Meet me at Edition Dog LIVE 2025
🎤 I’ll be giving a talk and then heading over to the Professionals Village – Come and say hi!
Calm, connected co-operation – Reward-based support for sensitive gundogs and the humans who love them.
“Balancing both ends of the lead”
gundog Training & behaviour in essex
With Nina, The Holistic Gundog Specialist at Confident Canine
When every walk feels like a battle and every recall is a gamble, it’s time for a new approach.
Trusted, ethical, holistic gundog training – recommended by all those struggling who finally felt seen and heard
“When every walk feels like a battle and every outing a risk, training isn’t a luxury, it’s a lifeline”
When Training Feels Like Conflict Instead of Connection…
If walking your gundog feels like a tug of war, or you find yourself frustrated, repeating commands that fall on deaf ears, you’re not alone.
Many owners struggle with recall, calmness, and connection, especially with high-drive breeds. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
At Confident Canine, training isn’t about forcing obedience; it’s about fostering understanding.
Imagine if your gundog actually wanted to listen. Imagine recall that’s reliable because it’s based on choice, not conflict.
What is a gundog, and why does it matter?
A gundog is any breed or crossbreed originally developed to work in the field, bred for focus, sensitivity, intelligence, and a deep instinct to find, follow, and retrieve. Whether you plan to work your gundog or simply want a well-adjusted companion at home, one truth remains:
🦴 They Need a Job.
When their instincts are left unfulfilled, you may find yourself dealing with reactivity, restlessness, pulling, chasing, and barking. These aren’t signs of a “bad” dog; they’re the symptoms of an under-stimulated one.
To truly thrive, gundogs need more than just walks and affection. They need to be understood.
Learn to work with their instincts, not against them
Imagine walking through the countryside with your gundog trotting happily by your side, ears pricked and focused on you, not on every squirrel or passing dog. Picture calling their name just once, and watching them turn with joyful enthusiasm, because coming back is their choice, not a battle of wills.
At home, experience peaceful evenings without the endless barking or pacing. Enjoy walks that are relaxing, not a tug of war. Build a bond based on clarity and trust that carries over into every part of your life together, whether you’re out in the fields, exploring new paths, or simply curled up by the fire.
Because with the right approach, your gundog can thrive, and so can you.
“You shouldn’t have to hold your breath every time you unclip the lead.”
Did you know:
Cockerpoos and Labradoodles are both made up of gundog breeds as poodles were originally bred for water retrieving and these have then been mixed with Cockers or Labradors which are both gundog breeds.
signs your gundog is struggling
Your intelligent and sensitive gundog needs their instincts channelled, without this for their work ethic, you’ll have a self employed gundog and face problems like:
Left unchecked, these behaviours are frustrating, they put your gundog’s safety, your peace of mind, and your bond at risk.
The longer they practise these habits, the harder they are to break. Are you ready to help them before chaos becomes their default?
Give your gundog a purpose, or they’ll soon become self-employed… and you might not like the the jobs they choose!
Ready for a Fresh Start?
Ready to Fix These Problems, or Prevent Them Altogether?
That’s where my signature Canine EASE™ Training – The 6×6 Framework comes in.
The 6×6 Framework principles help you to bring out the best in your gundog without relying on outdated correction based methods.
With years of experience in holistic gundog training, I combine traditional techniques with energetic awareness to help you:
✔️ Solve the struggles you’re facing now – from recall issues to lead pulling.
✔️ Prevent future problems by channeling your gundog’s natural instincts.
Whether your goal is a happy pet life or a working one, for field or for fun, I’m here to guide you every step of the way!
Why choose Confident Canine?
Understanding the Difference: Outcomes Without Compromise
|
Aspect |
Confident Canine |
Traditional Gundog Trainers |
|
Philosophy |
🩶 Choice-based, outcome-focused with emotional care |
Directive, outcome-focused, with primary emphasis on performance rather than emotional welfare. |
|
Discipline |
🩶 Boundaries, not punishment; building voluntary cooperation. |
Emphasis on corrections to enforce compliance rather than rewards to enhance connection |
|
Working Dog Suitability |
🩶 Yes, achieving outcomes with emotional well-being and connection at the centre of the relationship |
Yes, achieving outcomes with focus on performance rather than on emotional welfare. |
|
Ideal For |
🩶 Owners who value reliability built on emotional connection |
Owners who prioritise speed and strict obedience above all |
change everything with choice based training
My Canine EASE™ Training and unique 6×6 Framework
After years of working with gundogs and their owners, I developed my Canine EASE™ Training and 6×6 Frameworkto solve the problems I kept seeing: chaotic recalls, lead pulling, and distracted, overstimulated gundogs.
Most gundog training focuses on drills and control. But if your gundog is ignoring you, pulling on the lead, or losing focus, it’s not because they’re stubborn, it’s because they’re overwhelmed, frustrated, or confused.
Here’s how my Canine EASE™ Training changes that:
This isn’t a quick fix, it’s lasting change. Built on partnership, not control. You don’t need to control their instincts, you need to channel them.
With Canine EASE™, you’ll finally know how. Ready to get started? Let’s go!
Partnership over power, work with your gundog, not against them!
who I work with
Gundog breeds
Includes Spaniels, Retrievers, Pointers, Setters & HPRs
Gundog crosses
Such as the Cockerpoo or Labradoodle breeds
working breeds
Other high energy, high drive &/or highly sensitive breeds
If you’re done with quick fixes and ready for long lasting, deeper results then you are in the right place!
after working with me
If you’re done with quick fixes and ready for lasting results, my holistic methods are here to help
Gundog training isn’t about control, it’s about connection. With the right approach, you and your gundog will work in harmony, building trust, understanding, and a true and lasting partnership.
Listening Outdoors
Your gundog will listen, even in the great outdoors! No more ignoring you when there’s something more interesting on the horizon.
Relaxed Walks on-lead
Loose lead walking will feel effortless. Walks then become enjoyable instead of being a battle of strength and full of frustration.
Freedom off-lead
Recall is reliable, your gundog comes back when called, no matter the distractions, allowing you to relax and enjoy watching your dog enjoy their freedom.
Confidence for you both
Reactivity is managed with confidence. No more lunging, barking, or stressful encounters, just calm, controlled, confident interactions.
as promised “balancing both ends of the lead”
We already booked another session to ensure that we have been doing things right.
I am really enjoying the training and seeing progress already
I am really enjoying the training and seeing progress already. Thankyou Nina, looking forward to my gundog training journey with you.
Nina’s holistic approach helps me to understand my dog’s needs and behaviours
really helped all of us with her kindness, understanding of these breeds
we’ve gone from zero recall to feeling confident
A well-trained gundog isn’t controlled, it’s connected
how we can work together
Canine EASE™ Training Method – 6×6 Framework
Go beyond traditional training
Traditional training often focuses on the surface, tackling symptoms like jumping up, poor recall, or pulling on the lead. But these behaviours are just the result of deeper challenges. My approach goes beyond quick fixes, addressing the root cause of your gundog’s struggles, not just what you see on the surface.
I use my exclusive Canine EASE™ Training Method and 6×6 Framework to create lasting change. This isn’t about rigid obedience commands, it’s about understanding your gundog’s mindset, energy, and emotional needs, giving them the clarity, confidence, and balance they need to thrive. By working with me, you’re not just solving problems, you’re building a true partnership with your gundog based on trust, connection, and mutual understanding.
I offer specialist results driven programmes designed specifically for gundogs (but also excellent for other working breeds) using holistic, reward-based training that works with your dog’s instincts rather than against them. Whether you’re struggling with recall, lead manners, reactivity, or engagement, my approach will help you transform challenges into strengths, so you and your gundog can work in harmony.
✨ Don’t settle for surface-level fixes. Let’s get to the heart of the issue and create real, lasting change. ✨
Programmes
Ready to achieve fast, focused results with a structured approach that goes far beyond a one-off session? My Canine Ease™ Training Method – 6×6 Framework is designed to create lasting change, helping you and your gundog work in harmony.
These comprehensive, step-by-step programmes offer hands-on guidance every step of the way, combining live lessons with my personal support via text, email, WhatsApp, calls, or online sessions. You’ll have my support and advice in your corner (and in your pocket!) whenever you need help, so you never feel stuck or unsure of what to do next.
💡 Unlike single sessions, these programmes are designed to for big transformations, addressing the root causes of behaviour and guiding you through a proven process to success.
🔥 Spaces are limited each month, secure yours today
121/Private Sessions
Online Training &/or Live Phone Calls
Personalised online & phone sessions – expert support, wherever you are in the world!
Get tailored, one-to-one support from the comfort of your home with online sessions or phone calls designed to tackle your specific challenges. Whether you need help with recall, reactivity, engagement, or fieldwork, these sessions provide clear, actionable guidance to keep you moving forward.
With my expert coaching, you’ll receive real-time advice, practical solutions, and the confidence to implement changes right away, no matter where you are in the world. Focused, flexible, and fully personalised, these sessions ensure you and your gundog get the support you need, when you need it.
Membership & Online Community
Join the Ultimate Online Membership for Gundog Owners!
Get expert guidance, access exclusive channels, and connect with like-minded gundog owners in a one-of-a-kind virtual training space. Inside our innovative metaverse, you’ll find everything you need to train, learn, and grow, while building a deeper bond with your gundog.
We focus on well-being-first, positive, and compassionate training, helping you work with your gundog’s instincts, not against them.
🐾 Train smarter. Connect deeper. Thrive together.
“It’s not just about the recall, it’s about not dreading the walk in the first place“
Start your journey today!
Don’t wait—transform your gundog with me, Nina, the Holistic Gundog Specialist at Confident Canine in Essex. Explore our programmes and book your free consultation now.
Training that goes beyond compliance
First, your dog must learn how to learn. Training for mere compliance is ineffective. If your gundog doesn’t truly understand the lessons then without a genuine understanding, the training quickly unravels when you’re not there to enforce the cues.
Education over training
I teach you how to educate your dog so they can make the right choices independently. As a result, you will find your confidence in them growing all the time.
No Cookie Cutters here!
Forget cookie-cutter methods; with me, you’ll receive personalised, targeted training that delivers real results, helping your gundog become the best version of themselves. I’m not your average gundog trainer—I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions, your programme is completely bespoke & designed to meet the unique needs of both you & your gundog.
“When your dog can’t relax, neither can you, and that takes a toll no one else sees“
Welcome to your transformative journey
Here I move beyond traditional methods to cultivate a deep bond between you and your beloved companion. I believe in educating your dog through a positive, reward-based approach that honours their individuality and autonomy.
What Is Holistic Dog Training?
Holistic gundog training goes beyond basic commands; it’s about understanding your dog’s energy and incorporating mindful practices that enrich the training experience, making it a holistic journey for both of you.
Why Choose Holistic Dog Training?
This approach respects the emotional and spiritual well-being of both you and your dog. It’s a journey of mutual growth, where you learn, adapt, and thrive together. Our programmes, rooted in love, respect, and understanding, offer a truly unique training experience.
Ready to embark on this journey? Contact me today to explore the incredible programmes I offer, and let’s chat about how we can achieve a harmonious and fulfilling partnership for you and your dog. Click here to schedule a free consultation.
“Balancing both ends of the lead!”
Everything starts with understanding, let’s talk!
