Competing with Spaniels

This opening session sets the stage for your journey into the world of spaniel competition and provides the essential context for the entire course — and we’re thrilled to announce that we’ll be joined by Andrew Waterhouse, one of the UK’s most respected and experienced field trial competitors.

An A Panel Judge with over 35 years in gundogs and three Field Trial Champions to his name, Andrew brings an unparalleled depth of knowledge and insight. His achievements include making up both Cocker and Springer champions — including Spiriteddawn Mystic, who placed 3rd in the 2018 Cocker Spaniel Championship. Andrew will be joining us live to share his journey, answer your questions, and offer invaluable perspective as you begin your own.

Before we dive into the finer details of training and handling, this session will take a step back to explore the bigger picture — the groundwork that often begins long before you ever step foot in a trial or test.

You’ll gain a clear understanding of the key differences between field trials and working tests, and what each is designed to evaluate — from your spaniel’s natural hunting instincts to obedience, steadiness, and training development.

We’ll also introduce the guiding principles and rules set by our sport’s governing body, show you where to find them, and how to start building your knowledge base.

Finally, we’ll give you a first look at the entry process, the role of judges, and the various trial types — all of which will be explored in greater depth as the course progresses.

Throughout this 12-week journey, we’ll dive into the full landscape of spaniel competition, including:

🐾 How to join and navigate clubs and societies

🌿 Game management, conservation, and the Code of Good Shooting Practice

🎯 Preparing for your first field trial — both mentally and practically

🤝 Access to live Q&A sessions with some of the UK’s top handlers, trainers, and judges

🐶 An in-depth look at different spaniel breeds and their suitability for competition

📈 Training, development and realistic expectations as you progress

🔎 An honest discussion about the challenges, rewards, and realities of trialling

Whether you’re an enthusiastic newcomer or already working your dog in the field, this course will give you the tools, insights, and support you need to take the next step with confidence.

Getting involved with a field trial society or gundog club is often the first meaningful step on your journey into spaniel competition. These organisations are at the heart of the working dog world, offering valuable opportunities to learn, connect, and progress.

In this session, we’ll explore:

🔹 The role of clubs in supporting new and developing handlers

🔹 What to look for when choosing a society that aligns with your goals

🔹 How clubs can help you gain access to experienced trainers, events, and training environments

We’ll also touch on how these societies contribute to your long-term development — not just through training, but by helping you and your dog adapt to the competitive field environment.

You’ll come away with a clearer understanding of why joining a club isn’t just helpful — it’s a vital part of your success in trialling.

To truly understand field trials — and to train and run a competitive spaniel successfully — it’s essential to have a broader appreciation of the shooting field and the conservation landscape in which the sport operates.

Field trials are designed to replicate the conditions of a real day’s shooting, testing a dog’s natural ability, control, and effectiveness in the field. This includes working with a variety of game species such as rabbits, hares, partridges, and pheasants — each presenting different challenges and scenarios for both dog and handler.

In this session, we’ll take a closer look at the world that surrounds trialling, including:

🌿 The relationship between game management and conservation

🦆 An overview of game species commonly worked in trials

🏹 The practical and ethical considerations behind game release, habitat creation, and wildlife stewardship

📖 And the importance of the Code of Good Shooting Practice in promoting responsible, sustainable, and respectful participation in country sports

Understanding this wider context doesn’t just make you a better handler — it grounds you in the traditions, values, and responsibilities that underpin everything we do in field trialling.

Before entering the world of competitive trialling, it’s essential to understand the rules and regulations that govern the sport — not only to compete fairly, but to uphold the values and integrity of the field trialling community.

In this session, we’ll introduce you to the core requirements and responsibilities every competitor should be aware of. These include:

📋 The need for your dog to be registered as a purebred gundog under one of the four sub-groups which i our case is Spaniels.

🐾 Ensuring both you and your dog are fit and prepared for the physical demands of trialling — including rough terrain and variable weather conditions

⚖️ A clear breakdown of the J Regulations, how trials are structured, and what’s expected of handlers and dogs on the day – the regulations are crucial for anyone involved in field trials, as they establish the framework governing the conduct of these events.

This session will provide you with the foundational knowledge to approach trialling with confidence, professionalism, and respect — all essential qualities for success in the sport.

Attending your first field trial can feel daunting, but with the right preparation, it’s a rewarding step forward in your journey.

In this session, we’ll walk you through what to expect before, during, and after your first trial. You’ll learn:

🔹 How to read and understand a field trial schedule

🔹 What the entry process involves and how the draw works

🔹 What to bring, how to prepare, and what happens on the day

🔹 Key rules of conduct and how to make a positive first impression

🔹 The role of stewards, judges, and secretaries — and how to engage with them

🔹 How to reflect and learn from your first experience in the field

This session is designed to remove uncertainty, build confidence, and help you approach your first trial with clarity and purpose.

In this session, we’ll explore Spaniel Working Tests — a popular and accessible way to assess your dog’s ability in a competitive setting, without the use of live game.

Working tests are designed to mirror the challenges of a rough shooting day, using dummies to replicate retrieves and hunting scenarios. You’ll learn how these events offer a structured, lower-pressure environment to develop and showcase your spaniel’s hunting, retrieving, and handling skills.

We’ll cover:

🔹 What to expect at a working test and how they differ from field trials

🔹 The types of tasks typically included, from seen retrieves to blinds

🔹 How spaniels are judged on style, obedience, and performance

🔹 The difference between novice and open levels

🔹 Why working tests are a fantastic stepping stone for dogs and handlers preparing for trials

Whether you’re brand new or looking to build experience, this session will help you see working tests as a key part of your training and competitive journey.

Midway through the course, we’ll be hosting our first live and interactive session — a unique opportunity to hear directly from experienced field trial judges and get your questions answered in real time.

This session is designed to open up discussion, encourage participation, and give you the chance to explore the judging perspective in a relaxed, supportive environment. Whether you’re curious about how decisions are made on the day, what judges look for in a winning dog, or how to handle common mistakes — this is your chance to ask.

We’ll be releasing the names of our guest judges in due course, but rest assured, you’ll be learning from some of the most respected and knowledgeable figures in the field trial world.

Expect an honest, insightful, and engaging conversation that will deepen your understanding of what it takes to succeed in competition — from the people who make the calls.

Whether you’re working with a dog already or looking to get started, you’ll gain valuable insight into:

🔹 The most popular spaniel breeds used in field trials and working tests

🔹 Their individual strengths, temperaments, and working styles

🔹 Considerations around trainability, drive, stamina, and how each breed fits into various types of shooting or competition environments

🔹 Choosing the right breed for your goals, lifestyle, and level of experience

This session is especially useful if you’re just starting out or considering your next dog — helping you make informed, practical choices that set you and your spaniel up for success in the field.

Behind every successful spaniel in competition is a solid foundation of thoughtful, consistent training. In this session, we’ll focus on how to develop your dog’s skills in a way that supports their natural ability and prepares them for the demands of the competitive field.

You’ll learn how to:

🔹 Identify and use essential training aids effectively

🔹 Make the most of structured training days and group sessions

🔹 Find the right trainer or mentor who aligns with your goals and experience

🔹 Build a progressive, realistic training plan tailored to your dog’s temperament and drive

🔹 Recognise when to push forward — and when to pause and consolidate

This session is all about helping you take a purposeful approach to your spaniel’s development — laying the groundwork for success in working tests, trials, and beyond.

Trialling can be one of the most rewarding experiences in the working dog world — but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. In this honest and down-to-earth session, we’ll explore the realities of competing, from early setbacks to those hard-earned successes.

You’ll hear from handlers at all levels, sharing their personal journeys — the moments of progress, the disappointments, and the lessons learned along the way.

We’ll cover:

🔹 Common challenges faced in the early stages of trialling

🔹 How to deal with setbacks, nerves, and disappointment

🔹 The importance of resilience, patience, and realistic expectations

🔹 What it really takes — in time, effort, and mindset — to compete at the highest level

This session is all about pulling back the curtain, offering genuine insight and encouragement for anyone serious about stepping into the world of spaniel trials — and staying there.

Behind every top-performing spaniel is not just great training — but great breeding and responsible care. In this session, we’ll explore how health, genetics, and breeding choices shape success in the field and help safeguard the future of the sport.

You’ll learn:

🔹 The importance of health testing and how to interpret results

🔹 Key traits to look for in a spaniel bred for competition — from temperament to trainability

🔹 The role of responsible breeding practices in maintaining working ability and breed integrity

🔹 How to make informed decisions when selecting a pup or considering breeding your own dog

We’ll also hear directly from long-standing breeding kennels with proven success in competition, as well as licensed breeders who are committed to producing healthy, capable, and well-adjusted dogs.

Whether you’re planning to buy, breed, or simply want to better understand what makes a top-class trialling dog, this session will give you practical insight and the confidence to make responsible, well-informed choices.

To round off the series, we bring you something truly special — first-hand insight from successful competitors who have reached the highest levels of spaniel trialling.

In this final session, you’ll hear their stories:

🔹 How they got started, and the early steps they took

🔹 The setbacks, challenges, and learning curves they faced

🔹 The mindset, work ethic, and dedication it takes to reach the top

🔹 What keeps them motivated, and the advice they’d give to anyone just starting out

These real-life journeys offer more than just practical tips — they’ll give you perspective, encouragement, and a true sense of what’s possible when passion and perseverance come together.

We’ll also take time to wrap up the training, reflect on key learnings from across the 12 sessions, and help you map out your next steps — whether you’re preparing for your first competition or planning your dog’s long-term development.

You’ll leave this session not only inspired, but equipped with the knowledge, confidence, and support to begin or continue your own journey in spaniel competition.