Smallbrooks Gundogs

30/09/2026

We like to start our pups on paint rollers before introducing them to your traditional canvas dummy.

The shape is similar to a dummy, but they’re lighter and covered in a soft & fluffy material, which most pups naturally find appealing to carry.

Once the pup is confidently picking up and carrying, we can start to introduce resin into the roller and gradually increase the weight as they mature and develop.

This gives us a controlled progression from a very light retrieve through to a standard-weight dummy, while keeping the pup keen and confident throughout

28/09/2026

Once a champion, always a champion 🏆

We had a weekend of duck flighting with Milly, Lady, Bruce & Junior & Sam Byrne …but the absolute highlight was seeing our old boy, Junior.

Since retiring as a FTCh, he’s been living the good life with them. Getting him back out in the field felt like turning back the clock 🥹

A few successful shots and Junior proved he’s still got every bit of that magic.

Form is temporary, but class is permanent…What a boy ✨🖤

27/09/2026

23/09/2026

It’s just a board… isn’t it?

A placeboard is a simple tool, but it can make a big difference to a dog’s understanding…

POSITION
It gives the dog a clear, consistent place to be and allows us to reinforce the correct position.

CLARITY
It helps the dog understand exactly what behaviour we’re asking for, without relying on constant verbal correction.

SELF-CONTROL
We can teach the dog to remain settled and focused while gradually introducing distractions.

The board is a training aid, not the end goal and once the behaviour is understood, we transfer it away from the board.

Good training is about clarity, consistency and understanding ….and the placeboard helps us achieve all three!

Cato placeboards can be purchased in plenty of different colours from Gundog gear 🏷️

21/09/2026

I CANNOT BREATHE 😂😭

So we bought a fairly decent camera and I’ve spent the afternoon practising… and honestly, the results are giving “first day on the job” vibes!💀📸

Everyone else on Instagram are posting these stunning, professional looking photos of their dogs and mine look like they’ve been caught on CCTV fleeing a crime scene…with nips flying everywhere 😂

Anyway, here are some of my absolute favourites from today’s ‘professional photoshoot’ with a very pregnant Fern & a very retired, couch potato Ivy 🤣

Zero talent. Unlimited entertainment…. & Yes, we are aware that Fern has mahooooosive nips 👀

Milly, Lady, Bruce & Junior we need ur help xoxo

14/09/2026

Little Sox out & about learning the ropes…

There’s a lot to be said for starting them early. Getting them used to the cover, the wind, the scent and the different ground beneath their feet. Let them see a bit of the world and, most importantly, let them learn without being rushed.

A young dog doesn’t need too much pressure. Just good ground, plenty of patience and the right experiences along the way.

The work put in during these early days is what makes the dog in later years.

Still a long way to go with her, but the foundations are being laid. You can’t put experience into a young dog overnight; it’s built over seasons, one outing at a time.

Plenty more to learn, but little Sox is off to a great start 🌿

📸 the one & only Milly, Lady, Bruce & Junior / Marwa

12/09/2026

A week on from a fantastic weekend at Wolsingham Show and we’re still buzzing!

This year was a little extra special as we had the opportunity to do our gundog demo in the main arena, and what a crowd! 🤩

We had a change-up this year too, with not just our spaniels taking part, but the Labradors joining us as well. It was brilliant to showcase both and hopefully give everyone a good insight into the training, teamwork and enjoyment that goes into working our dogs.

It was lovely to see so many familiar faces, as well as plenty of new ones, and the crowds seem to be getting bigger every year! ❤️

A massive thank you to Allan Rickerby and Simon Dixon, who joined us on the demo team this year. It was great having you both involved and we really appreciate you bringing your dogs, knowledge and enthusiasm along for the weekend

And of course a massive thank you to Wolsingham Show for looking after us so well and for inviting us back year after year. We’re incredibly grateful for the opportunity and always love being part of such a fantastic show.

As always a massive thank you to our sponsors, we couldn’t do any of this without you…
Gundog gear
Skinner's Field & Trial
fettle
Axels Elixir

And of course our amazing & glamorous photographer Milly, Lady, Bruce & Junior / Marwa 📸

10/09/2026

Fettle gives you wi-ings



📸 Marwa

02/09/2026

🐾 WE’RE BACK AT WOLSINGHAM SHOW! 🐾

We’re delighted to be back at Wolsingham Show on the 5th & 6th September for another weekend of Gundog Demonstrations! 🎉

This year we’ve got spaniels from puppies right through to Field Trial Champions, showcasing different stages of training, experience and ability. Joined by Allan Rickerby & Simon Dixon.

And for the first time, we’re bringing the Labradors into the mix!

📅 DEMONSTRATION TIMES

Saturday
10:15
13:15 … for the first time in the main arena!!!
15:15

Sunday
10:00
12:00
14:00

And, as always, in between demonstrations we’ll be running our Have A Go Scurry!

It’s open to everyone, so whether you’re an experienced handler or just fancy having a go, come and get involved. There’ll be lots of prizes up for grabs, including some fantastic prizes from:

🏆 Gundog gear
🏆 fettle
🏆 Skinner's Field & Trial

So come along, bring the family, meet the dogs, watch the demonstrations and have a go at the scurry!

We can’t wait to see you there! 🐾

📍 Wolsingham Show
📅 5th & 6th September