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The Home of Working Dogs in Aberdeenshire

About us

I’m Sam, the trainer behind Gladrock Gundogs. Based here in Aberdeenshire, I work with all kinds of dogs and their owners — from first-time puppy parents to experienced handlers looking to sharpen up their training. I offer a range of services including puppy foundations, basic obedience, introduction to gundog training and much more. Whether your goal is a well-mannered pet at home or a capable working companion in the field, I’ll help you and your dog build the skills and confidence you need.

Gladrock Gundogs grew out of my own love of training working breeds and wanting to share that knowledge with others. Many people find themselves with high-energy gundog breeds and aren’t sure how to get the best out of them — that’s where I come in. My approach is always practical, supportive, and tailored to your dog, so training is enjoyable for both of you.

Explore Our Awesomeness

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What we offer

Introduction to gundog training (18 months +)

Gundog training isn’t just for working breeds, it’s an engaging and rewarding activity for any pet dog. It’s a fantastic way to enrich your dog’s life, providing daily mental and physical stimulation that you can practice in your backyard or while out on woodland walks. To enrol in this course, your dog should already have a good foundation in obedience. If your dog is still working on the basics, we recommend starting with our Basic Obedience course before progressing to gundog training.


During this course, we will cover::  

  • Retrieving
  • Steadiness
  • Whistle training
  • Directional commands
  • Introduction to water

Puppy Introduction to gundog training (under 18 months)

Gundog training isn’t just for adult dogs, puppies can benefit from it too! It’s a wonderful way to introduce your puppy to new challenges while keeping training fun through game-based exercises you can practice every day. Please note: if your puppy is currently teething, we will hold off on retrieves until they are ready. At this stage, the focus is on patience, positivity, and creating enjoyable learning experiences.

In this course, we will cover:  

  • Basic obedience
  • Steadiness
  • Practicing the “hold”
  • Retrieving
  • Whistle training
  • Introduction to water

Basic obedience

Every great partnership starts with the basics. Establishing solid obedience is the foundation for a well-mannered, confident companion and is the first step in any training journey. The earlier these skills are introduced, the easier life becomes—for both you and your dog—building a relationship based on trust and clear communication.

In this course, we will focus on:

  • Foundational commands
  • Recall
  • Heel work
  • On- and off-leash training
  • Socialisation

Puppy training (from 8 weeks old onwards)

Let’s give your puppy the best start by teaching them the skills they’ll need for life! At this age, puppies require plenty of rest—often up to 16 hours a day—so training sessions are kept short and positive. Just as important as training is making time to bond, play, and enjoy these early months together. They grow quickly, and these moments are precious.

In this course, we will cover:

  • Handling
  • Socialisation
  • House manners
  • Crate training
  • Toilet training
  • Recall
  • Leash walking
  • Communication
  • Playtime

Coffee shop etiquette

I created this course after countless people stopped me during coffee outings to admire how calm and well-behaved my dogs are—often saying they could never imagine their own dog doing the same. I understand how stressful it can feel to bring your dog along: the worry that they won’t settle, the barking, the constant quest for attention, or the scavenging for every crumb on the floor.

This course is designed to help both you and your dog enjoy these moments together with confidence and ease. We will focus on:

  • Visit an actual coffee shop
  • Foundation commands
  • Steadiness
  • Building confidence
  • Strengthening communication

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Testimonials

Alexander Veiss

"...Absolutely fantastic work, many thanks for the perfect collaboration so far, very much appreciated!..."

Melina Albrecht

"... I love this team! They did fantastic work, many thanks for the perfect collaboration so far..."

Alexander Josh

"...Absolutely fantastic work, many thanks for the perfect collaboration so far, very much appreciated!..."

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Follow our Journey

Gundog Recall Training:

Reliable recall is one of the most valuable skills for any gundog. Whether you’re exercising a young spaniel on moors, r…

Stop Whistle Training for Gundogs: From Kitchen to Field in 5 Short Sessions

Training a stop whistle is one of the cornerstones of gundog control. Whether you’re preparing for trials, working on li…