DOVESFLIGHT

GUNDOG & PET DOG TRAINING

Welcome to Dovesflight Gun & Pet Dog Training, located in the heart of Gloucestershire and run by Roger Wildsmith, an accomplished dog trainer with a career spanning four decades. Roger’s expertise covers all aspects of dog behaviour and obedience. From one-on-one sessions to puppy and group training, Dovesflight can help you, whether you’re at the start of your journey or aiming for field trial excellence.

Our facilities, just five minutes from Junction 13 of the M5, feature a secure paddock equipped with various covers and distractions, as well as a steadying pen for real-life training simulations. Clients also have the opportunity to socialise their dogs with Roger’s pack, enabling them to test their focus and address any behavioural issues in a range of conditions.

Specialising in working Springer and Cocker Spaniels, as well as Labrador Retrievers, Roger’s expertise extends to all breeds, including pet dogs. With countless success stories, Roger has helped his clients train their dogs for both the shooting field and a peaceful life at home.

Dovesflight Gun & Pet Dog Training is rated 5 stars on Google reviews. Check out our Testimonials section to read first-hand how Roger’s training has transformed his clients’ understanding of their dogs and how to give them the most fulfilling life.

Get in touch on 07581715201 with Roger today to discuss your training requirements and schedule your first session!

TRAINING SERVICES

A COMMON SENSE APPROACH TO DOG TRAINING

Developed during his years as a gamekeeper and kennelman, Roger’s approach blends traditional methods of gun dog training with deep insights into dog psychology. He can help you go beyond merely teaching commands to nurturing a deep understanding of your dog.

Training sessions focus on how to grow and harness your bond. As pack animals, dogs thrive on structure, routine, and hierarchy, so in your sessions with Roger, you’ll learn to be your dog’s leader and build a partnership. There’s no need for treats: your bond with your dog will become the ultimate reward.

Experience the satisfaction of seeing your dog’s behaviour praised and admired. Roger’s time-tested training methods have transformed even the most challenging dogs into well-mannered and much-loved family members.

Give us a call on 07581715201 or send an enquiry to start your journey with Dovesflight Gun & Pet Dog Training!

ONE ON ONE TRAINING

In one-on-one sessions with Roger, tailored to your dog’s unique temperament and your specific goals, you’ll witness remarkable progress in the partnership between you and your canine companion. You'll learn to read your dog’s body language, stay calm when things don’t go according to plan, and reward positive behaviour effectively.

Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or a seasoned pro, Dovesflight Gun & Pet Dog Training welcomes you.

Here are just a few examples of what Roger can offer:

Puppy training: From crate training to setting boundaries, lay the foundation for a well-behaved adult dog.

Basic obedience: Master essential commands like walking to heel, sitting, staying, and recall for a harmonious relationship.

Gun dog training: Prepare your dog for the field with specialised training in retrieving, handling, and steadiness.

Price:
£70ph booked in block of 3 or 6.
3 sessions £210 -
most popular!
6 Sessions £360

*For payment terms please read our T&C’s

  • GROUP TRAINING

    For steadier dogs ready for additional distractions

    Join our group training sessions at Dovesflight Gun & Pet Dog Training! Led by Roger, these sessions are held near Frampton on Severn Gloucestershire and Hereford. Catering to working dogs, providing specialised training experiences for each breed.

    Experience simulated shooting days where your handling skills are put to the test in a relaxed and friendly environment with fellow dog enthusiasts. Give your dog the opportunity to hunt and retrieve, including in water and woodland – a great way of strengthening the partnership between you both!

    Price on enquiry

  • BEHAVIOURAL TRAINING

    For dogs with behavioural challenges

    With almost four decades of experience, Roger has successfully worked with all kinds of dogs, including those that pull on the lead, are aggressive, and experience separation anxiety. At Dovesflight, Roger will help you understand the underlying reasons behind your dog’s behaviour and address them effectively.

    It’s never too late to overcome behavioural issues. By changing attitudes and committing to training, Roger’s clients have seen significant improvements. Many have expressed regret for not seeking his expertise sooner, after spending considerable time and resources elsewhere. Don’t make the same mistake!

    3 sessions £300

  • BESPOKE SERVICES

    Get in touch to discuss our additional services.

    Home visits:
    Roger offers home visits for training sessions, allowing you to work in a familiar environment or address behavioural issues directly where they occur.

    Intensive training: Over the course of a full week, address specific behaviours or prepare for an upcoming competition.

    Steadying pen: If desired, arrangements can be made for the use of a steadying pen.

    Need other support? Please get in touch!

    Price on enquiry

 

ABOUT DOVESFLIGHT

With a lifelong passion for dogs and field sports, Roger Wildsmith embarked on his journey with working breeds in 1985, when he purchased his first Springer Spaniel. His affinity with dogs swiftly gained attention, and by 1988, he found himself with a dedicated clientele seeking his expertise on Sunday mornings, eager for guidance in training their cherished companions.

Starting his career as a gamekeeper and then going on to be a Kennelman for the Bay of Plenty Hunt in New Zealand, Roger witnessed first-hand the daily interactions of dogs in a pack environment. Through constant exposure to the many behaviours and issues that can occur and being responsible for resolving them, Roger quickly learned how to bring the best out of his dogs and train them to a very high standard. 

Eventually, Roger transformed his growing passion into a career, formally establishing Dovesflight Gun Dog & Pet Training in Saul, Gloucestershire, to share his expertise with others.

Over the years, Roger has become a familiar face in the world of field trials and working gun dog tests as both a competitor and judge. One of his proudest achievements is qualifying for the Cocker Spaniel Championships held at Sandringham Estate in what was only his third trial. 

Roger has bred several of his own dogs under the Dovesflight kennel name. Today, he leads a pack of 12 dogs, including a mix of Springer Spaniels, Cocker Spaniels, and Labrador Retrievers. They are all trained to the highest standard, whether working in the field or as family companions at home.

From Roger’s experience, there’s nothing more rewarding than being complimented on the behaviour and training of your dog. Discover the difference that Roger’s expertise can make in your dog’s life.

 
  • "I can’t recommend him enough!"

    Roger was recommended to me to help with my reactive Lab/Collie mix Luna. She was reactive to other dogs and some people. I dreaded taking her to public places. With Roger’s guidance, we have improved in leaps and bounds! He has helped us open the lines of communication. We really enjoy our sessions! I now get so many comments about how well behaved Luna is, Roger is right, it’s a great feeling . I now feel proud take her out and about. I can’t recommend him enough.

    - SHELLY THOMAS -

  • "Thanks Roger!"

    Wow - We have had one session with Roger and were amazed how much knowledge could be shared over a cup of tea. We have 3 more sessions already booked in with Dovesflight for our WCS and can't wait. Minutes after implementing his no non-sense approach we have noticed a change in our dogs behaviour and feel so positive for the future. Thanks Roger!

    - Milly Banks -

  • "I’ve struck gold"

    As a first time dog owner, let alone a WCS, finding Roger for support & training means I’ve struck gold. His support, patience & education fantastic for me the Human! Finn is 21 months & is such a gentle well behaved & good mannered dog. Yes he can be testing occasionally, but I now understand far more about him & the breed - we work together to correct any unwanted behaviour, with the aim being to have a happy dog/human living their best lives & having fun.

    - Heather Howell -

  • "Roger is calm, professional & flexible"

    Have been taking my fox red Lab to Roger since she was 4 months old - she has gone from an unruly puppy to a calm, sociable, hard working, focused dog that I can happily walk off lead to heel. Roger is calm, professional and flexible around my working life. Would recommend to any dog owner.

    - Sam Moore -

  • "His support, patience & education fantastic for me the Human!"

    As a first time dog owner, let alone a WCS, finding Roger for support & training means I’ve struck gold. His support, patience & education fantastic for me the Human! Finn is 21 months & is such a gentle well behaved & good mannered dog. Yes he can be testing occasionally, but I now understand far more about him & the breed - we work together to correct any unwanted behaviour, with the aim being to have a happy dog/human living their best lives & having fun.

    - Heather Howell -

  • "We would have been in a real mess without Roger's excellent guidance"

    As first time owners of a working cocker spaniel, we would have been in a real mess without Roger's excellent guidance and instruction. We have been coming for over a year now, and are still getting great value from every session. Learning how to understand and effectively interact with our dog has been a great experience, and we are now and to really enjoy owning and training him.

    - Charlie Pearson -

  • "Roger provided us with clear and concise advice which has helped us transform our rescue""

    We took our rescue dog, Bruno to Roger when we adopted him at around 14 months old. Roger provided us with clear and concise advice which has helped us transform Bruno from a disobedient pet who couldn’t be let off the lead, into a well behaved dog who now gets to enjoy his walks on and off the lead as well as now having an understanding of what’s expected of him.

    Rogers training is built around firm but fair structure and training where you’ll reap the benefits if you implement what he asks of you when at home. We previously took Bruno to a teenager dog class which we found was too ‘lovey dovey’ for what we needed.

    Bruno now gets to enjoy his time with us as much as we get to enjoy it with him. We can’t recommend Roger enough.