FAQ

No. Gundog training principles are extremely valuable for family dogs, especially working-bred gundogs. Skills like engagement, steadiness, impulse control, and emotional regulation are just as important in everyday life as they are in the field. At Dogitivity, I apply these principles to help dogs thrive at home, on walks, and in busy environments — even when the shooting field is not the goal.

Absolutely. Many of the families I work with have gundog breeds who will never work on a shoot. Gundog training is about understanding what your dog was bred to do and teaching them how to live well in a modern family world. This training supports calm behaviour, focus, and cooperation — not hunting.

Adolescence can be particularly intense for gundog breeds. Drive increases, impulse control is still developing, and frustration tolerance can be low. This often shows up as over-excitement, selective listening, or difficulty settling. Training during this stage needs to focus on emotional regulation, clarity, and appropriate outlets for drive — not suppression.

Yes. In fact, reward-based training is especially effective for high-drive dogs when it’s done thoughtfully. High drive is not a problem — it’s a trait. The key is to channel it constructively, build clear communication, and teach dogs how to regulate themselves rather than constantly reacting to the environment.

Yes. I work with puppies, adolescent dogs, and adult dogs. Early training focuses on foundations, confidence, and calm engagement. Adolescent work focuses more on impulse control, steadiness, and helping dogs cope with a world that suddenly feels much bigger and more distracting.

Dogitivity sits in the space between traditional gundog training and modern family dog training. I specialise in working-bred gundogs living as family dogs, using science-based, reward-based methods that focus on emotional regulation, clarity, and long-term behaviour change — not quick fixes or constant management.

Not at all. Many clients are completely new to gundog training. Everything is explained clearly and applied in a way that makes sense for real life. You don’t need prior experience — just a willingness to learn alongside your dog.

That’s very common, especially for gundog breeds. Distraction work is a core part of my training. We build engagement gradually and teach dogs how to stay connected and regulated, rather than simply expecting obedience in difficult situations.

If you’re unsure, we can talk it through. Every dog and family is different, and part of my role is helping you choose the support that fits your dog’s age, temperament, and current challenges.