About Volucris
Volucris Gundog Training was founded by Mark Craddock, an accredited dog trainer with over 30 years’ experience in training, coaching and education. Throughout his career, Mark has worked across schools, further education and workplace training, developing a reputation for structured, outcome-focused teaching that now underpins every aspect of the Volucris Training System.
Mark is a qualified Workplace Trainer and Assessor and a member of the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDT), one of the UK’s leading professional organisations for dog trainers. IMDT membership is awarded only to trainers who successfully complete rigorous theoretical and practical assessments, demonstrating ethical, welfare-focused and science-based training methods.
Supporting the day-to-day operation of Volucris is Deborah Craddock, who manages bookings, administration, and member support.
Working alongside us is Paul White, an experienced gundog trainer who joined the Volucris team in January 2025. Paul supports our group training programmes and brings valuable expertise in the development of our retrievers.
At Volucris, our aim is simple: to produce capable handlers and dependable working dogs. We provide the knowledge, structure and coaching needed to help handlers progress with confidence, whether they are starting with a puppy or developing a more experienced dog for the shooting field.
Anyone can tell you they can train dogs. We prefer to demonstrate it.
Our clients’ results, the standard of our own dogs and the work we do in the field speak for themselves. Away from the training ground, we actively work our own dogs, regularly picking up on local shoots and competing in working tests, field trials and summer competitions. We teach what we do, and we do what we teach.
Purposeful Progression. Dependable Performance.
What people are saying
Fantastic facilities. Modern training techniques.
Mark is an excellent communicator, explains how and why when teaching specific skills to achieve best resultsHighly recommend Volucris!
Mark goes the extra mile to ensure you understand what is being asked and how to implement it. The classes and workshops are fun and informative, I have recommended to a lot of people who also now attend classes so that speaks for itself!
Why Train With Us?
As dog training is a self-regulated industry, we feel it’s important to demonstrate that we are both experienced and fully qualified to run Gundog events/training days.
We only use modern dog training techniques, a process of careful education, observation and communication. Through positive reinforcement, we capture and shape wanted behaviour so that dogs know what to do in all situations.
Our classes will teach you how to observe your dog and notice cues that help you to understand how they are feeling. This awareness will ensure both you and your dog get the most out of training, building a solid bond and positive working relationship.
Professional & Accredited
Mark and trainers employed to work with children and vulnerable adults are checked for enhanced DBS. We have public liability insurance, appropriate dog training insurance with Petplan, and shooting insurance with The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC).
Highly recommend volucris! Fun, friendly and very informative training for working and pet gundogs. Willow and I joined a year ago and never looked back, looking forward to seeing what else we can achieve.
A brilliant trainer, not someone who just stewards you around. Problems are dealt with and you’re not just told to sort it out at home.
Puppy up to Advanced catered for. I’d really recommend Mark.
