Bellanino Gundogs are specialists in training Italian Spinone and Hunt Point Retrieve breeds.
We can help with any breed of gundog for training.
Training HPRs
Training HPR's requires patience and calm handling. Commonly they have a strong hunting instinct which over rides the other aspects of training. We most commonly help HPR owners with retrieving and recall.
Training Options
Online course, Workshops and One-to-One sessions. Scroll to read more about the options.
ITALIAN SPINONE
Italian Spinone have some unique characteristics which can be challenging, especially for the novice owner.
The Italian Spinone is an ancient hunting breed which is believed to be one of the oldest hunting dogs in existence. They can be traced back to 500 BC but only adopted the Italian Spinone name around the 19th century.
The breed is known for it’s docile, easy going nature. They are loyal family pets, that are intelligent and loving to humans and other dogs. Like all breeds though they still need careful socialisation, and gentle handling during training.
If you think the Spinoni is for you, you should be sure you can live with a large breed that shed, and slobber. Take a look at the different lines, and visit with as many as you can!
HUNT, POINT, RETRIEVE (HPRs)
HPR breeds are very versatile dogs that can be used for picking-up, deer stalking, roughshooting or wildfowling.
In the UK there is a vast range of HPR breeds such as Italian Spinone, Hungarian Wire Haired Vizsla, German Shorthaired Pointer, Brittany, Bracco Italiano and Large Musterlander. You can view a full list by CLICKING HERE
When used as gundogs they should hunt the terrain they are in to find game. As the dog scents the game they should come onto point (when the game is still). The point should be held until the handler tells the dog to flush. As the bird lifts into the air the dog should stop (ideally in a sit) and watch it in flight. The gun is then tasked with shooting the bird, the dog should mark the land and then retrieve the bird when instructed to do so by the handler back to hand.
"Once you have had a wonderful dog, a life without one, is a life diminished" Dean Koontz
Positive Training Methods
At Bellanino Gundogs we believe in a positive approach to gundog training to promote bond and partnership.
ONE TO ONE PROGRAMMES
Sign up for one-to-one training sessions to receive structured and individualised help. We will explore your goals, set your targets, and work towards them.
Sessions are accessible to all students regardless of where you are in the world. Get in touch to find out more about how these sessions will work for you.
You can sign up for programmes of 2, 4 or 6 sessions, or individual sessions. The more you sign up to the bigger discount you receive!
Zoom sessions are cheaper then face-to-face sessions if you want to save even more and aren't local.
TRAINING PROGRAMME SELECTION
Take a look at the training programmes listed below then:
- Purchase a programme (or get in touch if you have questions)
- Follow the instructions in your booking email to schedule your appointments
- Prepare for your session
WHATS INVOLVED
- Weekly 1-hour sessions
- Determine your goals
- Implement proven training methods to achieve your goals
- In person at an outside location
- Expert coaching through new or difficult exercises
- Free academy account for a 1-2-1 group between you and Katey for notes for Building Gundog Bonds programme and above
- The more you buy the more you save
COSTS & BOOKING
COSTS & BOOKING
Take a look at the programmes available. Scroll below for even more options. Committed Gundog is the most popular programme.
Building Gundog Bonds
Per Purchase
- 1-2-1 Coaching in-person
- 3 x 1hr appointments
- 1 per week
- FREE academy account
- You travel to trainer
- 10.5%
- Total cost £255
- Full price value = £285
Confident Gundog
Per Purchase
- 1-2-1 Coaching in-person
- 4 x 1hr appointments
- 1 per week
- FREE academy account
- You travel to trainer
- 15% Discount
- Total cost £320
- Full price value = £380
Committed Gundog
Per 3-weeks
- 1-2-1 Coaching in-person
- 6 x 1hr appointments
- 1 per week
- FREE academy account
- You travel to trainer
- 21% discount
- Total cost £450
- Full price value = £570
Starter Gundog Session
Per Purchase
- 1-2-1 Coaching in-person
- 1 x 1hr appointment
- You travel to trainer
- No Discount
- .
- .
Focused Gundog Session
Per Purchase
- 1-2-1 Coaching in-person
- 1 x 1.5hr appointments
- You travel to trainer
- 8% Discount
- Total cost £130
- Full price value = £142.5
All appointments are subject to Terms and Conditions. In booking a training programme you understand this does not deal with a behaviour issue.
Want to see what slots are available before booking? CLICK HERE to view the diary.
*Saturday St.Olaves training Amber Programme option subject to very limited availability. Click purchase for more information.
ONE TO ONE BOOKING GUIDANCE
1-2-1 APPOINTMENTS
FACE-TO-FACE SESSIONS
Appointment structure (subject to change)
Tuesdays: Mornings at a secure dog field in Blundeston
Fridays: Afternoons at an open space location, 1.30pm- 3.30pm (occasionally mornings)
Time slots available are subject to availability.
HOW DO I BOOK A TIME SLOT
Access to the diary to book is made available once you have purchased your training programme (see below)
I CAN'T MAKE ANY OF THOSE TIME SLOTS
You might consider joining the academy or mentoring.
1-2-1 BOOKING GUIDANCE
STEP 1:
Determine which programme you would like to book.
STEP 2:
Pay securely online for your programme.
STEP 3:
Check your emails and follow the instructions to access the diary and book your appointment slots (if you want to gauge an idea of time slots check the diary page)
STEP 4:
Check your emails once you have booked your first appointment. You will receive some further instructions for preparation for your session/s
That's it! Ensure you book all of your appointments especially if you need specific slots.
Special Offers
View if we have any special offers available on training sessions coming up
Garden Gundog Training
Gundog Training for Beginners
Are you unsure where to start? Is your gundog ignoring you when off lead? Not sure how to train a positive way? Garden gundog training is the course for you!
All training needs a starting point and there is no better place to start than at home, especially for gundog training. The foundation course has been designed to start you from the beginning and take you through training in a structured, progressive way. Available as an online course with video's and written instructions to ensure successful learning. Delivered over 5-weeks with over 31-lessons and 30-vidoes to guide you. Find out more below or sign up!
Workshops
Gundog Training for Beginners through to advanced
Regular workshops occur once per month, approximately on the last Sunday. This is a chance for group work and to go over important fundamentals needed for gundog work.
Field-ready workshops are groups out in the open to test and push your training.
Water training is used to practice water retrieval and build confidence in swimming.
Take a look at the events page for upcoming dates. There is often waiting lists in place to join.
ONLINE 5-DAY MINI WHISTLE COURSE
Teach Your Dog to Come Back Every Time with the Whistle
A FREE 5-Day Mini-Course
Does your dog sometimes ignore you when you call?
Do you worry they’ll run too far, or not come back when it really matters?
Imagine blowing a whistle, just a few simple pips and watching your dog turn and sprint back to you with joy and confidence.
That’s the power of whistle recall. And in this FREE 5-day training course, I’ll show you exactly how to get started.
Why Train Recall with a Whistle?
More consistent than your voice, whistles never sound frustrated or tired
Cuts through distractions, perfect for busy parks, windy days, or when your dog is far away
Builds confidence and freedom, safe off-lead time becomes possible when recall is reliable
This method is simple, kind, and effective, designed for everyday owners as well as working dogs.
What's Inside the Course
In just 5 days, you’ll discover:
✅ Day 1: Whistle = Treat — conditioning the sound so it means something exciting
✅ Day 2: Recall Foundations — building consistency with 3 short pips
✅ Day 3: Sit Whistle — creating instant stops for control
✅ Day 4: Turn Whistle (pip, pip) — teaching your dog to redirect back towards you
✅ Day 5: Putting It All Together — mini drills, troubleshooting, and next steps
Plus:
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Downloadable practice trackers & cheat sheets
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Fun games to keep learning engaging
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A bonus £10 voucher towards one-to-one training sessions
Who Is This For?
This course is perfect if you want to:
✔ Build a reliable recall for your pet dog
✔ Give your gundog strong foundations for future training
✔ Train using positive, welfare-based methods
✔ Feel more confident letting your dog off-lead
No prior experience needed — just a whistle, some treats, and a willingness to practice a little each day.
Limited Time – Join for Free
This 5-day mini-course is free right now, but only for a short time. Soon it will become a paid programme, so now is your chance to grab it while it costs nothing.
👉 Click below, enter your details, and get started today.
Your dog’s best recall starts here.
About Your Trainer
Hi, I’m Katey Aldred, behaviourist, trainer, and founder. With over 20 plus years’ experience helping owners and their dogs, I specialise in kind, ethical, and effective training methods that strengthen your bond while building real-life skills.
I’ve helped hundreds of dogs achieve reliable recall — and now I’d love to help you and your dog too.
"Dogs are not our whole life but they make our lives whole." Roger Caras
QUESTIONS
Have a question? Take a look below
When are the appointment times?
Take a look above for this information. Appointment times differ for some gundog slots compared to other 1-2-1 sessions.
Do you do home visits?
These are not available for training due to the travel time required. Online meetings or mentoring are available as an alternative.
How can I pay?
All payments are taken in advance via the booking system, you can pay securely with a card. If you prefer to pay in cash or via cheque this needs to be paid and cleared prior to booking an appointment.
"Spinoni girls love you, but Spinoni boys are in love with you." Anon
ITALIAN SPINONE PUPPIES
Our last litter was in 2015 all successfully homed to loving families. We are not currently breeding any puppies nor foresee breeding any puppies. If you are looking to add the breed to your home you must do your research. Take a look at the resources below created by the Italian Spinone Club of Great Britain. Also, contact the clubs puppy register to express interest in future litters.