12/06/2026
This week I was reminded of a conversation I've had many times over the years.
I also remember feeling this myself, over 18 years ago, before I became a dog trainer.
A lady got in touch because she was struggling with her young working-bred pet dog.
The dog was over-excited.
Interested in everything.
Unable to settle.
Difficult to focus around other dogs and people.
She wanted help but wasn't sure she could come to classes because she was worried what people would think.
What if her dog was the worst one there?
What if everyone else's dog was calm and well trained?
What if she was judged?
The truth is, many of us have stood in exactly that position.
Including me.
In fact, a large part of the reason I became a dog trainer was because of my own struggles with my first Flat-coated Retriever.
There is no judgement here.
Only understanding and empathy.
Working-bred dogs are often given very little opportunity to do the things they were bred to do.
They are expected to live as pets whilst carrying generations of instincts and drives.
When those needs aren't met, the behaviours often don't get better.
They get bigger.
The answer isn't usually 'more' activity.
It's the right activity.
Giving the dog a job.
Giving them a way to use their brain.
Watching owners realise this is one of my favourite parts of what we do.
Because the relief on their faces when they realise they're not failing their dog is often huge.
And the transformation that follows can be amazing. Look at the difference it made to me, my dog and my entire life.
Got a working-bred pet gundog or puppy?
Get started today - check out our pet gundog training services.
https://www.thenationaldogtrainingacademy.co.uk/gundog-training/
