COCKER CONVERSION

I have been a labrador chap all my life and without the help of my daughter and trainer Frank Walker (no family connection) would have probably have remained so. 

The daughter pleaded to have a 'prettier' dog and was sufficiently interested in this to bother locating a litter of working Cockers. It turned out I knew the bitch which encouraged me, and so one pup, Darcy, was acquired. 

I thought all Spaniels were air-heads. Hmmm perhaps I'm one! The intelligence of the Cocker was amazing to the point where I had to quickly source a trainer who understood Spaniels to get me up to speed.

Spaniel number one, Darcy (the black one in the picture), went to Frank for two periods totaling nine weeks. The result was truly amazing then and three years on his performance is simply stunning, never puts a paw wrong. But possibly he is about to be surpassed by his half brother Jasper who is now just nine months - after six weeks with Frank will stop on a whistle, turn left, turn right, hunt, pick up and then drop a dummy on command, work out to 50m on seen birds 10m on blinds as of today. 

One of the great things about working with Frank is his precise and prescriptive approach to training both the dog and its owner. Maybe it is his military style, who knows. It is like having your car permanently  plugged into to a diagnostic computer. Everything is analyzed, adjusted, fine tuned. His new book works exactly like that too - it is a manual rather than a book and you can quickly get straight to the point that you want to read about and identify the key action points.

I think I may have a future Field Trial Champion. Jasper is tormented by energy. When relaxing he sits in his run and watches head up for blackbirds and pigeons, or if indoors at the moment watches the left / right passage of the yellow tennis ball at the Paris Open on a plasma screen. It could be worse. It could be chaos!

John Walker


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"I have an adolescent labrador who remains exhaustingly puppy-like. Since beginning to work with Frank only a matter of months ago, the dog and I have come on leaps and bounds both in our communication with each other and the prospect of him working successfully as a gundog. In working with Frank, you have to expect that he will read you, the handler, just as much as he will read your dog....like a book. I believe this, however, to be a huge part of his success...after all, whatever is happening with the dog, comes from you. Accept that responsibility and Frank will help you get to whatever level you require of your dog's training, with good humour, precision and clarity. Frank's genuine affection for the canine race is constantly apparent, albeit coupled (quite rightly) with the expectation that they do as they are told. I find Frank and I get on very nicely if I also do as I'm told...and I've learned to live with my inadequacy for only having two legs instead of four, and (worse) being a girl.

Quite seriously, when you see the fruits of your training and your dog flies out with enthusiasm from your side to carry out a retrieve, entirely under your control at all times (ahem), the feeling is like no other...and I have Frank's fantastic expertise to thank for that....oooooooh, I could kiss him!"

Nicola Ford

I have trained with Frank now for nearly 18 months. Frank doesn't train my dogs but teaches me what I need to know to achieve the goals I set myself. As with any learning process, it takes time, effort and patience of which Frank gives all 3. I probably dont need to continue to train with Frank as I have now aquired most of the skills and methods I need to train any of my dogs to a high standard. However, with Franks' experience every training session is an inspiration, and the pleasure I get from seeing my dogs develop is priceless. I recently entered my first BASC working gundog test at Fyfield, without any special preperation I thought it was time to experience for myself what this was all about. It was well worth it, my 3 year old cocker spaniel, Barney (Flys' Barney Rubble), achieved an impressive 1st place in the Novice Spaniel group. This has really inspired me to be more involved in working tests and perhaps some field trials at a later date. This wouldn't have been happening without the help and support I get from both Frank and Madeleine.

I have 6 Cocker Spaniels in all, quite a handfull. Without the training I have had it would be like world war 3 in our house, but this is not so, all 6 of my dogs are very obedient and are all a pleasure to live with.

If you are looking to train your dog, no matter what the breed, or the standard you are looking to reach, I still couldn't recommend a better trainer. The speed of the results really is quite astonishing.

Andrew Turner & "The Pack" - Barney, Tarka, Fly, Nellie, Willow and Solo.

Frank Walker
I have trained with Frank for many years. With his background in the Military our training sessions are always well organised and structured. Any new training exercise is always broken down into manageable parts, more I think for our benefit rather than for our dogs. He is always patient with us if we appear to struggle with any new exercise. This always ensures that both my dog and I enjoy our training and always look forward to the next training session.

Maurice Board &
"Remy" Woodlark Warrior (Liver Flatcoated Retriever)

Frank Walker
Frank Walker is well known in Essex as a Dog Trainer and 'course setter' for many major Essex Dog Tests. After a career in the Army and latterly as a specialist trainer for the Essex Police, he owns the Essex Gundog and Obedience School near LangenHoe in Essex. His speciality is Gundog training ~ all breeds, including Labradors, Spaniels and Pointers - through a methodical and easily applied system of basic training exercises. His purpose designed training system aims to teach the Dog Handler how to first develop basic obedience and steadiness in their dogs before moving on to advanced hunting and retrieving. It is a remarkably effective training system and of value both to the experienced handler and the complete novice.

Paul Payne

Frank Walker
I was recommended to Frank some 8 years ago when I needed advice on training my 1 year old Labrador Jess. Jess & I arrived for our first training session. It soon became apparent that it was not the dog that needed the training; she was a natural, but the owner!
Jess very quickly learned her trade under the care and guidance of Frank. I remember saying to Frank at one session that I think Jess had a problem with a particular part of the training, the reply came back 'the only problem that dog is its owner!' Frank is still trying to train the owner - the dog is great!
I am now attending training classes at Franks with my 2nd dog Ellie.
I would highly recommend Frank as a trainer. Whether you want to send your dog to him or go along with your dog, or a bit of both as I have done then you won't be disappointed. Frank has a no nonsense approach, he tells it as it is and gets the job done.

A big thank you to Frank and Madeline for their continued support and encouragement.

Mrs Marianne Jackson
24/06/2009

"Highly Recommended" *****

After years of studying books and watching DVD's, I started to search for a trainer for my Cocker Spaniels. On recommendation from some friends I was given Frank's number, and decided to give him a call.

I was quickly booked in for a lesson, with a friend of mine. I wont give the game away but the first lesson was to say the least unusual albeit very entertaining. It gave a foundation and understanding of dog training that I don't think I would have got from anywhere else - and utmost respect for my dog. We were given a set of tasks to complete over the next fortnight before we returned. The results were amazing and I returned for the next and subsequent lessons with much anticipation. Progress was speedy and the instruction was simple - I never thought training a gundog could be made so straightforward.

I'm still continuing with the training 4 months on and still just as enthusiastic as when I began, if not more so.

Many thanks go to Frank and Madeline for all their help, I would recommend them to anyone for Gundog or pet obedience training.

Andrew Turner

FRANK WALKER
Specialist in training you to train your dog.
Get rewarding results in simple easy to follow staged lessons. Available in one to one sessions or in small groups.

Residential training for your dog is also available. We only accept a maximum of 6 dogs at any one time, this ensures each and every one receives the maximum of attention to bring out their full potential.

Located in Langenhoe, near Colchester and with over 30 years experience you can be sure your dogs will receive the very best of care.
For more information on training available for
you or your dog, please contact Frank on:
Tel. 01206 735382
http://www.frankwalker.co.uk