Gundog Handlers

Chris Burns

Chris and his family live in rural Kent and his interest in shooting escalated dramatically from beating on local shoots to changing his career from architect to professional gundog trainer.

He wasn’t able to own his first dog until he left home as his mother was asthmatic, but his first dog, English Springer Spaniel Teazle, became the foundation of his line and is now a still sprightly 14 year old.

His next dog was Springer Poppy and when the kennel bred a litter last year there were 5 generations at home.

The demand for training services sprang from people on shoots seeing Chris working his own dogs and asking for advice - wanting to have such well behaved dogs themselves! Whilst he does take dogs in for training, he does far more on a one-to-one basis with owners, utilising his natural people skills to show owners how to get the best from their dogs.

As well as the training, he and his partner, Katie, usually have a waiting list for puppies and breed two or three Spaniel litters per year (always keeping and training at least one puppy).

Top tips

• "When buying a gundog puppy, don’t necessarily choose the one with the most FTChs in the pedigree. It’s far better for most people to have a dog they can relax with and enjoy a day’s shooting, rather than a high-powered hunting dog."
• "Only buy a dog you really like, and that means not only choosing the right breed, but the individual which appeals to you. We all work best with animals we feel happy with."
• "When you have a dog out for training or working, keep praising it all the time it’s doing what you want. Too many people only speak to the dog when it does something wrong."

Chris can be contacted at chrisburns@clague.co.uk or 07932-078708

Dogs

Dog

Dog

List of all Gundog Handlers

Paul Leeke

Strinebrooke gundogs.
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Alan Rees

Delfryd gundogs.
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Avis Boreham

'Ashleygrove' gundogs.
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Christine Bridgwater

'Scherzando' Working Gundogs and Chinese Cresteds.
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Philippa Williams

Levenghyl Labradors and Castlemans Goldens.
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Spider’s Appeal and Barry Atkinson

A unique adventure by a dog (Spider) and his owner, Barry Atkinson, pursuing a challenging lifestyle whilst raising funds for charity.
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Ridge Hill Kennels

Ridge Hill Kennels was founded by Sue Williamson in 2000 as a diversification to run alongside the working farm.
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Noel Bayley

Winner of the 2008 Retriever Championships with FT Ch Craighorn Abby.
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Billy Steel Jnr.

Billy Steel Jnr of Broadlow Gundogs has trained and competed with gundogs for 23 years.
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Fallowfen Gundogs

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers, Golden Retrievers and Labradors.
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Chris Burns

Breezeleaf Working Spaniels.
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Dave Lisset

Buccleuch Gundogs.
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Bill Leonard

Clanicker Gundogs.
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Suzy Burton

'Trubon' Weimaraners and Teckels.
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Eddie Scott

Eddie Scott of Broomfield Spaniels, winner of the Cocker Championship in 2005.
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