter equipment bundle, course handbook, weekly homework, Bear Basics Hub videos and private course WhatsApp group for the duration of the programme.
Places are offered following a short application. If Gundog Foundations is the right fit for you and your dog, we will send the full-payment booking link.
Apply below and we will be in touch within 24 hours to confirm whether Gundog Foundations is the right fit for you and your dog.
STILL GOT QUESTIONS?
the honest answers.
01
when does the next course start?
We are currently planning our November Gundog Foundations intake. Join the waitlist and we will contact you first with confirmed dates, price and booking details.
02
where do classes take place?
Classes take place in a suitable field environment in West Yorkshire. Exact joining details, location information and what to bring are sent to confirmed clients before the course begins.
03
is my dog old enough to join?
Gundog Foundations is for dogs aged six months and over.
04
do i need to have done gundog training before?
No. This course is designed for complete beginners and owners starting a young dog on the right foundations.
05
how many dogs are in the group?
We keep the group small, with a maximum of six handlers and their dogs. That gives you room to learn, ask questions and receive useful coaching.
06
what equipment will i need?
We provide the gundog equipment! Your course includes a whistle and lanyard, canvas dummy, rabbit ball, handbook, weekly homework and Bear Basics Hub videos. You're more than welcome to buy your own equipment though!
Still got a question? Message Nick on WhatsApp →
NOVEMBER INTAKE
give your gundog a stronger start.
Gundog Foundations is a small six-week beginner course with limited places. Join the November waitlist and be the first to receive confirmed dates, price and booking details.
Apply below and we will be in touch within 24 hours to confirm whether Gundog Foundations is the right fit for you and your dog.
Not sure whether Gundog Foundations is right for your dog? Message Nick on WhatsApp →