I'm Jordan Eley, founder of Hounds and Hooves, and I provide dog training with a focus on secure field training, obedience, and behavior support. I work across my local areas in the UK. My work includes one-to-one training, field recall, off-lead control, and behavior rehabilitation programs. On the website I show that I train working breeds, retrievers, gun dogs, and family dogs, helping owners build reliable control outdoors.
From a young age I was passionate about dogs, working with retrievers and hunting breeds. Over time I saw many owners genuinely struggle with control when out in the field or rural environments. I wanted to offer training that builds true reliability, not just obedience in a ring. So I founded Hounds and Hooves to specialise in that gap: giving owners confident control, especially in challenging outdoor settings.
When I first began, I offered training to local dog owners, often outdoors or in fields near home. Word of mouth from:
This brought in more clients. I documented progress, collected videos and testimonials, and built a portfolio of successful dogs under control off lead. I then created a website to showcase those case studies, training methodology and service tiers (like beginner field training, advanced shot work, behaviour correction).
One challenge was that outdoor training conditions vary due to weather, terrain, and distractions. To manage that, I established back-up indoor sessions and alternate locations. I also formalized progression criteria by defining clear benchmarks for each dog, including recall accuracy and distraction tolerances, which means owners know when to move on. When clients had unrealistic expectations, I introduced a consultation and assessment stage before committing to a program.
As reputation grew, I started taking clients further afield, especially those needing field or working dog support. My outdoor work and emphasis on field control became a distinguishing feature. I also ran workshops and group field days, which allowed more dogs to be trained together and gave prospective clients a taste of how I approach control and recall. I frequently publish videos of training sessions, recall work in fields, and before and after transformations. That content helps owners see what "secure field training" really looks like.
The most effective marketing has been demonstration content, videos of difficult recalls, obedience under distraction, off-lead control in open terrain. Owners see what's actually possible. I also hold free taster field days or demo events in local areas. These bring in enquiries because people see their dog's potential first hand.
Word of mouth within the rural, shooting and gundog community is very strong. Satisfied clients refer me to neighbours, gamekeepers and local dog clubs. I lean into those relationships.
Secure Field Training Specialization: I specialize in secure field training, which means building control under real, outdoor conditions, not just obedience in fenced areas. I train for practical use, including recall in field, decoys, distractions, and distance work.
Versatile Dog Training: I work with working breeds, gundogs, hunting dogs, and family dogs equally.
Comprehensive Programme Structure: Each program includes assessment, incremental milestones, and owner involvement so you understand what to do. I don't just "train your dog," I teach you to maintain control in all settings.
Focus on a niche that aligns with your passion and skill, such as field work in my case. Let your training philosophy show through your content by not hiding how you do it. Use live demos, videos, and workshops to build trust. Always incorporate owner education, as control only lasts if the owner understands what's happening.
If I could start again, I'd document more case studies earlier. I'd also create packaged programs sooner with starter, intermediate, and advanced options, as this simplifies decision making for clients. Additionally, I'd develop more online content, such as tutorials and tips, earlier to lead into bookings.
I plan to host more regional field training days and workshops, so clients can come together and see methods at work. I'll expand content:
I'm exploring partnerships with gundog clubs, working dog groups and local shooting associations so more people know about reliable control. I may also introduce remote coaching for owners who cannot access in-person training regularly.
You'll find that the training is suitable for a wide variety of dogs. Jordan Eley works with working breeds, retrievers, gun dogs, and family dogs. The focus is on building reliable control in outdoor environments, regardless of your dog's breed.
The main difference is the focus on real-world reliability. Instead of just teaching obedience in a fenced-in area, the training builds your dog's control under genuine outdoor conditions. This includes handling distractions, distance work, and ensuring a solid recall when it matters most.
Not at all. While there is a specialisation in gundogs and working breeds, the methods are equally effective for family dogs. The goal is to give any owner confident off-lead control, helping you and your dog enjoy the outdoors safely.
You don't have to worry about the unpredictable British weather. To ensure training remains consistent, there are backup plans including indoor sessions and alternative outdoor locations that are more sheltered.
You can see the training approach in action before committing. Hounds and Hooves frequently publishes videos of training sessions and holds free taster field days or demonstration events. This gives you a firsthand look at the methods and the results you can expect.
