COLLETTE MAY, FOUNDER
Now based in Mid Wales, Collette is a mum of three and the proud owner-founder of Mid Wales Holidays and Completely Gundogs.
Her home is shared with Labrador Retrievers, Angus, Grace, Harry, Fern, Jimmy and Ivy, plus cheeky Chihuahua Rosie.
Collette regularly takes her dogs picking up on local shoots throughout the season. She is also an avid competitor, taking part in working tests and field trials.
Passionate about gundogs, Collette takes pride in her work by ensuring that her clients' and their dogs' emotional and physical needs, as well as individual training requirements, are all met. She finds it rewarding to help owners train their dogs, to improve their relationship and reduce problems both at home and out in the field, whether working or competing.
Collette is a full member of the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers and is an accredited Gundog Club instructor and assessor.
Scienced-based gundog training methods
Over the last decade, Collette has dedicated her life to learning about science-based, reward-based gundog training in order to teach her students to train their dogs in a fun, force free and effective way.
Before starting her first training business, Lead & Listen in Surrey, she completed extensive theoretical and practical training with world-class trainers, including Chirag Patel.
Collette has a particular interest in how we can communicate more effectively with our dogs by reading their body language and also by being more aware of our own. People often think their dogs can read their minds, but they are simply watching their every move which helps them to predict what is coming next. Understanding our canine friends is the secret to increased cooperation and general obedience.
Collette has achieved numerous awards in working tests and is proud to have achieved high standards using positive reinforcement methods of training and without any force.
She believes that training should always be fun and enjoyable for both the dog and handler, regardless of the end goal. Using kind methods will help to build a strong relationship which will become essential when competing or working.
Collette encourages handlers who train with her to use clickers and placeboards to help breakdown the complex tasks into smaller, easier to understand stages, which speeds up the learning for the dog.
Gemma Cox, trainer at completely gundogs
Gemma has the privilege of being a passionate gundog trainer with her own business AC Gundogs based in the stunning New Forest.
Gemma's journey with gundogs began many years ago and has evolved into a lifelong commitment to training these incredible animals both for her own fieldwork and to assist valued clients.
Gemma found herself drawn to the world of gundogs from a young age, as she was captivated by the intelligence, agility, and loyalty of gundogs.
Growing up on her family run shoot, her first dog, a beautiful wire-haired Hungarian Vizsla named Rizla, was the catalyst for what has become Gemma's life's work.
Rizla was not just a pet; he was her partner in the field. Training him was a journey of discovery, filled with challenges and triumphs that taught Gemma the importance of patience, consistency, and understanding the unique personality of each dog. The bond they developed was profound, and it sparked a desire to share this experience with others.
Gemma currently has Spook a Working Cocker, Remi a Korthals Griffon, Gwen a Lab and Ody a Dalmatian. Over the years, Gemma has honed her training techniques, to develop a comprehensive training program tailored to the needs of each dog and their owner.
Her philosophy is positive reinforcement, creating a supportive and encouraging environment where dogs can thrive.
Gemma heads up many of our all breed novice and intermediate spaniel holidays. She has decades of experience training and more importantly working gundogs.
"Training gundogs is not just a profession for me; it is a passion that infuses every aspect of my life. I am continually inspired by the dedication and resilience of these remarkable animals and the joy they bring to their handlers. The journey of training a gundog is one of mutual respect and partnership, and I am grateful every day to be a part of it," said Gemma.
Whether you are an experienced handler or new to the world of gundogs, Gemma looks forward working with you and your gundog, sharing the skills and insights she's gathered over the years.
Sam Davis - Trainer at Completely gundogs
With 15 years of experience in gundog training and meticulous attention to detail, Sam Davis is currently competing at the Open level alongside her exceptionally talented black Labrador, Onyx. Sam’s journey in the world of gundogs began in South Africa, inspired by a friend's passion for the sport.
Her first dog, Dexter, a rescue with a mix of show and working lines, may not have fit the mold of a traditional gundog, but he sparked Sam's enthusiasm for the field. Following Dexter, she trained Skye, a full working lab who significantly influenced her training philosophy, teaching her invaluable lessons about partnership and teamwork.
Sam also shares her home with Neva, a retired gundog, which showcases her adaptability as a trainer. Training Neva presented challenges due to her sensitivity and lower drive, pushing Sam to modify her techniques to effectively bring out Neva's potential.
To further enhance her skills, Sam has completed various courses with the IMDT Training Academy, enabling her to provide the best training and support for dogs and their handlers.
Active in local dog training clubs and community, Sam continually seeks to expand her knowledge and connect with fellow trainers. She is passionate about sharing insights on effective training methods and the importance of mental stimulation for dogs. Additionally, Sam is involved in judging for various gundogs clubs, further enhancing her expertise and commitment to excellence in dog training. She also works both her dogs at local shoots picking up, which she loves. Sam's extensive experience, combined with her ongoing education, positions her as a knowledgeable and adaptable dog trainer, keen on fostering strong bonds between dogs and their owners.
Sam will be teaching mostly the retriever gundog holidays and working test workshops as this plays to her strengths, in particular her attention to detail and experience in this area.
WhAT OTHERS HAVE TO SAY
When I got my first ever gundog three years ago, a working cocker, I really didn't know where to start. Luckily I decided to start my training with Collette and immediately felt at ease with her kind and patient ways. As Monty matured he presented me with challenges that made me want to give up at times, but with Collette's experience and help she saw me through it and helped me become a happy and confident handler. As time progressed Lou joined Collette's team as a trainer and nowadays I train with both and have the best of both worlds. I have become a regular attendee on the training holidays at Collette's stunning new location in Wales and always look forward to the trips with great excitement. I consider both Collette and Lou not just as great trainers but also as good friends and thanks to them I have managed to get Monty to a level where I can enjoy working him on pheasant shoots and take him out rough shooting which was always my dream. Thank you ladies, you’ve got a client for life here!
I have nothing but praise for Collette's teaching. My ESS is a sensitive soul and easily switches off. Using lots of force free techniques and suggestions from Collette we have made great progress in the last year. My dog is now engaged, happy and confident and if we carry on as we are, I am sure, thanks to Collette, Speckle will be a great asset in the shooting field next season.
I have been on several gundog courses run by Collette after going to a traditional gundog trainer who made me feel very useless. Collette has been unfailingly supportive and enthusiastic about my efforts and, despite having a sensitive and rather too keen dog, we have, under her guidance, made huge improvements. Without her careful, thoughtful and considered instruction I certainly would have given up. I thoroughly recommend her.
I discovered Collette when my working Lab was about two years old and I was looking for an activity that she would enjoy. We found so much more. Working with Collette and her team has shown me how to train my dog to a level I didn’t know was possible. Along the way, she’s become an even more delightful dog to live with, she’s happier because I’ve learnt how to use her working traits, our bond has deepened amazingly and I have a new obsession with training! Collette only trains using positive reinforcement / force free methods. As a qualified psychologist, I know the science behind learning backs this up. The team are completely open to learning from other training perspectives and encompass the wealth of skill and knowledge across the spectrum of training styles, often adapting ideas from across the gundog training world. You will find a warm welcome whatever your background. Training is structured around The Gundog Club grading scheme which gives nerds like me targets to aim for and many clients shoot with their dogs. Collette’s competing experiences are encouraging some of us to enter working tests. You’ve probably guessed I’m a fan by now! Highly recommended.
Collette and the team are simply fantastic. They give real insight into the dogs behaviour and teach simple, effective and lasting techniques to allow you to train your dog to the highest standard. I was amazed how quickly Duke, my 2 year old lab, responded and understood. The stress free methods meant he loved every step of his training and he now has merit passes at Grades 1 & 2. Thanks Collette 🐾👍🏻.
I have been training with Collette for nearly two years now and have found the support on offer to be second to none. She uses science-based, positive/ reward-based methods to teach everything from a reliable recall to steadiness, heel work and retrieving. Having come to Collette with a few 'issues', I was impressed with her incredible ability to come up with lots of different ways to train a skill. She is also an incredibly patient teacher! This has meant that even when we were struggling with the stop whistle, heel work or delivery, Collette has always helped us to find a solution. The online teaching capabilities and monthly membership mean that even though I am based in Kent, we can still train, albeit virtually, with Collette and other Completely Gundogs members on a weekly basis.
Quick Links
Support
Legal
Follow Us
Copyright 2026. Completely Gundogs. All Rights Reserved.