Albie’s Journey – From a Challenging Start to a Confident Working Labrador

Every dog has a story, and Albie’s is one of resilience, patience, and teamwork. This young Labrador joined his new family under difficult circumstances, having to be rehomed through no fault of his own when he was just over four months old. Missing those first vital weeks of puppy training meant that his new owners knew they had a challenge ahead—but they also saw his potential.

A Rocky Start

Albie arrived full of energy and personality, but also with a strong will and a mind of his own. His new owners worked hard to establish the basics—manners, recall, and simple obedience—but they quickly realised that he would need professional guidance to bring out his best. Determined to give him the right start, they turned to us and Carl at Kugae Gundogs for expert help.

Beginning Gundog Training

At nearly ten months old, Albie began one-to-one lessons with Carl. From the very first sessions, it was clear that the decision had been the right one. Training wasn’t easy—Labradors like Albie often have strong instincts and boundless enthusiasm—but with Carl’s calm guidance, experience, and encouragement, both Albie's trainer and Albie began to make steady progress.

The focus wasn’t just on training Albie; it was about building confidence for both of them. Each lesson brought more understanding, patience, and teamwork. The early challenges slowly turned into moments of real achievement.

Progress in the Field

Today, Albie has come a long way from those uncertain early days. He now joins the team on shoots, working alongside other dogs as part of the picking-up team. He’s shown real skill and enthusiasm - making some brilliant retrieves and even finding lost birds that others have missed! His drive, focus, and natural ability have begun to shine through, and his owners couldn’t be prouder - and neither could we at Kugae Gundogs!

Seeing Albie deliver birds straight back with confidence is a true reflection of how far he’s come. It’s also a testament to the dedication and partnership between dog, owner, and trainer.

Looking Ahead

Albie’s journey is far from over. His owners continue to work with him, putting Carl’s lessons into practice and enjoying every step of the process. With another shoot planned in the coming days, they hope to capture some video of him retrieving in action—a perfect way to showcase his progress and growing confidence.

They remain deeply grateful for Carl’s ongoing support and belief in both handler and dog. With the right guidance, patience, and a lot of teamwork, Albie has transformed from a challenging rehome into a talented, reliable working Labrador.

It’s a journey that reminds us all - every dog deserves a second chance, and with the right approach, that chance can become something truly special!