Pet Gundog North Boarhunt
Pet Gundog North Boarhunt
Saturdays at 12 - 1pm
At The NDTA, we believe in structured progression. Whether you join our regular classes or take an intensive route, you’ll move through our proven system and our pet gundog gradings from Grade 1 to Grade 6 – see below.
For Regular Classes
Start with Pet Gundog Foundations – (6 weeks) – click here for information and to book your place
– Progress to Pet Gundog Training (ongoing weekly classes)
– Advance to our Advancement Programme (smaller groups, advanced terrain)
– Graduate to Master Class (invitation only, taught by sandra Lawton, Head of the Acadmey with 15 years of specialist pet gundog experience and training)
For Faster Results:
– Join a 4-week Intensive (complete training in one month) – Beginners to Advanced
– Attend specialist Workshops (refine and master retrieving skills in one day)
– Learn at your own pace with our Online Course
No matter which path you choose, you’ll get expert instruction and a clear roadmap to success.
Our Unique Grading System
Every dog progresses through our 6-grade system, earning recognition for their achievements:
Grade 1-2 Foundation skills (recall, steadiness, basic retrieving, introducing direction work)
Grade 3-4 Intermediate skills (more advanced retrieving and directional work, hunting, distance commands)
Grade 5-6 (Advanced skills (blind retrieves, complex hunting patterns, competition-ready work)
As your dog progresses, they unlock access to our advanced training options — including our exclusive Master Class, taught personally by Sandra Lawton.
This is part of our VIP programme. Complete the 6 week Foundation course, then join us for our VIP programme.
Classes run all year, with one week break at Christmas. These classes are at Hedge End and North Boarhunt (near Wickham), Hampshire.
All pet gundog regular, weekly classes are on Saturday or Sunday mornings and continue your progress through our unique Pet Gundog Gradings.
If your dog is beyond the foundation level and you would like to join our more advanced VIP class programmes please get in touch and we can work out the best class for you.
Take a look into the world of pet gun dog training – a journey that transforms your loyal companion, into a skilled and obedient pal. This isn’t just about teaching basic commands; it’s about mastering the art of steadiness, recall, perfecting the sit-stay, walking alongside you on a lead, responding to distance commands, and reacting to the whistle with speed and excitement.
We introduce you and your dog to the exciting gundog skills of retrieving and hunting. Imagine your dog’s excitement and sense of accomplishment as they fetch and hunt, using their natural instincts.
I love nothing more, than seeing a dog’s tail wagging, ferociously, as they search for their ‘retrieve item.’ We don’t care if it’s a toy, a ball or a gundog dummy. All we care about is your dog learning the skills, doing as instructed and having a great time.
Our classes are hands-on. For dogs still perfecting their recall around distractions, we can use long training lines, ensuring a safe and controlled environment for growth.
It’s more than training; it’s about nurturing your dog’s natural instincts to enrich their life. The NDTA Pet Gundog programme caters to your pet’s inherent needs. We offer challenges and skills for you both.
Watch your dog advance through our unique grading system from grade 1 to 6, each step a milestone in their achievement.
Regardless of breed, if your dog loves to carry or chase, they’ll love our classes. From energetic Jack Russells to majestic Great Danes, and all the gundog breeds in between – all are welcome.
Pet gun dog training is an amazing partnership between you and your dog. Together, you’ll explore and master new skills, channeling their natural instincts.
Pet gundog training changed my life – it’s why I became a dog trainer. It changed the life of my dog, 17 years ago. Without it, I’m not sure where we would have ended up. He may well have spent a lifetime on a lead.
A dog’s happiness is in doing what they’re bred for. We all need a purpose and our dogs are no different.
Led by Sandra Lawton with 15+ years of specialist pet gundog training experience, The NDTA offers the most comprehensive pet gundog programme in Hampshire — from beginner foundations to invitation-only Master Classes.
Unsure what Pet Gundog Training is?
It’s teaching dogs all the behaviours and skills needed for gundog work, but using canvas dummies (or toys to start with). It gives dogs and owners all the challenges that come with working gundogs, but in a more relaxed manner, with no birds or guns involved.
It includes:
This is just a preview of what you and your dog will learn in pet gundog training. I guarantee, when you see how much your dog loves pet gundog training, you’ll be hooked for life.
Saturdays (Hedge End) 11.45am
Saturdays (North Boarhunt – near Wickham) Midday – starting May 23rd 2026
Sundays (Hedge End) 9am – Waiting list for this class
Book your place and we will contact you to check what start date you would like. You can take 8 weeks to use your 6 sessions, as long as you give us your absence dates on booking.
Please note, there may be a wait if you want a Sunday morning class.
Places are limited and very popular, so do book promptly.
Pet Gundog Intensives — Fast-Track Your Training
Want to see real transformation in just four weeks? Our Pet Gundog Intensives are designed for dogs and owners who are serious about results.
What You Get
– 4 weeks of focused training— 3 hours per week in small groups (maximum 4 dogs)
– Complete gundog foundation — steadiness, recall, retrieving, hunting, distance commands, and whistle work
– Premium venue — purpose-built training ground
– Personal instruction from Sandra Lawton — 17 years of specialist pet gundog experience, working with you and your dog every session
– Hands-on learning — theory and practical combined, so you understand ‘why’ as well as ‘how’
What Level Is It At?
We run two levels of intensive training, beginners and more advanced to make sure dogs and owners get the most appropriate level of training.
This is for:
What Makes It Different
Unlike our weekly classes, Intensives give you concentrated time with expert instruction. You’ll cover in four weeks what would normally take 3-4 months in regular classes — with the benefit of smaller groups and premium facilities.
Perfect for dogs new to gundog training who need to build solid foundations from the ground up.
What You’ll Learn:
– Introduction to retrieving (straight lines, marking, delivery to hand)
– Steadiness foundations (sit-stay, waiting for the send command)
– Recall and whistle work (recall whistle/stop whistle)
– Control and focus around distractions
Who It’s For:
– Dogs with basic obedience (sit, heelwork, recall) but no gundog experience
– Dogs who need to use their natural retrieve instinct
– Owners who want faster results than weekly classes
– Owners who want to understand more about the ‘why’ and troubleshooting
Entry Requirement: Basic obedience. Your dog should be able to sit, have reasonable heelwork on a lead, and come when called in a low-distraction environment.
Investment: £750 (4 weeks, 3 hours per week, maximum 4 dogs)
How to Book:
Intensives are strictly limited to 4 dogs to ensure individual attention and maximum progress. We run multiple cohorts throughout the year.
Next intake forming now for April/May 2026.
For experienced dogs ready to progress to advanced retrieve work, directional handling, and advanced whistle work.
What You’ll Learn:
– Directional handling (left/right/back commands)
– Keeping the Line to ensure clear instruction when working on blinds
– Advanced steadiness under multiple distractions
– The hunting work of retrievers
– Distance control and precision work
– Advanced STOP whistle
– Building your Trust Bank with your dog to avoid the need for multiple commands and interference during advanced retrieves
Who It’s For:
– Dogs who’ve completed Foundation Intensive or have equivalent experience
– Dogs already working at Grade 2+ level in our classes
– Dogs/owners wanting to prepare for Working Tests
Entry Requirement:
By invitation only. Your dog must demonstrate a steady retrieve, reliable recall, and basic whistle work. If you think your dog is ready, contact us to discuss.
Investment: £850 (4 weeks, 3 hours per week, maximum 4 dogs)
How to Book:
Advanced Intensives are by invitation. We invite students from our existing classes who are ready to progress, or assess dogs from outside our programme on a case-by-case basis.
If you would like to enquire about suitability for the Advanced Intensive, please get in touch.
Learn retrieving, verbal and whistle commands and some hunting skills. More detail below.
Retrieving can be anything, a toy, a canvas dummy (as in the picture), or a ball.
Ball throwing can do immense damage to our dogs joints. If your dog is a constant ball chaser, teaching your dog a steady retrieve process with a ball, could prevent long term damage.
Teaching your dog to ‘hunt’ for tennis balls in long grass, makes a ball much more fun than just throwing it.
Grading challenges from grade1 – 6.
During the 6 week foundation course your dog will learn,
Recall, lead walking, sit stay and good focus training are all part of the course, so your dog doesn’t have to be perfect at any of these things, but your dog does need some basic training in place.
Any questions please get in touch.
Anyone who fancies a bit of light-hearted competition with their dog!
We don’t mind if your dog is a Yorkshire Terrier, a Great Dane, or a Retriever. If you and your dog love having fun retrieving, then this is for you!
All you need to bring is your dog’s favourite retrieve item, (or you can use our dummies), some tasty treats if needed and a sense of humour.
Monthly sessions while we have the day light.
Don’t miss out – There will be prizes for the winners!
Join us for an evening of fun, tea and biscuits!
Get in touch to be kept informed of 2026 dates
Our private training field in Hedge End, SO30 4BG
It’s just a lot of fun, with some exciting retrieve challenges.
There will be 5 retrieve challenges, adapted to your dog’s experience, so don’t be afraid to come along if you’ve never done it before.
There will be the standard over the bale retrieves, the fastest retrieve challenge and more.
Come and join in and see how your dog get’s on.
Limited slots available
Below is a list of some of the more common gun dog breeds. Remember if your dog is a mix of any of the below, so that includes cockapoos and labradoodles then you have a gun dog breed. Poodles themselves are a gun dog breed. The poodle ‘hairstyle’ originated so the fur kept their joints warm when in the water.
People often underestimate the poodle.
We best add the Lagotto Romagnola in after Crufts 2023, although I always think of these dogs as Truffle Hunters.
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