Pet Owners

Your gundog isn't difficult. They're under-employed.

The Guild Pathway gives your dog’s instincts a proper outlet, in clear stages, on real ground, with a licensed Guild trainer in your area.

What it is

A national gundog pathway, delivered locally. Same structure everywhere, taught by Guild-licensed trainers on land with water, cover and natural distraction. You move through clear stages, from foundations to advanced fieldwork, with practical wins along the way and a clear next step at every point.

Who it is for

Owners of gundog breeds, retrievers, spaniels and HPRs, who want a calmer, more fulfilled dog and are happy to put in a few short sessions a week between classes. Pet, future working-test dog or shooting companion. The foundations are the same. You take it as far as you like.

What the pathway looks like

Grade 1 Foundation

The starting block for any gundog. Focus, recall, steadiness, heelwork, first retrieves.
Grade 2 Developing

Building on the foundations, introducing more challenge in real-world settings.
Grade 3 Improvers

Sharper handling, longer marks, more independent hunting.
Grade 4 Advanced

Confident gundog work across the disciplines.
Grade 5 Master

Advanced standard, ready for working tests, trials or serious shoot work.

Why it works

Real ground, not a hall.

Training happens where it has to hold up: outside, with water, cover and natural distraction.
A graded pathway you can see in front of you.

Every block has a clear goal and a clear next step. No guessing what to train, or whether you are ready.
Kind, with clear boundaries.

Your dog is never asked to learn through force or fear. Equally, your trainer will not let problems slide in the name of being kind.
The same standard, wherever you train.

Every Guild trainer is licensed against the same pathway, so what you learn locally is part of a national standard.

What you might want to know

How much does it cost?

Course pricing is set by each licensed trainer, since costs vary by location and the ground they teach on. Your local Guild trainer will quote their Foundation course block when you get in touch.

Will the pathway work for my breed?

It is built for retrievers, spaniels, HPR’s and gundog crosses, adapting to the natural traits and instincts of each dog.

My dog is a pet, not a working dog. Does that matter?

Not at all. The same foundations build a calmer, more fulfilled pet as build a shoot or competition dog. You take it as far as you like.

I have tried classes before and it did not stick.

The difference here is real ground, a clear next step at every stage, and a national standard your trainer is held to.

What if there isn't a Guild trainer near me yet?

We are growing. If your nearest licensed Guild trainer is too far, get in touch and we will let you know when one is licensed in your area.