Testimonials

I first met Andy at a Group Training Day in March 2011 in Central Scotland.  It was easy to see that Andy had a presence about him. Everybody at the Training Day thought Andy was excellent; he was knowledgeable, approachable, friendly and honest.  I have since been lucky enough to get lessons from Andy.  His advice is always constructive and communicated in a courteous and professional manner.  You couldn't fail to be impressed by him. 
Andy's knowledge of Gundogs is quite simply endless; he is like a walking library of information.  To me Andy is an inspiration, a true ambassador in the World of Gundogs. I have had a few people ask me who I would recommend as a Gundog Trainer.  Without hesitation the answer is always Andy.

 Fraser MacDougall, Arisaig

Had great afternoon out with Andy Cullen of Laochin Gundogs.  Andy invited me up to Perth to see his GSPs when I met him at the Polmaise Cup last year.  My previous encounters with GSPs had not been very good with most of them living up to the nickname 'hunt munch and crunch'.  However, Andy showed me how they should really behave.  His experienced bitch 'Meg' was thrilling to watch after she found grouse effortlessly even in the difficult scenting conditions with heavy snow on the ground.  Meg quartered her ground at a good pace always using the cold wind to locate the birds.  She demonstrated how scenting skills when she located a pair of grouse running on ahead.  Her head carriage constantly altering to take in the air scent until she finally held her point after homing in on the birds over a distance of a hundred yards or more.  This was excellent dog work.  I'm not totally sold on GSPs yet and still prefer the style of the English Pointer on the moor but Andy genuinely demonstrated how a GSP can be a great asset to the walked up shooter.  I look forward to spending more time with Andy and his dogs in the future.  He has a real affinity with dogs and it was good to watch.

Andy Platt, Winner of AV Spaniel Championships 2008

We have been fortunate to attend a number of Laochin Gundogs Grouse Training Days, every one being well structured, informative and fun.  Andy's knowledgeable guidance and advice has been invaluable, always patient and positive as well as clear regarding the areas to work on.  This has increased our understanding and confidence hugely.  With Andy's help and encouragement it has been a joy to see both us and our GSPs progress.

Dave and Sharon Leppard, Suffolk

Thank you for yet another most enjoyable and helpful day.  A privilege to be on the Grouse Moor and personally so encouraging to see my little dog go!  I look forward to hopefully a further opportunity in July. 

Peter and Angela James, England

Hi Andy, just letting you know we had a fantastic two days on the moor.  Could not believe the effort and passion you put in to training our dogs and improving our handling skills.  It was really good that you split us up into two groups, we had a lot more runs and it gave us a chance to put into practise what you had showed us earlier.  I think we have had about eight days of training with you this year from shoot over days to retrieving days and every time we are 100% satisfied with what we have achieved and what you charged us.  All the other people were such a great bunch.  Hope to see you on the moor on another training day in July.

Simon and Pauline Kirby, South Wales

Thanks to Andy's knowledge and experience, both ourselves and our Cocker Spaniel have gained from working with him.  The result is a well trained and contented dog (and owner).  Many thanks.

John and Michaela Robertson, Perthshire, Scotland

Just writing to thank you both for a brilliant weekend.  Tracy, the food was excellent and so was you hospitality, nothing was too much trouble, thanks again.  Andy, were do I start.  Brilliant!  The facilities were excellent, woods, lochs, grouse moor etc.  It was all there.  The tuition was to a high standard but relaxed and friendly.  I learnt so much about my handling, my dog and the wind.  I came away feeling so much more confident and amazed how much I achieved with my dog.  Thanks for your patience and expertise.  I am looking forward to making the long trip to Scotland again, would recommend this course to everyone.

Jo Yates, Somerset, England

Andy Cullen? Who's he, were the thoughts going through my mind when I signed up for a group training day.  Ah well, it will be a good day meeting others and their dogs if nothing else!!

I arrived that day, warmly welcomed by all. Whilst Andy was in full swing giving us the health a safety brief, I just knew this was going to be something a bit more that your average training session.. I wasn't wrong, the day was incredible, the variety of training ground and equipment that suited all capabilities which put us and all of our dogs through their paces, the hands on help and advice, the gentle clear informative way that Andy teaches was just something Id never experienced before.  I was disappointed that the eventful day had come to and end and was quizzing about the next one!!

 I have since then attended more exciting group training and will continue to take advantage of Andy's skills to better mine..

 I want others to have that experience so Andy has agreed to host the gundog training at this years Pink Gundog 2010 residential training weekend.  Thanks Andy!!

Carol Begg, Perthshire, Scotland

I first met Andy on a group training day, which I attended with my young Springer Spaniel.    As a first encounter with a Professional Gundog Trainer I couldn’t fail to be impressed, not only by Andy’s knowledge of training all types of gundog, but more importantly by his mannerisms and his way with dogs and handlers alike.  Immediately after the group training day I arranged a one-to-one lesson with Andy, and I now train regularly with him, learning all the time in a practical way about how to get the best from my dog.  Being taught by a Professional Gundog Trainer is an investment in yourself and your dog that I would encourage anyone to make and Andy Cullen is, in my opinion, one of the best in the business. 

William Drummond, Stirlingshire, Scotland 

I have known Andy for a number of years and spend a lot of time with him and his clients on the many and varied training courses he hosts.  Joining Andy and his clients either on the Grouse Moors of Northern England or his superb training facilities in Central Scotland are always a pleasure.  Andy has an uncanny knack of bringing out the best in both handler and dog, which makes my job as a Gundog and Fieldsports photographer, all the more enjoyable.  As well as his ability to help his clients overcome any training issues they have with their chosen breed, he also has an excellent knowledge of the Single Malt!!  Which I am sure many of you, who have attended his courses, have fallen foul of!!

Greg Knight, Ruralshots, Buckinghamshireon a group training day, which I attended with my young Springer Spaniel.    As a first encounter with a Professional Gundog Trainer I couldn’t fail to be impressed, not only by Andy’s knowledge of training all types of gundog, b more importantly by his mannerisms and way with dogs and handlers alike.   

Hi Andy, just to say thanks for all the help, time and encouragement given when I needed it, with my then young GSP on a shoot over day. The advice is still good to this day.  Also the day on the grouse moor which was our first visit onto a moor will always be a treasured memory, the training is friendly, helpful and above all useful.   I would recommend your training school to anyone who was hoping to shoot over their dogs.  There are many gundog trainers out there, but not all of them are professional.

 Lee Loveridge, Birmingham, England

Immediately after the group training day I arranged a one-to-one lesson with Andy, and I now train regularly with him, learning all the time in a practical way about how to get the best from my dog.

I have been working with Working Irish Setters for 13 years.  However, on purchasing a new young bitch, who showed some real promise, I decided to try and get it right this time! I was introduced to Andy Cullen who has taught me techniques which have made a huge difference to the running of my bitch, who I now feel might one day grace a Field Trial. Thank you Andy, your methods are never harsh but instead are logical and, if implemented properly, very effective.

Donna Clark, St Andrews, Scotland

I can honestly say the training with Andy Cullen on his HPR weekend was in a different league to anything else I have found.  It is professional, planned and structured, it is cleverly designed to build the confidence of the dog and abilities of the handler over the duration of the two days.  For me, the most important element was not the things I did well (although thrilling) but what I didn't, so I could finally have help to see why it was going wrong and be given the tools to change the patterns I have fallen into, that is preventing me to be able to achieve more with the dog.
The high standard of training was matched by the excellent facilities for all aspects of the training.  It is all there and more to pack into the two days.
What I have learned from my own training and watching my colleagues has left me feeling invigorated and excited to continue with my training ,and for that I can't thank you enough.
 

Nicki Johnson, Somerset, England

I was fortunate to have been introduced to Andrew Cullen on a Spaniel training day.  As a result my Ess and I have received some excellent training from him at his establishment.  He is calm, patient and knowledgeable and has a way with dogs that is highly admirable.  He is able to pass on his way to the handlers with the most beneficial results.  I would not hesitate to recommend him to anybody seeking guidance regarding dog training and handling whatever breed of dog.

T H Connell, Borders, Scotland

I have known Andy now for the best part of 15 years through our connection with the German Shorthaired Pointers.  Having owned, trained and bred these dogs for the last 40 years and having known Andy and his dogs and witnessed first hand the rapport he has with them, I can honestly say I have only seen this unique ability in a very small number of handlers in the gundog world.  In fact, Andy is in my top 10 of gundog trainers.  When the Norfolk and Suffolk HPR  Field Trial Club was first granted Kennel Club status, Andy was one of the first to give the club his full support and this year, in recognition of this, the committee has fully agreed to have Andy as our new Club President.

His Laochin kennels in Scotland and the training sessions he holds throughout the year are well worth attendance, and I recommend those who have an interest in gundogs, from the new owner handler to the experienced handler in the field of gundogs, to spend a day at Laochin Gundogs and  have a day to remember.

Chris Snelling, Brecklander Gundogs and Chairman of the Norfolk Suffolk HPR Field Trial Club

Andy Cullen has a quiet and calm manner when it comes to dogs and their training.  He is able to anticipate what the dog will do next before the dog has even thought about doing it.  His ability to think ahead and problem solve as it happens makes him one of the true “professionals” when it comes to gundogs.  He excels with the HPRs, and this is where he is really at his best.  His ability to read both the dog and handler, offering constructive advice and the ability to teach the raw, novice or seasoned campaigner something new, stands him head and shoulders above the rest.  I’ve been at this game a long time, yet time and time again I will turn to Andy when I have a problem – he always has the time to answer questions and his manner with people is first class.  A true gent, even though he does not suffer fools gladly!  Someone I have the pleasure to call a true friend. 

Mike Roberts – MiLisCer Gundogs, Cheshire (specialising in dogs for Falconry

Dear Andy,
I would like to thank you for your help and patient in training my Weimaraner and getting him to a standard he is now. With your ability of reading my dog and me as a handler I now can get the most out of my dog. I came over from Holland several times to train with you because I like you method of training. Giving the dog the possibility to work and learn to rely on him.
Again thank you for all your wisdom and we will meet up for more training sessions.

Dario Martina - The Netherlands

One of the Oxford dictionary meanings for the word recommend is “ commend or entrust to a persons care”. 

As such, when ever we are asked to recommend a suitably experienced trainer by aspiring gun dog owners, we always take on board the responsibility that entails.

We believe the very best of trainers are those people who have the abilities to train both dog and owner, based upon a wealth of practical working experience. 

We therefore have no hesitation in recommending Andy Cullen and have never received any negative feed back from those people to whom we have passed his details too. 

Roy Bebbington. North Yorkshire