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.