All our training at Abergwenllan is led by Nick. Nick is a retired Police Officer having spent the majority of his service as a Dog Handler and Trainer. Whilst on the Dog Section Nick was an Operational Handler working and training General Purpose/ Firearms, Drugs and Explosive Detection Dogs. He has conducted both offensive and defensive searches at many high profile events across the UK.
We use Positive Reinforcement training methods that are tailored to each individual dog. Each dog is different and requires a bespoke training package that has been produced in conjunction with the handler.
This is where the dog and handler come to meet us at Abergwenllan HQ and we conduct an initial assessment of the team. Following the assessment , together , we look at what training is required and over what period of time. The dog then comes to stay with us at our home and I train the dog myself. We do not use outside staff or trainers. Owners are regularly updated via pictures and videos and I am available to discuss the dogs progress at any time. The minimum period of time that a dog stays with us is 4 weeks.
This is where the dog and handler come to meet us at Abergwenllan HQ and we conduct an initial assessment of the team. Following the assessment , together , we look at what training is required and over what period of time. The dog then comes to stay with us at our home and I train the dog myself.We do not use outside staff or trainers. Owners are regularly updated via pictures and videos and I am available to discuss the dogs progress at any time. The minimum period of time that a dog stays with us is 4 weeks.
The dog and handler team come to us and we carry out an initial assessment. We look at the relationship, the dogs management, diet and training requirements.
Together, we then put a bespoke training package together. Following the initial assessment the team them return at regular intervals to practice what’s been discussed under my guidance. The team then go home to practice, develop and consolidate what’s been learned before returning to move the training forward.
With this method of training a strong bond is developed between dog and handler as both are learning and training together.An initial assessment takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes and each lesson usually takes at least an hour.
We are able to provide bespoke training packages for clients who have purchased dogs from us as puppies. Training to the clients specific needs whether that be a pet and assistance dog or a fully trained gundog. The puppy stays with us in training until trained to the owners requirements. The amount of time that takes depends on the level of training a fully trained gundog usually takes a year and will also have some experience in the field.
We have many international clients and are able to export dogs all over the world via Heathrow. We have got working relationships with air pets and are able to travel dogs to Heathrow ourselves. The process is very stress free for the dogs. We also ensure all dogs are appropriately vaccinated for their onward travel. Handover for trained dogs can be done in person where the client comes to us for a few days or Nick can travel along with the dog for handover if required or it can be done remotely whichever suits the client best.
We can provide Zoom type consultations to provide advice and guidance on any subject matter relating to your dog. These are usually 45 minutes to an hour in length. Please contact me for any further information and prices.
I have had a love of dogs and training them from a very young age, growing up with spaniels, labradors and a German shepherd. Following my older brother to local shoots with his working dogs. It was a natural progression for me during my career in the Police Force to apply for the Dog Section. I then spent the majority of my career working with and training the dogs. Whilst on the Section I was an Operational Handler and Trainer. I trained and was deployed with General Purpose Dogs , Search Dogs and Explosive Detection Dogs. I have also worked with firearms support dogs.
I train dogs for a variety of different disciplines from Basic Obedience/Agility to Assistance and Search Work. I can cater for both Groups and on a 1 to 1 basis. At Abergwenllan we are fortunate enough to have both indoor and outdoor training facilities and access to some of the best Gundog Training areas in the UK on our doorstep. We have the resources to recreate any scenarios that may cause your dog an issue.
I have worked with and trained many different breeds within the Force including , German Shepherds , Belgium Malinois , Dutch Herding Dogs , Labradors , Spaniels , Cocker Spaniels and Border Collies. I have been deployed during many high profile events and enquiries for example the NATO Summit. I also competed in Police Dog Trials and assisted in the organisation of them.During my career as a serving police dog handler I also trained gundogs in my free time, competing in Working Tests, Field Trials and again organised and ran these events as a Field Trial Secretary.
I have always been involved in a number of local and commercial shoots , I currently pick up with a large team of labradors several times per week within the Scottish Hills. To date I have trained a number of Gundogs for both UK and overseas clients professionally. For approximately 25 years myself and my wife Claire have run our kennel, Abergwenllan, breeding and training dogs. Since retiring and moving to the beautiful Scottish Border Hills, I have started Abergwenllan Dog Training. We have both a Facebook and Instagram page, Abergwenllan Dog Training, where you can find reviews from our clients and follow our training journeys.
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