The Dogitvity Pathway system for Pet Gundogs
Every dog and every family have different goals. For some, success is a calm, well-mannered companion to enjoy everyday adventures with. For others, it’s working towards gundog tests, working tests or a day in the shooting field.
The Dogitivity Gundog Pathway has been designed to support both.
Our progressive training programme provides a clear route from foundation skills through to more advanced gundog training. Each level builds on the previous one, developing the skills, confidence and teamwork needed for the next stage.
Progression is based on an assessment rather than simply moving up after a set number of weeks. This ensures every team has the knowledge and practical skills to succeed before taking on new challenges.
Whether your goal is a reliable family dog trained in line with its breed’s natural instincts or a confident working companion, the pathway provides structured, reward-based training that allows you and your dog to progress at a pace that is right for you.
Core Skills
Throughout the Dogitivity Gundog Pathway, we continuously develop the same core skills, with each level building on the previous one.
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Heelwork – Building connection, focus and teamwork.
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Retrieving Skills – Developing confident, reliable retrieves and delivery to hand.
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Steadiness – Teaching dogs to pause, think and remain composed in exciting situations.
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Whistle Training – Building clear communication through recall, stop and directional whistle cues.
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Self-Regulation – Helping dogs develop calmness, focus and emotional control.
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Connection & Partnership – Strengthening the relationship between dog and handler through trust, cooperation and shared experiences.
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Reward Strategies – Teaching handlers how to use food, play and the environment to motivate learning and build long-term reliability.
The pet gundog pathway
Foundation
Is the perfect starting point for all gundog breeds. No previous experience is required. Together we’ll build the core skills every family gundog needs, including recall, heelwork, retrieving, steadiness and self-control, creating the foundations for a confident, connected partnership.
Intermediate
Is designed for dogs who have successfully completed the Foundation Gundog Graduation. Building on the core skills developed in Foundation, we’ll increase distance, distractions and complexity while developing greater reliability, steadiness and teamwork. Together, you’ll strengthen whistle control, handling skills and retrieving, preparing you for more advanced gundog training and real-life working situations.
Advanced
Is designed for dogs who have successfully completed the Foundation Gundog Graduation. Building on the core skills developed in Foundation, we’ll increase distance, distractions and complexity while developing greater reliability, steadiness and teamwork. Together, you’ll strengthen whistle control, handling skills and retrieving, preparing you for more advanced gundog training and real-life working situations.