The Pros and Cons of Gundog Training Online Courses

Online gundog training courses can be a great resource, but they also come with limitations. But below we are taking a balanced view of the advantages and disadvantages of these courses.


Pros of Online Gundog Training Courses

Flexibility & Convenience

  • Train at your own pace, on your own schedule.

  • Suitable for people with busy lives who may not be able to attend in-person sessions.

  • Can be accessed from anywhere, reducing travel time and costs.

Cost-Effective

  • Typically cheaper than one-to-one training sessions or residential programs.

  • No travel or accommodation expenses for training days or workshops.

  • Often provides lifetime access, allowing users to revisit lessons.

Access to Expert Knowledge

  • Courses are often designed by experienced trainers who share tried-and-tested methods.

  • Allows handlers to learn from trainers they may not have access to in person.

  • Some courses include Q&A sessions, live webinars, or community forums for support.

Repeatable & Structured Learning

  • Can replay lessons as many times as needed to fully understand a concept.

  • Often includes structured programs with step-by-step progression.

  • Video demonstrations help with visual learning.

Useful for Foundation Training

  • Covers basics like obedience, whistle commands, recall, and retrieving drills.

  • Suitable for puppy training and building good habits early on.


Cons of Online Gundog Training Courses

Lack of Hands-On Guidance

  • No in-person feedback from a trainer to correct mistakes in real-time.

  • Handlers may struggle with applying the techniques correctly without a professional watching.

  • Some training issues require hands-on corrections or adjustments.

One-Size-Fits-All Approach

  • Dogs progress at different rates, and an online course may not suit all learning styles.

  • Some courses don’t account for individual dog temperament, drive, or previous training experience.

  • Can be frustrating if the training isn’t tailored to the dog's specific needs.

Limited Problem-Solving Support

  • If a dog struggles with a particular exercise, there’s no immediate trainer support to troubleshoot.

  • Online Q&A support is not as effective as in-person guidance.

  • Issues like steadiness, distractions, or real-life retrieves may require field corrections.

No Real-World Training Experience

  • Some gundog training elements (e.g., water retrieves, hunting in cover, working with livestock distractions) are difficult to replicate without an actual training ground.

  • Online courses may focus more on theory than practical, real-world scenarios.

  • Real-time steadiness, marking, and directional control are best taught in a hands-on setting.

Relies on Handler Ability

  • Success depends on the handler's ability to interpret and apply the lessons correctly.

  • Some people may misinterpret cues or struggle with timing.

  • If motivation drops, consistency in training may suffer.


Best Uses for Online Gundog Training Courses

  • Puppy & Foundation Training – Great for teaching basic commands, steadiness, recall, and engagement.

  • Reinforcing Training Between In-Person Sessions – Useful for continuing work between 121 lessons.

  • Learning Theory & Techniques – Helps handlers understand training principles before applying them in the field.

  • Handlers in Remote Areas – Beneficial for those who don't have easy access to a local gundog trainer.


Conclusion

Online gundog training courses can be a valuable tool, especially for foundational training and reinforcing techniques. However, they are best used alongside in-person training, as practical, hands-on experience is crucial for a fully trained gundog. If an online course is chosen, it should offer clear video demonstrations, troubleshooting advice, and ideally, trainer support through Q&A or live sessions.