How to set gundog training goals

Collette May Author

Have you ever found yourself unsure of what to focus on next in your gundog training?

Perhaps you’ve been wondering whether to aim for a reliable working dog for the shooting field, or to set your sights on competitions like working tests or field trials.

Wherever you’re starting out with a puppy or looking to take a more purposeful approach in 2025, setting clear goals is the key to ensuring that your training is structured, measurable and, most importantly, rewarding.

It seems obvious, but setting goals helps you tailor your approach based on where you are now and where you want to go. For example, a working dog might require less precision but solid reliability, while competition dogs need to meet exacting standards.

Your goals can evolve over time. You might initially be aiming for a well-trained pet gundog, and suddenly, you want to take your Gundog Club grades or get an opportunity to go beating or picking up. Taking the time to map out a rough path will keep these doors open, as you will always be focused on training in some shape or form.

In this blog, we’ll explore the importance of goal-setting, how to create SMART goals and overcome the mental blocks that might hold you back.

Why bother setting goals for your gundog training?

Setting goals for your gundog training is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure steady progress.

Goals give your training structure, purpose, and direction. Without them, it’s easy to drift from one skill to another without building the consistency and reliability needed for success.

Whether you’re a novice handler or more experienced, having clear goals ensures that every session with your dog moves you both closer to achieving something in the long term.

Your goals will largely depend on what you want to achieve with your gundog. For example, if your ambition is to take your dog picking up on a shoot, the focus might be on practical, real-world skills. You’ll want a steady dog that can handle distractions, respond reliably to basic cues, and can use their own initiative to follow runners or persevere in hunting and holding an area.

Precision and refinement are important, but the stakes are less about perfection and more about consistency and functionality. If things go a bit wrong on one drive, as long as no one is hurt, it’s not the end of the world. If this is your goal, being able to remind yourself of what you actually need from your dog will stop you putting unnecessary pressure on yourself or getting bogged down in behaviours you don’t necessarily need.

On the other hand, if your goal is to compete in working tests or field trials, the demands are far higher. Competitions require meticulous attention to detail. You’ll need bomb-proof steadiness, flawless hand delivery, and instant responses to whistle cues and handling, even at a distance. A competition dog must demonstrate an exceptional level of skill and teamwork, often under the scrutiny of judges. Without structured goals, it’s difficult to achieve the finesse required at this level.

If you haven’t thought about it before, take time to reflect on what excites you most - whether it’s competitions, assessments, or simply being part of a shoot day - and use this as the foundation for your training goals.

Even if you think you have a goal, it’s always good to check in with yourself and make sure it’s still what you really want.

How should I set goals for gundog training?

When it comes to setting goals for your gundog training, the SMART framework is an invaluable guide to follow.

You’ve probably come across it in a work or school environment before, but if not, SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. When your goal has components that meet all five criteria, you can start to turn vague aspirations into clear, actionable steps that will be easier to track and will help you stay motivated.

Let’s break down each component with examples tailored to gundog training:

Specific

Vague goals like “I want my pet gundog to be well-behaved” don’t provide enough clarity. A specific goal defines exactly what you want to achieve.

Example: Pass our Grade 2 Gundog Club assessment.

Measurable

To know if you’re making progress, your goals must be measurable and include clear benchmarks so you can track improvements over time.

Example: Run out confidently in a straight line to a blind retrieve that is 100 yards away.

Achievable

Goals should challenge you and your dog but remain within reach based on your current skill level. I know this is something a lot of people struggle with, as we all want instant gratification, but setting unrealistic targets can lead to frustration.

Example: If your dog can only walk at heel for 10 yards, your goal should be to build this distance and then add in distractions. It would be unreasonable to set a target that, in a few weeks, you want them to walk at heel all day on a shoot.

Relevant

Your goals should align with your ultimate aspirations for your dog. This goes back to what we have said before about what you need for a picking up dog in comparison to a competition dog. A relevant goal fits into the bigger picture of what you want to achieve.

Example: If you’re interested in working your dog on a shoot, introduction to game is not only a relevant but very necessary goal. If however you just want to do working tests on canvas dummies, it is not.

Time-bound

A deadline creates a sense of urgency and keeps you accountable. Without one, it’s easy to procrastinate and avoid working on the behaviours which you know your dog struggles with, to postpone your training sessions when the weather isn’t absolutely perfect.

Example: Get a consistent stop at 30 yards by the time we go on our gundog holiday in 3 months.

By combining these elements, its easy to see how you can turn a broad intention into an actual roadmap for success. For instance, “Stop my gundog from dropping the dummy” becomes “Train my dog to hold the dummy until I have my hand on it and give a release cue, with the goal of competing in a novice dog novice handler working test in six months.”

If you want to take these SMART targets further, you can even create a “goal map” to outline all your objectives, track your progress and celebrate each achievement.

How deadlines, like gundog training holidays, can help keep you motivated

One of the key elements of a successful SMART goal is that it is time-bound. Deadlines can be a powerful motivator that keeps you on track and encourages you to keep going even when you’re doubting yourself.

Setting a clear timeline gives you a sense of urgency, accountability, and purpose, all key ingredients for consistent progress.

One of the most enjoyable ways to set a deadline for your training is by booking a gundog training holiday.

By choosing a holiday that is slightly beyond your current skill level you’ll automatically have a healthy stretch goal to aim for. This should challenge you enough to push you and your dog out of your comfort zone but still be achievable with consistent effort.

Even if the holiday is six months away, or more, you can still create structure in your training by breaking down your goals into smaller, manageable milestones or mini-goals to keep your progress on track and prevent last-minute panic.

Knowing that you’ll be training alongside other handlers, working on new terrain, and enjoying a beautiful setting provides a strong incentive to stay committed. And not to mention, the reward at the end - a fantastic holiday with your dog - is deeply satisfying.

Why some gundog handlers struggle to set goals (and how to overcome it)

Setting goals might seem simple, but for many people, it’s a challenge fraught with mental roadblocks. These obstacles often stem from fear of failure, lack of confidence, or feeling overwhelmed about where to start. Left unchecked, these barriers can prevent you from reaching your full potential, not just in gundog training, but in other areas of life.

The most common block I see is fear of failure. The thought of setting a goal and not achieving it can feel daunting, and for some, this leads to avoiding goals altogether.

But without clear objectives, progress becomes inconsistent. The goals you had sat in the back of your mind (because you were too afraid to write them down and plan a way to achieve them) go unrealised, and you use this as ammunition to reconfirm to yourself that you never meet your goals.

The key is to reframe failure as a natural part of learning and growth. Even setbacks can offer valuable lessons that ultimately bring you closer to success.

Another barrier is a lack of confidence, especially for novice handlers. It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to more experienced trainers and doubting your ability to achieve similar results. This self-doubt can make setting goals feel intimidating. However, confidence is built through action - starting with small, manageable steps and celebrating each win along the way.

Feeling overwhelmed is another significant challenge. With so many aspects of gundog training to consider, it’s hard to know where to begin. Without a clear plan, the training process can seem insurmountable. Breaking goals into smaller milestones makes the journey feel achievable and gives you a clear path forward.

If you’re struggling to set goals, consider seeking support from a mindset coach. Through my business, Collette May Coaching, I can help you identify what’s holding you back and provide tailored strategies to build your confidence.

And if you specifically want to focus on gundog goals, I can also guide you in setting realistic, achievable targets that will suit your dog and what you want to do with them in the future.

Remember, goal-setting isn’t about perfection, it’s about taking steps to ensure you are consistently moving in the right direction and celebrating every milestone along the way.

It really is the key to unlocking your gundog’s potential and ensuring your training journey is both purposeful and enjoyable.

Ready to take the next step with your gundog training goals? Click here to get in touch to find out more about my new mindset coaching services to overcome any mental roadblocks, or to book a gundog training holiday for a motivating deadline.