About Adhara Dog Training
Meet Lucy Nolan APGI , MGoDT (MPDTI)
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Owner of Adhara Dog Training
Gundogs have been part of my life from birth. My family always kept Spaniels as working dogs, and I spent my childhood captivated by their intelligence and skill. As soon as I was old enough, I joined my dad on shooting days and fell in love with seeing dogs work in real-life scenarios. Even today, during the shooting season, you’ll often find me in the beating line with my Spaniels, putting training into practice.
When I was able, I welcomed and raised my first Working Cocker Spaniel, Bella. I had a goal of working her in the beating line, and the training we undertook unlocked something special, helping us build a strong, trusting bond. The results didn’t go unnoticed - friends soon asked for my help with their own dogs, which inspired me to take dog training professionally.
From a Hobby to a Career
In 2021, I enrolled in the Accredited Pet Gundog Instructor course with Lez Graham. After 18 months of dedicated study, training my dogs to an advanced standard and achieving two Level 3 certificates, I launched Adhara Dog Training in 2022.
After running Adhara part-time for three years, in 2025 I made the leap to leave my long-term career of 20 years to run Adhara full-time. It was a big change, but one I don't regret. This has allowed me to expand the business and help more clients achieve success with their dogs.
I live in rural Dorset with my husband, Rob, and our three working Cocker Spaniels - Bella, Penny, and Olive. They are more than working dogs - they are my daily teachers and inspiration. From countryside walks to the shooting field, my dogs are at the heart of everything I do, and living in the countryside allows me to immerse myself fully in practical, real-world training.
As well as being an Advanced Accredited Pet Gundog Instructor, I am also a Master Professional Dog Training Instructor with the Guild of Dog Trainers.
Qualifications and Ongoing Learning
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Open College Network (West Midlands) Level 3 certificate in Canine Training and Behaviour
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Open College Network (West Midlands) Level 3 certificate in Canine Studies
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iPET Network Level 3 Award in Canine First Aid
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Level 4 Diploma in Canine Welfare, Training and Behaviour
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Level 5 Diploma: Canine Behaviour Practitioner (commenced June 2026)
Training Philosophy
Gundogs are intelligent, clever, and born with natural working instincts. With the right approach, they can also make brilliant pets. Training is about creating a balanced, harmonious relationship between human and dog - not forcing behaviour. Many gundogs are strong characters, and my role is to help owners understand and harness their dog’s natural instincts to achieve the best possible outcomes, whether that’s for companionship or working on a shoot.
My approach is calm, patient, and fun. I aim to help you get the very best out of your dog while enjoying the process. Combining over 20 years of customer-facing experience with a passion for dogs, I work to ensure owners feel confident and supported while their dogs thrive.
Meet the Spaniel Team
Bella, Penny and Olive are at the heart of everything I do at Adhara Dog Training. They are my inspiration, my motivation and the reason this business exists.
As well as being much loved pets who share everyday life, holidays and adventures with me, they are also working gundogs who accompany me in the shooting field throughout the season. Their training, development and partnership have shaped my understanding of what makes a successful pet gundog - a dog that can perform when asked, but also switch off and be a valued member of the family.
The girls also play an important role within Adhara Dog Training, helping as stooge and demonstration dogs during training sessions. Their calm temperaments, experience and reliability allow them to assist other dogs and owners as they progress through their training journey.
Each of them has their own unique personality, strengths and story, and together they continue to teach me something new every day.
Bella
Our first family spaniel, Bella helped me achieve my accreditation
Penny
The middle child! Always wants to please and loves working in rough cover
Olive
Tiny but tenacious! Fast, clever and learning her mothers trade quickly
