Suitable for those who have already been on our Handler's Course, the Enhanced Handler's Course, as the name suggests, will further enhance your knowledge and improve the quality of your skills as an ethical gundog handler.
Having covered much of the learning theory on the Handler's Course, the focus will be purely practical sessions to help you move on from the basics to a more intermediate standard.
The Gundog Trainers Academy Enhanced Handler's Course is suitable for you, if you...
- Have attended the GTA Handler's Course at any point in the past.
- Have a gundog of any breed, any age and any ability.
- Are looking to move on from the basic to more intermediate level gundog behaviours and standards.
- Have passed your Gundog Club Grade 2 and are working towards your Grade 3 or Grade 4 Field Tests.
- Have passed your Clicker Trainers Competency Assessment Programme (CAP) Level 1 and are working towards your Level 2.
- Are committed to taking your training further in the future and/or would like to one day enrol on our Teacher's Course.
The Surrey Enhanced Handler's Course is made up of three modules. The dates for 2025 are as follows:
- Module One 5th - 8th June 2025 (Surrey)
- Module Two 30th August - 2nd September 2025 (Surrey)
- Module Three 6th - 9th November 2025 (Worcestershire)
The Surrey-based course has been designed with fewer, longer modules to be better suited for those students travelling over from Europe to train with us. Modules one and two of the Surrey Enhanced Handler's Course will take place in Haslemere and Loxwood, with module three being held at the Clicker Gundog Training Centre in Worcestershire to take advantage of the training shoot.
Depending on where you live and availability, you might be more suited to our Worcestershire-based Enhanced Handler's Course. Click here for dates and more information.
The Enhanced Handler's Course will strengthen your knowledge and further improve the quality of your gundog training skills.
The contents of each module will be tailored to those attending the course. The focus of the Enhanced Handler's Course will be purely on practical work. While there will be in depth discussions to support practical sessions there will be no formal presentations.
Working towards Gundog Club Grade 3 and Grade 4 levels, dogs will be taken through more complex retrieving and hunting exercises, water work, woodland work, finesse in handling, obstacles, using shot and launchers, plus more.
In Module Three, there will also be the opportunity to attend a live game training day at the Clicker Gundog shoot, which has been set up and managed for the sole purpose of training. You will be able to participate in beating or picking up with your dog, depending on their breed and your preference. You will also learn about shooting etiquette and how to prepare game for the table.
During the Enhanced Handler's Course, you will be invited to take your Clicker Trainers Competency Assessment Programme (CAP) Level 2. This was developed by Kay Laurence at Learning About Dogs, and it is with her permission that we can assess our students and provide pass, merit or distinction certificates. For more information on CAP, please click here.
There will also be the opportunity to take a practical handling gundog assessment at the end of the course.
On one evening per module, we go to a local dog-friendly pub for an early meal, which is a good opportunity to relax and get to know each other in a more social setting.
Students booked onto our in-person courses also receive 10% off our online membership. If you would like to join the membership, please email members@gundogtrainersacademy.co.uk after enrolling on this course.
NOTE: If you choose to secure your place by paying the £500 deposit today, the remaining balance of £2,000 is to be paid in full at least one month before the beginning of the course. Payment plans are available, subject to a 5% administration fee. Please contact members@gundogtrainersacademy.co.uk to arrange.
📸 Photography credit Alice Loder Photography