TRAINING CLASSES
Training Co-ordinator - Hilly Hoar


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Training Classes are for current members only
Prospective new members are most welcome to come along (without their dog) for a chat and stay to watch the training.
The Training descriptions for each class and directions to the Training Grounds are detailed in the sections below.
We’re excited to announce that Chris Donne and Sue Gilbert will be heading up the 2025 Spaniel Training Programme! Both Chris and Sue bring a wealth of experience to the table, with many years of training spaniels under their belts. Their expertise ensures that this year’s programme will be both effective and enjoyable for all participants.
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2025 Training Dates:
Monday Evening Training​
Monday 14th April at Springhead - 6pm for a 6.30pm start
Note: The first evening is a little earlier than usual because of the daylight
Monday​ 28th April at Arundel North - 6.30pm for a 7pm start
Monday 19th May at Arundel North - 6.30pm for a 7pm start
Monday 2nd June - venue TBC - 6.30pm for a 7pm start
Monday 16th June at Fair Oak, Rogate - 6.30pm for a 7pm start
Monday 30th June at Fair Oak, Rogate - 6.30pm for a 7pm start
Monday 7th July - venue TBC - 6.30pm for a 7pm start
Monday 21st July - venue TBC - 6.30pm for a 7pm start
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Competitive Training Day
Saturday 9th August
Details will be available at the Training Evenings
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Special Training Days:
Saturday 29th March - Novice Dog Novice Handler Retriever Training Day
This is intended to help those who would like to start competing in Working Tests and will take place at Five Oaks Farm near Billingshurst
The session will cover test scenarios with evaluation and include test etiquette on
how to conduct yourself and dress appropriately as well as enjoy the whole experience with your dog.
Saturday 29th March - Spaniel 'Get Together' and Assessment
The 2025 spaniel training will feature a new format tailored to meet the specific needs of attendees. Groups will be divided into pre-novice, novice, and intermediate/advanced levels. To ensure everyone is placed appropriately, an initial assessment session will take place before training begins. This structure provides a clear route for progression, with the ultimate goal of moving participants through the groups as their skills develop. We’re confident that with Chris and Sue at the helm, this year’s programme will be a fantastic experience for both handlers and their spaniels! The venue and details for the assessment day will be published soon.
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Sunday 10th August - Water Training Day
Details and venue will be announced soon
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Grounds are open when the A&D signs are out.
Classes £10 - Please bring the correct money.
Handlers may only have one dog in a class.
To compete in the Competitive Training Day, dogs must have attended at least two classes.
Bring your own well-scrubbed and clearly named dummy.
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TRAINING CLASS DESCRIPTIONS - RETRIEVERS
The following criteria are guidelines to help decide which class would be most suitable.
PUPPY/BEGINNER: For those who are new to the sport or have young dogs just starting.
They do need to be able to walk to heel on lead, sit and stay for a short time, have a recall and be able to do a simple retrieve.
LOWER NOVICE: Aimed at Novice dog Novice handler or those not yet ready to run in Novice tests. Also for members who just want a well behaved dog in the shooting field.
NOVICE: This class is for those who wish to run in Novice tests.
OPEN: For dogs and handlers who have a high level of the basics. We will work on progress through a wide range of scenarios that you may encounter at tests or out in the field.
DIRECTIONS TO TRAINING GROUNDS
Directions to Training Grounds:
(Do not enter the ground before the A&D signs are out)
Fair Oak, Rogate GU31 5HR:
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Turn south off A272 at the church in Rogate; over the narrow bridge, and the entrance is immediately on the left.
Arundel North BN18 9LL:
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A284 between Whiteways Roundabout and the Arundel A29 roundabout.
Springhead, Storrington RH20 4HW:
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If coming from Storrington the turning is on your left. From Amberley, the turning is on your right.
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