Ed Maxim
18th December 2023
Best call I've made for a long time

I first met Steve a few years back. Reasonably typical story, bought a puppy, thought it was going to be easy . . it wasn't. . ended up getting dragged on walked, after one particularly horrible walk got to the point 'enough is enough' help me google! found Breckland Dog Training, booked in for a 1:1 with Steve . . best session I've ever had, within 10 min Chester was walking to heal. Turns out it was me who was doing it all wrong, not the dog! Following the 1:1 Chester & I attended a series of group classes with Steve both the classes and the other dog owners really made the experience beneficial. We've since bought another dog (Arlo) and having learnt from our mistakes decided to do things properly this time, so have followed the placeboard training, attending weekly puppy classes, a few 1:1's to get Arlo to a standard I can take him on a shoot. Having watched Steve working his dogs 'in the real world' and hearing compliments from the 'guns', 'pickers' and 'brushers' about 'how well Steve's dogs perform, it is clear he does actually know what he's on about . . .although don't say I said that! I can honestly say if you want results, are prepared to actually listen to the instruction provided and do you 'homework' then Breckland Gundog Training are the right call.

Katie C
4th December 2023
Simply the best

5 stars really doesn’t give Steve justice. I’m so thankful for ‘my’ training. It’s not just about my dog, it’s educating me to be able to get the most out of my dog and always ensuring his safety. Steve is a true dog lover, honest and to the point! I don’t want pish and fluff! If I am not doing what’s right for my dog then that’s what I pay Steve for - honest trustworthy guidances I would highly recommend. If you want to give your pup or older dog the best chance then look no further! He really is simply the best.

Kathryn Taylor
18th March 2022
Amazing

Wow! Our dogs are 4 and we've never been able to walk them on just a collar and lead because they are strong and pull so much, one session with Steve,a change of collar, and... a week of walking without a head collar!, we could not be happier with the advice and time we've been given from such a great trainer. We would and have recommended Steve to anyone.

Gillian C
8th March 2022
....AND IT REALLY WORKS!

Well what can I say......brilliant! I was a bit sceptical about dog trainers as there are a lot out there, who all have their own methods, which don't always suit and are not always effective. We have two welsh border collies and they were pulling our arms out! We had our first 1-2-1 with Steve and it was honestly, brilliant. He had our collies under control within minutes. Steve trains on how to get the best from our dogs with very straight forward, clear and consistent commands AND IT REALLY WORKS! He is clearly very knowledgeable, passionate about dogs and training. There's no 'fluffiness' just consistency and praise. I cannot recommend Steve highly enough, he's a great honest trainer. His wife, Sue, who is also very knowledgeable about feeding dogs and has 'The Naked Dog Food Company' gave us lots of advice and information on feeding. So Steve, Sue thank you both so much and we will definitely see you again soon.

Stephen C
4th September 2021
I'm giving Steve Swallow the strongest of recommendations

I missed my first bird but killed the second. The drive was a little light my end and nothing else worth shooting came by. The drive ended and I sent Finn as I had been trained to do and he came back with a lovely retrieve to cement 18 months of learning and listening to Steve’s excellent advice. I was absolutely delighted. Finn continued through the day to pick one bird after another and deliver to hand – a dozen partridge and a pigeon in all. I could not be happier and more excited about the busy season that Finn and I have ahead. Our journey started through recommendation and Steve and I agreed terms on a Pup to Peg arrangement. My circumstances were simple, I acknowledged that I did not have the time nor the ability to train a dog to the standard I wanted and the old maxim, give an expert’s job to an expert drove my thinking. I had tried and failed a long time ago with a spaniel and was determined not to make the same mistakes again. Steve provided first support to source our puppy from the right litter and pedigree. I visited Finn every few weeks at first and he came home with us every 6 weeks or so to vary his routine and get used to our family life and a range of badly behaved pets but importantly, to give Steve and Suzy a well earned break! We went to Breckland every month for training and then every 2 weeks during the later stages. Finn came to us full time 7 weeks ago and my shooting journey with him has just begun and we will continue to lean on Steve for support and polish where needed. I am absolutely thrilled with the advice, support, encouragement and when needed, honest feedback given over the last 18 months from Steve. If you are considering a Pup to Peg journey or simply a short term brush up on skills, I could not be happier and more sincere in giving Steve Swallow the strongest of recommendations. Give yourself up to Steve, listen and learn and the results will amaze you.

Teresa R
12th August 2021
"I came away with a pup i could control on the lead"

Well today was our last session with Steve ,and boy what a difference!! 6 weeks ago I arrived with my 7 month old lab pulling ,jumping up and generally being a pain. After just one lesson with Steve's firm but fair approach i came away with a pup i could control on the lead ,now 6 weeks later we have learnt so much and walking has become a pleasure . Thank you Steve ,i will continue to work on our recall and heel work . Steve is amazing and would recommend him highly, hes a very no nonsense guy but certainly knows his stuff. best wishes Teresa and Gunner ( or dog with no name ??

Paige
3rd May 2021
What a masterpiece

Had me on the edge of my seat wanting to learn more let alone the dog. I cannot recommend Steve enough. Last night was out first ever 121 dog training session and I cannot believe what happened in that hour I was totally amazed. Chocolate cockers are the worst to train he said within 5 minutes he had my dog under control and behaving like I have never seen before. I'm hoping after a few more sessions I will feel more relaxed at wanting to train my dog and take him out instead of me getting angry and my dog running away. I would recommend Steve to anybody that wants to learn along with their dog.

Ben Alderton
10th June 2020
Amazing trainer who knows what he is doing.

I found a trainer who really knows what he is doing and actually wants to help me. After having 2 trainers who haven’t been very helpful at all I decided to try 121 training with Steve and after 1 session he has made me feel really positive. With me being in a wheelchair and never attempted to have him by my side as he pulled and barked at everything with whoever was walking him. But Steve soon put me at ease and we were attempt to walk him by my side in my wheelchair. It might of only been a short walk but I could see the positives and am really looking forward to practicing again and the next session. Steve is a great trainer who is positive and really knows his stuff. I would recommend him to anybody.

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