Not just a profession, its a lifestyle!
June 2nd, 2026
At Fallowfen, our work is more than a profession, it is a family-led passion.
Based near Newark, Nottinghamshire, we are a specialist gundog kennel dedicated to training and breeding to a high standard, with a focus on gundog breeds but also have the ability to give advice on many other breeds if needed.
Our main focused is based on the Golden Retriever, and many ask me why?
I believe that the Golden Retriever is one of the best well-rounded breeds that can fit into most situations. Whether you’re looking for a working gundog, a dog for competitive obedience, agility, pets as therapy dog or most importantly a family companion this breed ticks most of the boxes.
For myself, the work at Fallowfen is a lifelong commitment. With years of experience as a gundog trainer, I have built a reputation on “kind and fair” training methods and a deep understanding of canine potential.
Whether I’m preparing a dog for work in the field or helping a pet owner achieve better obedience, my focus is always on providing professional, personalized advice tailored to the needs of each individual dog.
I am always on hand to give any help and advice needed, always willing to have that conversation to answer any questions and give any advice needed.
The Heart of Fallowfen: A family Commitment.
But I haven’t been on this journey alone, with the lifelong support of my wife amanda and our children I couldn’t have been in the position to achieve what we have.
Our children are an integral part of the Fallowfen experience.
They grew up alongside our dogs, providing essential, gentle socialization that helps our puppies become confident and well-adjusted companions we any family.
We have seen firsthand the incredible impact that dogs can have. Amanda and I understand deeply how much companionship a dog can provide, particularly for children with special needs, as we have experienced this journey firsthand with our daughter. This personal insight drives our belief that dogs are not just working partners, but vital, loving members of the family.
“Dogs can do amazing things but let’s remember companionship is something we all need in this very strange world we live in no matter who you are!”
Why we do this:
People often ask me why I am so committed to the breeding and training of dogs. They see the training, the litters we produce, and the professional standards, but they don’t always understand the “why.”
To really understand, you must understand that for our family, dogs have never been just animals. They have been our anchors in hard times, our silent therapists with the ability to help us through the hardest chapters of our lives.
For myself, my love of working dogs started from a young age, the joy of watching dogs work and the challenge to help those dogs that needed it, gave me the drive and commitment to make this not only my profession but my lifestyle.
In 2018, life as we knew it stopped. When my wife, Amanda, suffered a heart scare that caused her heart stop multiple times, the world went quiet.
In those harrowing days and months of recovery, it was the presence of our dogs that kept me grounded.
They didn’t need me to be strong or professional; they just needed me to be there. They reminded me to breathe, to keep moving, and to find the small, beautiful rhythm of life even when everything felt like it was unravelling.
The next few years became one challenge after another, and as parents our journey with our daughter, has been one of the greatest challenges and the greatest joy of our lives.
When Lillie Mae was a toddler, she faced significant developmental delays. She was quiet, hesitant, and struggled to find her footing in a world that wasn’t designed for her.
Then came Shirley, a West Highland White Terrier that was gifted to our daughter from a close friend.
You can imagine my delight! A westie! What were we meant to do with this little dog! Not the working gundog I had become to live for.
But Shirley didn’t know about developmental milestones or medical diagnosis. She just knew that our daughter needed a friend. Shirley became our daughter’s motivation.
It was only for Shirley that our daughter first found the courage to take those first steps. It was to Shirley that she spoke her first real words.
Shirley didn’t just walk beside her; she pulled her forward. Watching them together, I learned that a dog’s love holds a powerful therapy, I really don’t think my daughter would have achieved so may milestones if it wasn’t for this little dog.
Our journey with our daughter continued to test us, major spinal surgery in 2024. Throughout the pain, the recovery, and the fear, her dogs remained the steady, comforting presence by her side, reminding her, and us, that she wasn’t alone.
Dedicated support.
Through all of this, the business—Fallowfen—had to keep running. We had a household to maintain and animals to care for.
My son, Noah, stepped up in ways that words can hardly capture. He didn’t just help with the daily logistics; he became my emotional partner, sharing the weight of our family’s challenges while ensuring the dogs received the level of care they deserved.
Noah’s maturity and his dedication to our dogs have been a source of immense pride. He didn’t just learn how to train dogs; he learned how to care for a family legacy when the going got tough.
As my son starts his own journey in the dog world I find myself reflecting on the path ahead.
In an era where the world is seen through the lens of social media, where every moment is curated, filtered, and often presented as effortless perfection, it is easy to lose sight of the truth.
I want you to hold onto this, perhaps more than any training tip or piece of advice I can give you.
The work you do is real, but the world you see online is often an illusion!
On social media, you will see a constant stream of “perfect” puppies, instant success stories, and dogs that seem to know their jobs from day one.
Do not be fooled! The true essence of this profession is found in the quiet, unglamorous hours!
Cherish the struggle! The challenges you face today are the experiences that will make you the person and dog trainer you are meant to be. Remember you only become a competent dog trainer by training difficult dogs!
Why this matters!
Families come to us looking for a puppy or help with their dog, but they are often looking for much more. They are looking for a companion.
The companionship of a dog can bring a family so much joy, but also the support when times become challenging or difficult.
When you get a dog from us, you aren’t just getting a puppy. You are getting a puppy that has been raised with the understanding that companionship is a lifeline.
We know firsthand that in a very strange, often difficult world, a dog can be the difference between breaking and bending.
Bringing a puppy into your family is the beginning of a journey. We are honoured to be part of that story, offering ongoing advice, guidance, and a support for the entire life of you dog if needed.
