Thoresby Estate · Nottinghamshire
Working Gundog Training at Thoresby
Real Ground. Real Experiences. Real Working Gundogs.
Volucris Gundog Training is based on the historic Thoresby Estate in Nottinghamshire, where we train working Spaniels and Retrievers to work in the field.
Thoresby is more than an impressive setting. It provides the terrain, cover, water, game scent, and realistic situations needed to prepare dogs for the work they will be asked to do.
The Ground
Built on Better Ground
Working Gundogs cannot be fully prepared for the field by training only on short grass or in enclosed paddocks.
At Thoresby, we have access to:
- Woods and natural cover
- Sugar Beet, Maize, Heather and Bracken
- Open grassland and parkland
- Lakes, rivers, and challenging terrain
- Working game pens and game-scented ground
- Ground used for Beating, Picking Up and Walked-Up Shooting
Each environment asks something different of the dog.
The Progression
From Puppy to Field
Thoresby allows us to take a dog from its earliest foundations through to genuine field preparation on one estate.
As the dog develops, training can progress from Foundations to:
- Hunting natural cover
- Steadiness to movement, flush and shot
- Seen, memory and blind retrieves
- Water and barrier work
- Remote launcher training
- Cold and warm game
- Beating and Picking Up
- Shot-over training
- Working Test and Field Trial preparation
Suitability
Who Is Thoresby Training For?
Training at Thoresby is for working Spaniels and Retrievers whose handlers intend for them to work in some capacity.
You do not need to be an experienced handler or already involved with a shoot. We can help suitable dogs and committed handlers begin that journey.
Before You Book
Frequently Asked Questions
Can beginners train at Thoresby?
Yes. Suitable dogs and committed handlers can begin with our foundation training before progressing onto the estate’s more challenging ground and field-based exercises.
Does my dog need to be working already?
No. We can help prepare a dog for future work. You should, however, intend for your dog to work in some capacity if you wish to progress through our working-gundog pathway.
Can any dog attend advanced field training?
No. Dogs must demonstrate the appropriate foundations before moving into advanced training. These include steadiness, recall, heelwork or controlled hunting, stop-whistle understanding and efficient delivery to hand.
Will my dog be introduced to game and gunshot?
Where appropriate, both form part of the dog’s development. Introductions are progressive and depend on the dog’s age, confidence, previous experience and level of control.
Can I book a one-off Training Day?
Some Workshops and Field Skills days may be available as individual bookings. Dogs must still meet any entry requirements stated for the event.
Is training available for both spaniels and retrievers?
Yes. Volucris specialises in working Spaniels and Retrievers. Exercises and expectations are adapted to the intended role of each breed and individual dog.
Next Step
Begin Your Dog’s Working Journey
If you are looking for purposeful training for a working Spaniel or Retriever, we can help you identify the right starting point.
Tell us your dog’s breed, age, previous training and what you ultimately want the dog to do. We will recommend the most appropriate Programme, Workshop or Assessment.