Programme Origins
Lez Graham launched The Accredited Pet Gundog Instructor Programme in 2016, specifically to train trainers in this distinctive specialism so that owners of pet gundogs could attend gundog training with confidence, knowing that they, and their dogs, were in the hands of knowledgeable and rigorously trained experts.
For almost 20 years, The Pet Gundog has helped shape a practical, realistic and welfare-conscious approach to life and training with gundog breeds.
It has given owners and instructors a way of working that respects the dog in front of them - not just as a pet, not just as a working breed, but as both.
Structured Learning Pathway
The Accredited Pet Gundog Instructor Programme is a fully tutored blended-learning pathway designed to take students through a structured progression that builds from foundation principles into practical dog training, instructor development, class teaching, assessment and professional practice.
This Programme Combines:
- Guided Learning
- Independent Study
- Practical Application
- Workshops & Assignments
- Video Evidence & Reflective Development.
A Comprehensive Learning Experience
It is built to develop not only knowledge, but judgement; not only handling, but teaching; not only enthusiasm, but standards.
Practical Workshops
Students also attend three practical workshops in East Kilbride, Glasgow, where they develop both their own skills and the training of their dog to
a high standard.
What you will discover in
the Prospectus
The prospectus will give you a clearer look at the structure of the programme, the kind of learning involved, who it is for, and how to apply.
A note from Lez...
I created the Accredited Pet Gundog Instructor Programme because pet gundog owners need more than good intentions - they need access to instructors who truly understand the dog, the training process, and the responsibility that comes with teaching both well.
I’ve worked professionally with dogs since 1998, moved into training and behaviour in 2003, and set up Trained for Life and The Pet Gundog in 2007. Since then, my work has focused on practical, thoughtful training - helping people train with more clarity, skill and common sense.
The APGI programme was launched in 2016 as a natural extension of that work. It is designed to help instructors develop sound judgement, practical skill and clear communication through structured, thoughtful learning.
Good instruction is not about following a script. It is about understanding dogs, reading situations well, and applying training in a way that is fair, thoughtful and age-appropriate. That is what this programme is designed to develop.