Field & Family Gundog Training, based on the Bucks, Northants, and Oxfordshire border, offers expert dog training tailored to gundog and gundog cross breeds, including puppies, adults, and rescue dogs. The service focuses on practical, positive training that taps into each dog’s natural instincts – whether you’re seeking a well-mannered family pet, a reliable working companion, or both. With options for group and 1-to-1 sessions, training covers gundog work from beginner to advanced levels; alongside obedience, socialisation, and behaviour modification. Emphasising breed-specific needs, positive leadership, and clear communication, Nicola helps owners build confidence and strengthen the dog-owner bond – resulting in a focused, responsive dog in public, and a calm content companion at home

Nicola’s life long love of dogs turned into a passion for gundogs when she started training and working her family pet labrador in the shooting field 20 years ago. In that time she has successfully been running her 5* dog boarding business, supporting friends, family and clients with their dogs and helping them overcome many behavioural challenges along the way. While gaining hands-on experience training her own gundogs – a Labrador and a Springer Spaniel – and working them on local shoots, Nicola has also overcome a wide range of challenges presented by her many rescue dogs.

By completing the Accredited Pet Gundog Instructor course Nicola has broadened her depth of knowledge regarding the dogs anatomy, physiology, evolution and behaviour, along with her instructing skills.

Sharing our home and life with these intelligent, eager to please, energetic and enthusiastic working breeds is a privilege but learning how to direct their instinctive behaviour can be a challenge. If these traits aren’t utilised to their full potential it can lead to serious behavioural and management issues. If their exercise, stimulation and attention needs are not met, they can become ill-mannered and destructive. It is our duty to provide these outlets in a positive and fun way, enabling us to share our homes with a contented, happy dog.

If you are interested in having fun with your dog and strengthening your bond in a relaxed outdoor environment, while producing a well mannered, calm, contented pet – contact Nicola.