About Cyngstede Gundogs

Welcome to Cyngstede Gundogs. Based near Grantham, Lincolnshire, we are a small, dedicated working kennel passionate about breeding, training, and working quality cocker spaniels.

Cyngstede [pronounced King-sted] was built on a genuine love for working dogs, a deep respect for the sport, and a commitment to helping handlers build successful partnerships with their gundogs.

My love affair with spaniels began simply by watching them work on local shoots. I was captivated. For my 30th birthday, I was gifted my first cocker spaniel, Grassmere River Runner of Cyngstede (Lara), and the hard work of learning how to train her began. Tragically, she passed away from sudden heart failure at just 13 months old. Though our time was short, she ignited a deep-rooted obsession with spaniels and gundog training that has only grown stronger. Lara is the cocker in our logo.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, I spent countless hours down the YouTube rabbit hole, watching and learning everything I could about Field Trials, quietly wondering if one day I might be able to just give it a shot.

I fell in love with Working Cocker Spaniels for all their quirks, their massive personalities, and their unwavering loyalty as shooting companions. Since I started, I can’t think of a single day I’ve been out in the field without at least one of my cockers by my side—whether we are training, competing, walked-up shooting, beating, or picking-up. In my eyes, they are the most enjoyable breed to work with, though I have also trained and handled Labradors and Springer Spaniels with equal enjoyment and success. 

The true turning point for Cyngstede came with Morgan (FTW Kimminswood Rambling Rose of Cyngstede). She was the first dog I actively set out to train for competitions. Sharp and incredibly driven from her early months, I originally only planned to enter her into Working Tests. However, watching her hunt on game with such natural drive and control pushed me to take the plunge into Field Trials in 2023.

Stepping into that arena wasn't easy. The hardest hurdle wasn't the training; it was my own self-confidence. As a novice handler stepping up against seasoned veterans whose names had been in the sport for years, overcoming my own anxiety was the main battle.

But Morgan proved we belonged there. She was awarded a Certificate of Merit at our very first Field Trial, and went on to win a Novice Field Trial on just her third attempt. I can still replay both runs in my head. I knew I had a special dog in my novice hands. Morgan became the foundation of the Cyngstede cocker spaniel line, and today, her son Bumble (Cyngstede Rambler) is proving to be just as capable and enjoyable to train.

Alongside my passion for gundogs, I am a qualified rugby and experienced cricket coach. This background heavily influences my dog training philosophy.

I firmly believe that clear, simple, consistent, and structured training is the key to success. I believe my role is to help the individual—both dog and handler—understand what is happening and provide an easy-to-follow plan to put things right when they go wrong. Doing a small number of things very well in short, focused sessions is always the most effective way to improve.

When you train with Cyngstede Gundogs, you are working with someone who understands how to coach. For your complete peace of mind, I am:

• Fully DBS Checked

• Fully Insured

• Experienced in coaching handlers of all ages and experience levels

Our goal is to see Cyngstede dogs continue to thrive and succeed in Field Trials and Working Tests, and to see Cyngstede Rambler carry on our successful breeding line.

But most importantly, I want to use my own experiences—from navigating those initial novice nerves to standing in the awards line—to help others. Whether you are starting out with your very first gundog, or looking to take your first steps into competitions, we are here to support you through our 1-to-1 and Group Training sessions.