Blog - 10th APGI Programme

Lez Graham celebrates the start of the 10th APGI Programme

The APGI programme took a full year to design before the first cohort began, and over the years it has grown, developed, and evolved as qualifications have changed, as the industry has changed, and as we’ve continued to refine and improve the course itself.

When it began, the Accredited Pet Gundog Instructor programme was the first specific training course for gundog trainers - and it remains unlike anything else out there.

This is not a short course, a weekend workshop, or a quick route to a badge.

It is the most comprehensive training and mentoring programme covering gundog training, teaching skills, handling, dog behaviour, assessment, class structure, client support, professional practice, and business development.

And at the end of it, students don’t just leave with certificates. They leave with support, mentoring, guidance, help to build and develop their own classes and businesses, and a community of like-minded trainers cheering them on.

All APGIs have been trained by me personally, and I’m incredibly proud of the work they go on to do - helping pet gundog owners, working gundog owners, competitors, and everyday dog owners who simply want a better relationship with their dogs.

I also want to give a very heartfelt nod to Richard Reeve and Christine Collins.

Richard has been co-tutoring for the last nine programmes, and Christine for the last seven. Their knowledge, support, teaching, and input have helped shape the APGI into the programme it is today.

It would not be what it is without them.

So today, as the 10th programme begins, I want to say a massive thank you to everyone who has been part of the APGI journey so far - the tutors, the students, the graduates, and every APGI out there doing such fantastic work.

Ten years of development, growth, training, teaching, learning, and raising the standard of pet gundog instruction.

And today, we begin again...

Accredited Pet Gundog Instructor training | The Pet Gundog

first published 1 July 2026

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