The People Behind Volucris
Mark Craddock — Founder and Lead Trainer
Mark brings over 30 years’ experience in teaching, training and coaching to Volucris. He is a qualified Workplace Trainer and Assessor, accredited with the IMDT and a Primary Assessor for the Royal Kennel Club Working Gundog Certificate.
Alongside coaching handlers, Mark works his own dogs on shoots and has gained Awards in Working Tests, Field Trials and Summer Competitions. This practical experience shapes his teaching, combining clear explanations and honest feedback with an understanding of what dogs and handlers need to succeed in the field.
Paul White — Gundog Trainer
Paul supports our group programmes and individual training, bringing valuable experience in developing working retrievers. His practical approach helps handlers build confidence, understanding and dependable performance.
Deborah Craddock — Administration and Member Support
Deborah manages bookings, administration and member support. A qualified Trainer and Assessor herself, she understands the training journey and helps handlers organise their next steps with Volucris.
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?
At Volucris, we specialise in developing working spaniels and retrievers—and the handlers behind them. Our training has a clear purpose: to build the understanding, confidence and dependable behaviour needed in the field.
A clear route from foundations to fieldwork
Our training pathway builds skills progressively, from early foundations to more demanding work. We develop each dog at an appropriate pace, strengthening understanding before increasing distance, distraction and difficulty.
Training on ground that prepares dogs for the job
At Thoresby Estate, access to woodland, cover, water and a working shoot allows us to develop skills in the environments where dogs will use them.
Coaching that develops you as well as your dog
We explain what we are teaching, why it matters and how to practice it. Expect clear instruction, honest feedback and exercises that help you recognise progress and understand what needs further work.
Purposeful Progression. Dependable Performance.
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).
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.
