GUN DOG TRAINING CLASSES – THE ISLE OF BUTE
Train your dog where instinct meets tradition.
An authentic gun dog experience in the heart of Scottish nature
On the Isle of Bute, one of Scotland’s most fascinating sporting locations, Montefeltro offers exclusive Gun Dog Training Classes designed for hunters and dog owners who wish to develop the full potential of their setters and pointers in a natural hunting environment.
These classes are conducted during the shooting season, giving each dog the opportunity to gain real experience in live game situations — essential for building steadiness, focus, and drive. Under the guidance of professional trainers, dogs learn to express their natural instincts while refining obedience, control, and working style.
Program Overview
The training program is tailored to both beginners and experienced handlers, aiming to strengthen the bond between dog and owner.
Key objectives include:
– Developing the dog’s natural hunting instinct and scenting ability.
– Reinforcing obedience, steadiness to flush and shot.
– Introducing dogs to real game situations with woodcock, pheasant, and hare.
– Assessing working ability, intelligence, and hunting desire in authentic Scottish terrain.
Each session combines fieldwork and structured exercises, ensuring steady progress under expert supervision.
Location and Environment
The Isle of Bute offers an extraordinary setting for gun dog training, with over 16,000 acres of diverse terrain including woodland, open moorland, and farmland.
This varied landscape provides the ideal environment for practical work, allowing dogs to adapt to real-life shooting conditions while learning to work in balance and cooperation with their handler.
Game present on the estate includes woodcock, pheasant, and hare, ensuring a dynamic and stimulating experience throughout the training period.
Accommodation
Participants are hosted at the Battery Lodge Hotel in Rothesay, a comfortable country lodge perfectly suited to sportsmen and dog owners.
Facilities include:
– Heated, secure kennels for the dogs.
– Comfortable rooms overlooking the island landscape.
– Access to training grounds within a short distance from the lodge.
– A friendly atmosphere among hunters, trainers, and enthusiasts.
The lodge is the ideal place to relax after a training session, share experiences, and enjoy the charm of the Scottish countryside.
Certification
At the end of the course, participants receive an official certificate confirming that their dog has undergone professional training on the Isle of Bute during the specified dates.
Each document includes the dog’s name and training details, as well as confirmation of kennel and accommodation arrangements at the Battery Lodge Hotel.
Booking Information
Whether you are preparing your young dog for the upcoming shooting season or refining the performance of an experienced gun dog, our Isle of Bute Training Program offers the perfect blend of professionalism, authenticity, and adventure.
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What People Are Saying
Another unforgettable hunting adventure with the Montefeltro team has just come to an end.
This time we were on the Isle of Bute, surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of the Firth of Clyde, in pursuit of the “Queen of the Wood.”
A charming lodge right by the sea, delicious traditional food, and outstanding hospitality made the experience truly special.
The dog training grounds were exceptional — perfectly managed and rich with game.
What else can I say… thank you, Montefeltro, for another perfect hunting trip!
Mirko
A really unespected hunting experience organized by Montefeltro.
The Isle of Bute was a paradise for my setters. I’ll try to be back every year. Non only for the certificate of partecipation but for the whole experience.
Nice lodge located on the shore of the Rothesay bay, good cuisine, super welcome and assistance.
Unbelivable woodcocks basket taken, and more than 60 sight in a day. Montefeltro, hunting is a guarantee!
Stefano
The Gun Dog Training on Bute was simply amazing. My setter made huge progress — steadier, sharper, and more confident thanks to the trainers’ expertise and patience. Working on real game like woodcock and pheasant across 16,000 acres was unforgettable.
The Battery Lodge Hotel was perfect — cozy rooms, great food, and heated kennels for the dogs. The whole experience was professional, authentic, and full of passion for hunting.
Highly recommended to anyone who wants to turn their dog into a true working companion!