Hey friends! We’re back with another insightful blog post from the Ladies Working Dog Group (LWDG). This time, we had an inspiring conversation on our podcast with the fabulous Dr Laila Curtis-Noonan, who shared her unique journey into the world of gundog training, her business adventures, and the newly released training drill guide that’s taking the community by storm.
Discovering Passion by Accident
Laila’s story is a testament to how life’s unexpected turns can lead to the most rewarding adventures. Earning a PhD in Veterinary Medicine, she found herself far removed from that world after becoming a mother. But her love for dogs, especially her gundog Luna, reignited a passion that took her down a whole new path. From researching dog training techniques to establishing a thriving business, Laila’s journey is as inspiring as they come.
The Birth of the Training Drill Guide
The light bulb moment for the training drill guide came from a simple session with her trainer, Gary. A chance conversation about organizing training drills sparked the idea to create a comprehensive guide that could benefit countless gundog handlers. What started as stick drawings evolved into an intricate, binder-based guide featuring over 40 different training drills.
Why This Guide is a Must-Have
Let’s face it: training drills can be daunting. But Laila and Gary’s guide simplifies everything with easy-to-follow diagrams and step-by-step instructions that suit handlers and dogs of all experience levels.
Available in both paper and waterproof versions, the guide ensures that regardless of weather conditions, your training can proceed smoothly. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned trainer, this guide is designed to add value to your training regimen.
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Building Community and Redefining Success
Laila touched on the importance of community support in her journey. Remember, no one should have to train their gundog alone. The LWDG aims to build a tribe where everyone’s progress is celebrated, from your dog’s first successful retrieve to mastering advanced drills.
“You can’t be competitive because every dog is different, every trainer is different, and everybody’s life is different. So all you can do is be competitive with yourself and appreciate that somebody else has worked hard and is getting better,” Laila says. This positive, collaborative spirit is the backbone of our community.
Practical Tips for Every Gundog Owner
- Start with the Basics: Even if you have an advanced dog, going back to basic drills can help solidify training foundations and address underlying issues.
- Embrace the Guide: Use the drill guide to structure your training sessions. Whether you’re working on area hunting or advanced retrieves, the guide offers clear directions and useful diagrams.
- Stay Connected: Join a community, whether it’s online or in-person, to share experiences and get the support you need. LWDG is a perfect example of how a supportive network can elevate your training journey.
- Be Flexible: Adjust your training based on your dog’s progress and what you feel comfortable doing. The guide is color-coded to help you easily pick drills suited to your dog’s level.
Ready to Level Up?
If you’re feeling inspired and ready to take your gundog training to the next level, don’t wait! Head over to brackenbound.co.uk to pre-order your copy of Laila’s training drill guide. Available in paper and waterproof versions, this guide is set to become an indispensable tool in your training arsenal.
And don’t forget to tune into our latest podcast episode for the full conversation with Dr Laila Curtis-Noonan. It’s brimming with more insightful stories and tips that you won’t want to miss. As always, join our membership at LWDG for expert-led training, a beautifully supportive community, and all the resources you need to become a confident and skilled gundog trainer.
Stay positive, stay motivated, and remember — no woman should have to train her gundog alone. Until next time, happy training!
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