If you've found Acer Gundog Training because you would like to do something special for your dog then you're in the right place. I found Mark because I was struggling with my black lab bitch puppy, Grace. I hadn't had a pup in 20 years and I felt I was failing her. I lacked the confidence and knowledge to be able to train her in a way that would give her the very best life and us the perfect companion. 

The Acer Gundog course has been life-changing for both us and Grace. I have grown in confidence and Grace is living her best life. The skills that we've learnt together are relevant to every area of our time with Grace, from walks, car travel, meeting people and other dogs, quiet evenings in front of the TV and a visit to the local pub. I very quickly realised that training happens all the time, not just when completing a module, but in pretty much everything we do with her. Consistency is key and remember, it's a marathon not a sprint. 

The support given to us by both Mark and the Acer community is excellent. I was dubious about doing this online, but I needn't have been because it's actually pretty perfect. You can work through the modules at your own speed, revisit things if you think a bit of a reset or reminder might be useful and watch the module videos as many times as you need to. Help is just a message away and the Chat Forum has an excellent search option so you can see if an issue has been raised before. It's also very reassuring to look back at what other people have struggled with if you're feeling a bit discouraged and in need of reassurance. The community is lovely and very encouraging. 

The course has deepened our bond with Grace and really made dog ownership fun and enjoyable. I can't recommend Mark and Acer Gundog Training enough. It's absolutely the gift that keeps on giving; for today, tomorrow and all the other tomorrows.

This time last year Desmond Lab was 8 weeks old. He is intelligent , quick to learn & desperate to please. The structure of junior gundog course helped us to learn, practise succeed and bond in a fabulous way. He knew he did good on Thursday as he proudly posed with his distinction rosette.its such a lovely way to spend time training and bonding with my dog. Thanks ACER

I have completed the ACER Gundog Puppy Course and it is exactly what I wanted for my 14 week old puppy Jake. It's well-structured, bite size exercises, using positive methods and the videos are just super. I particularly like the explanations on Lowering Criteria and Raising Criteria at the end of each exercise. The experience of doing the Gundog Puppy Course has enthused me to carry on learning with Acer by doing further courses and I am looking forward to giving my puppy a solid foundation to build his gundog journey on. This course was exactly what I wanted and I will be recommending it to my gundog friends.

It's the small wins that matter. Sitting when asked (and now sometimes without!), waiting whilst I go over a stile, coming through when called. The training works for me and my dog because we work at our own pace, sometimes backwards, sometimes forwards. But whatever the direction, each time we have fun, learn, make progress and strengthen our bond. The online training is easy to understand, delivered in digestible chunks that explain and show you what to do. Because they're not too long I'll watch a video 3 or 4 times to be sure I understand before trying with my dog.

I have a 9 month old Labrador x Cocker Spaniel (Ki) and TBH I was at a bit of a loss as to what to do with all his energy! Now, thanks to the Beginner Gundog course (foundation) that we are working through, Ki is beginning to show really good impulse control which is a HUGE skill moving forwards. All the training that we've been doing as we follow the course means that we are building a really solid foundation - AND because Ki's using his brain so much, he doesn't need a lot of 'exercise' to wear him out! We're using his natural instincts to have fun and 'do training' into the bargain. The thing I like most about the programme is that there is a realistic and easy to follow structure to it, we have certain things to work on and certain levels of 'attainment' to achieve before moving on - this takes the guesswork out of training, and that's a HUGE relief! I also like the fact that Mark is so incredibly 'hands -on'.....he's always there to reply to a question, you feel as if he's holding your hand throughout the process! So, if you are looking for a really clear pathway to train your dog and are prepared to put the work in (as Mark says, 20 minutes a few times a week, it doesn't need LOADS of time but it DOES need consistency) then I can vouch for the efficacy of the ACER programme. It's SO satisfying to see steady reliable progress in your dog's training and it makes you just want to do more! See photos for a before and after training comparison! 😂

Taylor made training: Mark and his team provide clear, consistent advice to help owners gain the confidence to build strong relationships with their dogs. The result is happy people and happy hounds. Even though trading is in (small) classes the advice is one to one customised for your dog. The help is not only in class but available on line too. My puppy's training has come on leaps and bounds. The programme is logical and easy to follow. Predicated on sound scientific principles we are set up for success.

I have really enjoyed doing the Acer dog training. I am a trainer myself in NZ and I have become interested in Gun Dog training. Mark explains the steps and with short videos, the course is very informative. The course is well-priced with so much helpful information. My dog Jet, who is a Lurcher have benefitted so much from Marks Gun Dog training.

I was not sure if an online training program would be helpful, so I was thinking about it for a while and eventually I did it. There was lots of useful Information available to start with. Once I started I’ve noticed that my dog started to respond well to the training. After a couple of weeks there was some improvement that has continued, other tasks need more time and are work in progress. I wish I had found this course earlier when he was a puppy. The course is very interactive and you learn more from other people’s comments and questions. Also your questions are answered quickly. I feel supported, listened to and not judge if I am not doing it correctly. Highly recommended!

I feel both my cocker spaniel and I are benefiting from Acer training ……we are slowly improving her focus on me which helps with everything! I love the structure of the training. It’s great to be able to go at your own pace and revisit aspects of training until you’re confident it’s going in the right direction. Its so beneficial to be able to access the course on my phone and have a quick reminder by looking at one of Marks videos before getting out of my car to train.The Help and Support page is brilliant……. we all have similar problems and Marks replies are always helpful and informative. Although this is my fourth dog I’m a first time cocker owner and wish I’d discovered this training when she was a few months old but it’s never too late to learn and improve!

Before signing up to Acer Gundogs with Mark, Remi - WCS, was a well behaved puppy and knew how to do basic retrieves but I felt we lacked a fun connection during our training and heading into adolescence she was developing a real attitude which was starting to affect pretty much all aspects of training and ultimately my confidence with her and I wasn’t really sure how to improve it. Now with Mark’s online lessons that connection is more than I could have asked for and all areas of her training and behaviour are improving thanks to his programme. Today I really realised how much the training with Acer has benefitted us both. Her loose lead walking had really improved, she was listening to all of my commands whilst still having the time of her life and nothing about our walk felt stressful and we both went home very satisfied. It’s easy to feel bad about training when it’s not always going right and before signing up with Acer Gundogs I was always expecting too much too quickly from her but Mark’s online training and modules are broken down into small steps with short videos and descriptions. I love that I can take the course at my own pace and revisit sections if and when I need to. It also means I don’t rush and only move on to the next lesson when I’m happy with the results from the previous one. I’m so grateful I signed up with Mark, not only are the training videos great but the online forum is so supportive, both when you’re having a good day or a bad day. Mark always gets back to you when you’re facing any problems, with any aspects of training, and very quickly! I only signed up 3 months ago but the improvements I’ve seen in that short time have been so much more than I expected. I have one very happy pup and I am one very happy and proud owner!

when l got my high energy working cocker Harley l searched the internet looking for a gundog trainer who could help me train him. I came across the Acer site and was very impressed by what l read on the site. I enrolled Harley into the Saturday puppy class with Tori & occasionally Russ teaching us. The training was I a field which was much better for training than being in a hall, reward based and most of all fun for both the puppies & owners. The team were very helpful & knowledgeable with any questions or problems l had. After a few months Harley passed his puppy test and we moved up to Beginners gundog class on a Sunday with Gemma. We look forward to our Sunday morning lessons with her which again are varied, informative & fun for both dog & owner. Everyone is so friendly & approachable at Acer, so if your looking for a first class training establishment whether for pet or gundog which gets results l ca highly recommend Acer.

As a first time dog owner, I was keen to get it right with my lab puppy, Ruby. I asked around for recommendations and Acer came highly recommended by both my veterinarian and a friend of mine who is a veterinarian. I started training with Ruby as soon as she had all her jabs and it's been hugely beneficial to her and our family. She's not even eight months old, and everybody comments on what a well behaved dog she is. We've worked with Russ and Gemma and they have both given me so much knowledge about training my dog, as well as encouragement and tips on advancing her to the next level. I especially like how all the training is focused on positive reinforcement and rewards for good behaviour. The atmosphere in the training sessions is always fun and light, and Ruby and I look forward to our sessions every week. I feel supported both during and outside of lessons: the trainers answer questions via social media outside of class, which is great! I highly recommend Acer to any dog owner - you won't be disappointed!

I have just completed the 6 week Gundog puppy training classes with my Hungarian vizsla puppy, Frankie. It has been absolutely brilliant for both of us, we have learnt so much in 6 weeks and have thoroughly enjoyed it too. Mark, our trainer, has been fantastic, he has been so helpful throughout the course, he is very approachable and always happy to answer any questions. All of the training is positive using rewards, and every week builds on the skills you have learnt the week before. Mark explains and demonstrates everything clearly and has also provided online videos and information as part of the course, which is an added bonus! Frankie even enjoyed the videos! I cannot recommend Mark’s course enough, it’s easy to follow, fun, and it is so rewarding to see how far Frankie has come.

I can’t recommend Acer highly enough. After an initial 1 to 1 with Mark, I have been using the online beginner gundog course to train our 5 year old GSP Archie over the summer. He has already achieved so much more than I ever thought possible. The course has been brilliantly constructed, and is so easy to follow. Mark is so friendly and approachable, and always available to provide advice and support when you need it. I can’t wait for Archie to join the group classes now, and see just what he can go on to achieve

Owning an ex-working Springer and not having a full understanding the challenges that might come with it. Working with both Mark and Krissi has help me understand the breed, some of their body language and characteristic. This made the training clearer and help me define the goals or small steps I need to set ourselves to get to our ultimate goal. The information passed over to us and the drills used will help us become better dog handlers going forward. Most important for us was the way Krissi understood Jet’s anxiety with other people. She always ensured she made Jet relaxed in her presence and when he decided to jump the fence after a bird onto the golf course, she ensured the situation was controlled and Jet didn’t feel threatened by stranger chacing/calling to him (we stayed to a longline after that :)). Her knowledge and experience of the breed and her manner of training was perfect for us and what we wanted to achieve from our sessions. We have a long way to go with Jet as some of it will be re-training from pervious owners but I feel I have the tools to make a positive start with him. Our experience from gained Krissi has been great. It’s increased our understanding of some of Jet’s behaviours from being a working dog which helps us with our training. We still have someway to go with Jet, but we have a much better appreciation of what it takes to get us to our ultima Goals with him. Once I’m fully fit with a replacement hip and my mobility is as close to a normal person. I will be looking to go back to Acer Gundog for more training. More for my benefit than Jet’s. For now we will continue to use the videos and tools Krissi showed us and practise in different environments. Jet’s an important part of our family and I want to do right by him. So a huge thanks to Krissi and Mark for sharing their knowledge and support. Many thanks Nic & Jet.

Superb training courses. Started with puppy classes and now in juniors. Excellent trainers making it fun, concise training with great tips and advice. Can’t recommend enough.

The puppy and beginner gundog courses have been an absoulte life line in learning to handle our young Golden Retriever. Such amazing support from trainers Nicole and Mark. Highly recommend Acer Gundog for anyone looking to learn and bond with their gundog. We look forward to doing more courses in the future.

We enrolled on a one to one, six week course, I’m sad to see it end this week! Having been told by another trainer to come back when our dog was calmer-a phone call to Mark to book and the course we undertook and six weeks of grafting we now have a spaniel who settles herself and will walk to heel. Absolutely would 100% ecommend and will enroll in further courses as time allows after we see this season out. Thank you to everyone at Acer.

Very clear structure and progression of skills. Fabulous online materials to back up each session. Small groups and indivisualised help and feedback.

We’ve gone from puppy to finishing our beginner improver course (with a merit 🙌) 😁 the progress that our Lab has made is amazing. The online lessons and resources were so useful for the days inbetween lessons, and Mel our instructor was instrumental in helping us with all the various challenges and training needed for gundog. We can’t really sing her praises enough. Can’t wait to come back for the next course.

Took our pointer cross puppy to puppy gundog training with Sarah and he’s come on so much in a short space of time. He’s not an easy pup and Sarah’s been so helpful through the past 6 weeks helping us manage his frustrations around other pups. Looking forward to starting the Beginner gundog foundation course and see what else we can achieve! Thanks so much Acer :)

Back in October 2024 i was about to give up on my new gundog a mixed breed Lab/Cocker, he was a that time 12 months and i had gotten zero progress, no Heel, no reliable recall, no reliable sit, no reliable retrieve even though i regularly attend training here in Denmark. It was beyond frustrating since this is my 7 th dog and I have had fine results before. I would go so far as to call myself an experienced gundog owner. By coincidence I came across your account on Instagram and saw some of your short training tips, tried them on my dog and it seemed to work well. I was at that point truly sceptical towards online training, but really desperate to try another approach to my training so I signed up 🙂 Now fast forward to January 2025, today we passed the “Beginner Gundog Fieldwork Test” with distinction and are still making weekly progress beyond this test. Your approach to layered training, the use of clickers and placeboards has done miracles for my training and the instruction videos are super simple to follow. I am convinced, your online training works for me and my dog.