About Kirkbourne Spaniels
From Puppies to Champions
Kirkbourne Spaniels is one of the largest independently owned gundog clubs in the UK, offering comprehensive training for all gundog breeds and crossbreeds. Our programs range from puppy basics to advanced competition and trialing levels. We emphasize the joy of a well-trained dog, focusing on natural instincts and effective handler commands to foster a strong team dynamic.
Kirkbourne Training Programs
Kirkbourne Memberships
For access to all our weekly training classes
For just £25 a year, our membership provides access to a wide range of programs, from puppy basics to advanced competition and trialing levels. We emphasize the joy of a well-trained dog, focusing on natural instincts and effective handler commands to foster a strong team dynamic. Join us and become part of a community dedicated to nurturing the unique bond between handlers and their dogs.
Best Value
Kirkbourne Membership - Annual
25
Every year
Membership to join the club and enjoy our weekly training sessions.
Valid until canceled
Yearly Membership
Booking of unlimited weekly training for £18 per session
Members only access to our Facebook training community
Early access to training and events before public release
Discounted training prices for members on full training days
Selected monthly offers on training gear
Monthly online Q&A Session with Darren Kirk
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Kirkbourne Recommended Products
Your Puppy Isn't Aggressive. It Just Needs Manners.
I had a phone call a while back that's stuck with me. A family had a five-month-old puppy. Spaniel. Full of life, full of energy - and biting them. Jumping up, nipping fingers, going for ankles. They'd tried everything they could find online. They'd been to see someone. That someone had told them the dog had behavioural issues. Possibly needed a behaviourist. Maybe even medication. They rang me to say they were going to have it put to sleep. A five-month-old puppy. Put to sleep. Because it...
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Why Won't My Puppy Come Back? The Truth About Retrieve Training for New Handlers
You threw the dummy. Your pup flew out there, picked it up, and then... ran the other way. Or sat down with it. Or dropped it halfway back and started sniffing. Sound familiar?
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A New Beginning - Meet Jam and Evie
: Darren Kirk introduces Jam and Evie, two English Springer Spaniel pups with FTCH pedigrees, joining the Kirkbourne pack as future working and demo dogs.
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The Dummy Launcher Workshop: This Is Where It Gets Serious
There's a moment at the shooting field - or the working test, or even just a training session with other handlers watching - where you realise the retrieve isn't the problem. It's everything before the retrieve. The dog that breaks on the shot. The one that's already running before you've even lifted a finger. The one you've asked to sit three times and it's sat twice and the third time you just gave up because everyone's watching. You know the one. It might be yours. That's not a retrieve...
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Kirkbourne Latest News
DEFRA's Gamebird Consultation Isn't Just a Shooters' Issue. If You've Got a Gundog, Read This.
The window closes at midnight on 1st November. And right now, the people who want to see game shooting restricted are putting their evidence on record. The people who rely on it - shooters, handlers, trainers, beaters, pickers-up, working dog competitors - aren't keeping pace. BASC have said it plainly. There are an estimated 650,000 people involved in game shooting in England. The response so far? A fraction of that. This post is for everyone who's thought this doesn't apply to them. Because...
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