For owners who want to train with confidence and see real results.

You’ve been training your dog. But no one ever trained you. And now you’re exhausted from guessing.

This course is built on one simple truth- great gundog training starts with a steady handler who knows what she is doing.

£87 • Lifetime access • Used by over 2,000 owners

What makes Handler Essentials different

This is not just a course on what to teach your dog. It is a course on how to handle the training well, so your dog gets clear, consistent guidance from you and real progress becomes possible.

What You’ll Gain Inside Handler Essentials

Here’s what Handler Essentials actually gives you. Not vague promises, but what you’ll be able to do differently in real life.

A clear structure for what matters first

Instead of guessing which cue or method to reach for, you’ll get better at recognising what your dog needs from you in that moment. Not later. Not after overthinking it. Right then.

Less reactive panic and more purposeful action

You’ll stop swinging between over-handling and doing nothing. When something goes off track, you’ll know how to respond without spiralling or turning one wobble into a bigger problem.

Confidence that comes from understanding, not force

This is not about sounding more certain or trying to look in control. It is the kind of confidence that comes from understanding what you are doing, why you are doing it, and how to stay steady enough to follow it through.

A foundation that holds when real life gets involved

Training stops falling apart the moment distraction, pressure or excitement enters the picture. Instead of retreating into self-doubt, you stay present and handle the dog in front of you.

Real answers to the questions that only show up in motion

Not vague advice. Not theory that sounds good on paper. Real guidance for the moments where handlers usually get stuck, the ones that happen live, when you are standing there thinking, now what?

What Students Say Changed

Hot Mess Handler has given me more confidence and focus in just weeks – it’s amazing!

Judith P

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"I was so excited to find Hot Mess Handler. As a novice trainer in the US, this helped me plan sessions and understand the hows and whys of gundog work — all without an e-collar!"

Terri R

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"Found the course really useful. Love all the ways it comes together... My favourite module is Self-Control... I have a large Munsterlander... say no more! If a friend asked about the course, I’d tell them: BUY IT!

Amanda W

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Course Structure

What you’ll learn (in the order it actually matters)⬇

1. Sit and Wait

Learn how to teach sit properly so it becomes clear, reliable and useful in real life, not just something your dog does when they feel like it. This module helps you build a solid sit, improve duration, and understand how to stop small mistakes creeping into the picture.

2. Self Control & Stediness

This module helps you understand the difference between self-control and steadiness, and why both matter in gundog training. You’ll learn how to build calmer responses, reduce impulsive behaviour, and create more control without turning training into a constant battle.

3. Effective Recall

Build a recall you can trust, not just in easy moments but when it really counts. This module shows you how to teach recall clearly, strengthen response under distraction, and stop the common handling mistakes that weaken it over time.

4. Retrieving

Learn how to build a retrieve that is calm, clear and enjoyable for both you and your dog. This module covers the foundations of good retrieving, how to improve delivery and engagement, and how to avoid creating scrappy, rushed or inconsistent habits.

5. Heelwork

This module helps you teach heelwork in a way that feels purposeful rather than frustrating. You’ll learn how to build better position, connection and consistency, so your dog understands how to move with you instead of dragging, drifting or switching off.

6. Stop Whistle

Teach your dog to stop with more understanding, confidence and reliability. This module breaks the process down clearly, helping you build the stop whistle step by step and avoid the confusion, hesitation or creeping that often shows up when handlers rush the picture.

7. Hunt, Search and Find

Bonus Detailed Learning Guides

Alongside the video lessons, you’ll get detailed learning guides to help you understand each skill more deeply and apply it with more confidence. These guides are there to make the training easier to follow, easier to revisit, and easier to put into practice in real life.

Bonus Private Podcast

Enjoy exclusive access to a private podcast episode designed to support your learning beyond the core modules. It’s an extra layer of guidance you can listen to in your own time, helping you stay connected to the training and keep building confidence as a handler.

What changes once training makes sense

I absolutely loved this course. Have worked my way through it and I am now currently going back referring to the relevant sections for the level my dog and I are at. My favourite Module is the sit! This was totally inspiring. Who knew how important this one command was and how vital it is for all other foundation training. I have watched parts of this module again and again as I feel it is so key for both my pup and me. I started to learn what I should be working on and how to tackle each section of training covered in the course. I would totally recommend the Hot Mess Handler. I would also say that even if you don't feel you are currently up to the level covered in the modules watch them as you will soon realise that each module has elements in it that are relevant to all levels.

Sam E

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Thank you so much for all the time and effort that you give to the group. I signed up for the 'Hot Mess Handler' course and it is so helpful to me at this time. I have a 17 month old Welsh Springer Spaniel and due to the Covid restrictions have been unable to train her with other dogs around ie in a training club environment which I could really do with. However the course has given me motivation and ideas encouraging me to put in the time she needs hopefully to produce a confident well mannered dog. I also want to comment on the positive and non critical attitude shown from the members of the group when they answer questions and discuss methods of training. It is so refreshing to hear that everyone wants to help each other without criticism or disagreement. Please keep up the good work.

Sue W

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Really enjoyed the Hot Mess Handler course. I found the videos and the accompanying workbooks and homework really easy to follow, and I like that there are exercises in for puppies as well as older dogs, but novice handlers. I have two dogs, a puppy and a nearly 3 year old dog, and so much of the course is applicable to both of them.The course gave me the confidence to break down training elements into bite-sized chunks that not only will the dog hopefully get, but also I will be able to remember and piece together. I think the bonus module on training sessions really emphasised this, as it showed how to combine the different homework exercises into training for the 'finished behaviour' and how to back track the steps needed to get there. I'd really encourage anyone who wants to have a safe and well behaved dog to take this course, as even if I never work either of my dogs on a shoot or in a trial, the foundations of Gundog behaviour are what we as pet owners all want: a dog that is safe, steady and that we can engage with in activities they enjoy: hunting, retrieving etc

Amanda W

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JOIN OVER 2000 STUDENTS ALREADY USING THIS PROGRAMME TO TRAIN THEIR DOG!

Here’s How To Access⬇

🐶 Click any ‘Start the Course’ button to enrol. Pay securely by card or PayPal.

🐶 You’ll get instant access to the course for £87, with lifetime access to the course and all updates.

🐶 Your login details will be sent by email. You can log in and start straight away.

🐶 You can also join the free Handler Support Group, so you’re not figuring things out alone as you work through the course.

Foundational Cues

Not a list to memorise. A structure that shows you what to work on first, and why, so training stops feeling random whether you’re training for the field or the family room.

Training you can return to when real life happens

Recorded sessions and real questions from owners at the same stage as you, so you’re not left wondering how this applies when things don’t go to plan.

Guides that help you think, not just record

Simple guides to help you reflect on what you’re seeing, spot patterns, and adjust without spiralling or starting over.

Exercises to fully train each cue

Multiple training exercises for every cue, so you’re building understanding, not just rehearsing one version.

This is for the handler who doesn’t need a cheerleader just the structure to finally feel steady.

Sounds good? Let's go!

Personal Note From LWDG Founder Jo Perrott

We built the course we all wished we’d had when we realised trying harder wasn’t the problem,not understanding was.

This gives you the structure we didn’t have so you can train the dog in front of you without second-guessing yourself.

Jo x

£87 • Lifetime access • 14-day satisfaction guarantee

Your happiness is important to us. If you’re unhappy with the course within 14 days of purchase, please contact us for a full refund.