Suitable for those who have already been on our Handler's and/or Enhanced Handler's Courses, the Graduate Handler's Course is for those working their dogs at an intermediate to advanced level. Over the course, we will further enhance your knowledge and improve the quality of your skills as an ethical gundog handler.
The focus will be purely practical sessions to help you further progress your intermediate skills, moving towards an advanced level.
The Gundog Trainers Academy Graduate Handler's Course is suitable for you, if you...
- Have attended the GTA Handler's Course and/or Enhanced Handlers Course at any point in the past. Please note you must have trained with us previously to enrol on this course. If you have not worked with us before but are interested in signing up, please email members@gundogtrainersacademy.co.uk
- Have a gundog of any breed, any age and any ability.
- Are currently working at a more intermediate level and are looking to progress to advanced gundog behaviours and standards.
- Have passed your Clicker Trainers Competency Assessment Programme (CAP) Level 1 or 2 and are working towards your Level 2 or 3.
The Graduate Handler's Course is made up of four modules. The dates and locations for 2026 are as follows:
- Module One - 18th to 20th May 2026(Surrey)
- Module Two - 27th to 29th July 2026 (Surrey)
- Module Three - 21st to 23rd September 2026 (Worcestershire)
- Module Four - 23rd to 25th November 2026 (Worcestershire)
Modules one and two will take place in Haslemere and Loxwood, with modules three and four being held at Kemble's Field in Worcestershire to take advantage of the gundog shoot experience days.
For modules three and four, hardstanding camping, with and without electric, is available on site and can be booked directly with Kemble's Field. Please email hello@kemblesfield.co.uk for details.
The Graduate 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 Graduate 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.
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 Four, there will also be the opportunity to attend a shoot experience day at Kemble's Field. 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 Graduate Handler's Course, you will be invited to take your Clicker Trainers Competency Assessment Programme (CAP) Level 2 or 3. 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.
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 £2,250 (£2,750 in total) is to be paid in full at least one month before the beginning of the course. If you would like to pay this in monthly instalments, please email members@gundogtrainersacademy.co.uk