Our training schedule is aimed at giving members a varied but progressive training base for gundogs of all abilities and all ages above 6 months. A basic standard of obedience is however anticipated. Dogs will be split into groups dependant on their age and ability.
Please read the Area Rules regarding training classes which can easily be found on p150 of the 2024 URC Yearbook (para 12) or via the URC website link: /about-us/urc-event-information.aspx
Our Area training aims to follow positive reward methods and supports the Kennel Club's ethos against punitive correction and harsh handling.
Training Evenings 2025
Evening sessions will be divided between two wonderfully accommodating grounds: Bloxworth near Bere Regis, by kind permission of Lisa McDonald-Smith, and Knowle Farm, Bowerchalke, by kind permission of Mrs Janie and Mr Angus Mann.
Evening training times: Sessions do not require prior booking. Please arrive for 6pm to check in for a 6.30pm start.
Cost: £10 per evening session.
Evening group guidance: For beginner classes: Your dog will be 6 months or over: generally under 18 months although older dogs are welcome. We would anticipate dogs to be reasonably responsive to recall, be under control on a lead and to be interested in hunting and retrieving. For improvers classes: Dogs should sit and stay when asked, walk to heel ‘off lead', respond to recall, likewise stopping on the whistle, show an interest in hunting, be reasonable at delivering to hand and achieving basic to moderate retrieves. For the experienced/Open classes: Dogs should be over 18 months old, of Working Test standard, steady to a marked retrieve, shot and distractions, respond to directions and handle reasonably well on blind retrieves.
Bloxworth training: Easily found on the A35 between Lytchett Minster and Bere Regis - Signs will be out. What3Words: https://w3w.co/span.steepest.averts
Dates: Wednesday: 16 and 30 April 2025, Wednesday: 14 and 28 May 2025 *Please do not arrive too early as the entrance may be locked on what is a fast main road.
Bowerchalke training: Knowle Farm, Bowerchalke SP5 5BP - Signs will be out. What3Words:https://w3w.co/lessening.yoga.began
Dates: Wednesday: 11 and 25 June 2025, Wednesday: 9 and 23 July 2025
At the last training session we will present The Sportsman Progress Shield for the handler who has shown the most progression. This is open to members who have trained at either venue. Certificates of Merit may also be awarded where trainers feel it is appropriate.
Non-members. A person interested in becoming a member of the URC may attend one or two evening sessions to get an idea of what is expected. Non-members must contact the training co-ordinator prior to attending. Non-members that have already attended two taster sessions are expected to await approval of their membership before continued participation.
Training Days 2025
Training Days Training days aim to challenge dogs and handlers with scenarios pertaining to specific ground. These days are more suited to Novice and Open dogs and advanced puppies over 18mths unless stated otherwise. Days are bookable in advance (after 1st January 2025) at a cost of £35 a day.
Hills and Valleys: Sunday 2nd March 2025 at Gurston Down, Broad Chalke Nr Salisbury, Wiltshire by kind permission of Mr Robert and Mrs Jean Hitchens.
General Training Day 1: Moderate hills, meadows and water. Sunday 27th April 2025 at Hawkers Hill Farm, Shaftesbury, Dorset by kind permission of Mr Phil Lever and Mrs Mary and Mr Paul Crocker.
General Training Day 2: Wooded areas, meadows and water. Saturday 28th June 2025 at Lopshill Farm, Fordingbridge, Hampshire by kind permission of Mr and Mrs Ollie Coward.
NEW - South West Gundog Training Centre Day: The SWGTC is ground solely dedicated to gundog training with retriever lanes and mown grid systems, cover crop, water, jumps and more. Saturday 30th August 2025 at West Steart Farm, Stoodleigh, Tiverton, Devon by kind permission of Mr Ed Brown.
For both the Evening and Day training sessions, handlers are to employ close control of their dogs at all times. Be mindful and ensure your dog does not interfere with other dogs or people. Handlers whose dogs show aggressive behaviour may be asked to leave.
For more information about how to register your interest in the Training Days, to book your place or further information in general, please contact the Training Co-ordinator, Fen D'Lucie via email - fen.dlucie@gmail.com after 1st January 2025.