Photo shows Tom and Jemima at the Game Fair 2024.

Next up in our interview series we are talking to Tom Cantwell, a Gundog trainer based in Gloucestershire. Tom spends his days working his own dogs in the countryside as well as training others to do the same.

How long have you been working as a Gundog trainer and what made you get into it? 

“I’ve been doing it professionally for 7 years now, I got into it because I love training my own dogs, although ironically I’m so busy now I don’t get much chance to train my own.”  

What’s your favourite thing about working in the countryside?

“The sights you see. I’m very lucky to get invited all over with the dogs, seeing beautiful parts of the country the general public would never get access too. There’s something special about doing your job, while a couple of Roe deer watch on, or getting a fly past from a Sparrowhawk chasing an unlucky blackbird. One of my favourite lessons I’ve ever done however, was a few years ago during a heatwave, and the lesson involved teaching the clients Labradors to swim in their private pool. Armbands on and I was in there, I get all the hard jobs!”

How important is it to find the right clothing when working outdoors?

“Clothing will make or break your enjoyment of the day, if you’re cold and wet you can’t focus, and you’ll be miserable, you can’t underestimate the importance of feeling comfortable whether you’re training, shooting or just going for a nice chilled walk.”

What are your 3 favourite pieces from Cotswold Fox Clothing?

“When I’m training I love my fleece hoody, it’s really lightweight and allows really good movement, but it’s super warm and cosy at the same time. For the post training pint I’m wearing my quarter zip, I love how it looks and feels, a true classic. 

When the sun was shining my Harlequin shorts were a daily wear. my favourite feature is the proper, deep pockets, knowing my keys and phone would be safe, and I didn’t have to turn into a spaniel searching the bushes for where I dropped it.”

What does a typical week as a Gundog trainer look like? 

“A part of the reason I love my job so much is because there is no typical week, it varies so much. Yesterday I had 25 owners and all differently varieties of dogs in a group class working on recall, today I’ve been working dogs on a shoot, and tomorrow I’m doing 1-1’s all day at my training facilities. My bread and butter is the individual lessons, working with an owner and their dog, I do an average of 30-40 of those a week, and group classes on the weekends. With shooting season in full swing I’m out 3/4 times a week working the dogs too, what’s a day off?!”