NEFRA Gundog Training Day – 28 February
NEFRA held a full-day gundog training event on 28 February at Hesketh Bank, a popular venue regularly used for NEFRA training days and events.
The day focused on practical gundog training, covering key skills and techniques suitable for working dogs at various stages of training. The aim was to provide handlers with clear, effective methods they could take away and apply in everyday training, whether preparing for the shooting field, tests, or simply improving general control and steadiness.
Training was led by Paul Egginton, Gary Ellison and Steve Burns, all highly experienced and respected gundog trainers. Throughout the day they shared their knowledge in areas such as:
- Basic and advanced handling techniques
- Steadiness and control
- Retrieving and delivery
- Use of dummies and training equipment
- Problem-solving common gundog training issues
A huge thank you to Sam Slinger for allowing us to use such a fantastic venue. Thanks also to our army of helpers throughout the day — we truly couldn’t do it without you.
We ran three training groups:
- A beginners’ group with Paul, who saw brilliant progress throughout the day, with some members even moving up to the novice groups.
- Two novice groups, one of which was more advanced.
Each group tackled impressive distances and worked on developing control during retrieves.
The day was absolutely fantastic, and we look forward to returning soon.