We very luckily came across Eshiels Gundogs by chance after we got Rosie (17 month old black lab bitch). Since then Ian has been very patient and effective in training Rosie and me! Rosie had also been very well looked after by Ian and Andrea, and I'm sure will love her next stay in the new kennels in the summer. Can't recommend Eshiels highly enough for positive training or happy boarding! The Garden Family

Training a springer isn?t quite as straightforward as the training manuals and magazines suggest. We started with basis obedience and steadiness (not spaniel qualities), and learning to walk on a lead. A course of one-to-one and group lessons , and Sula was soon hunting and retrieving dummies. It was great fun watching Sula progress (despite the teenage months), do her first scurry, and attend her first shoot. I really enjoy the training sessions, and so does Sula. Ian is passionate about gundogs, has a real empathy with them, knowing how to modify his approach to different dogs, handlers and moods. His training is based on being kind and fair. He explains clearly why each exercise is important, with patience and humour. The training ground offers a variety of cover, and is set in the beautiful borders landscape, and the school is friendly and homely, thanks to Ian and Andrea. Still so much to learn about owning, training and enjoying a gundog! Cathy Findlay Springer Spaniel owner

My 9 month old cocker is one of Freddie's boys and Ian has been training us both since Monty was 4 months old. When we were invited to a wedding in the West I had no hesitation in booking Monty in for a couple of nights in the kennels. When he came home he was the happy quiet pup that went in. I would have no doubts about recommending both the training and the kennels. Christine Mackie, West Linton Christine Mackie Happy Owner

Ian has been a great help with our lively and independent English springer spaniel with his one to one training sessions. He has a quiet and knowledgeable approach to training which works well. I only wish more of it would brush off on me. We look forward to using his very smart looking new kennel facilities. John Happy owner

"well where do i start "it started about six months ago when i decided i wanted to breed my cocker spaniel holly, i was recomended to ian & andrea mitchell ,so i done some research on his web site and read his testomonials . the next step was to make contact ,they were very freindly and professional with all aspects of their business , i got to meet freddy their stud dog and that was that, 9 weeks later holly produced a healthy litter of 7 puppies a great experiance thanks to ian and his lovely dog freddy highly recommend carolann mclaren satisfied client

Ian and his lovely stud dog Freddie were recommended to us so we made contact. From the outset it was apparent that Ian had vast knowledge and much patience ( As newbie breeders we had so many questions and queries!). We took Tia down for an initial meet and later when she was in season she stayed for a week. Ian put us at ease and kept us updated throughout . 9 weeks later Tia had a beautiful litter of 6 very healthy black coloured pups ( 3 boys and 3 girls). Ian's advice was invaluable throughout and we have no hesitation in recommending Ian to anyone - we hope to return with a pup for training in the near future. Thanks again Ian. Dougie and Angela, Fife Delighted first time breeders

Having acquired a lively 6 month old field cocker spaniel earlier this year I made contact with Ian to arrange some basic training for Oscar. It was not my intention to work Oscar but wished to have a dog who was obedient so we signed up six training session. The sessions were extremely enjoyable for both of us and I took a lot from each one and put it into practice at home. Both Oscar and I continue our training daily. Ian has a tremendous knowledge and patience when working with dogs and owners, I wouldnt hesitate to recommend him. David Parker Trained owner of Oscar

I would highly recommend Eshiels Gun Dogs. To discover such a great dog (and owner) trainer so nearby has been wonderful for us. Our 11 year old son is the owner of a lively and challenging labrador pup. After 12 weeks with Ian she learned to walk to heel, recall and retrieve. We continue with Ian's excellent monthly sessions in the hope that we will learn to handle her well enough to be a successful gun dog. Ian is patient, kind, firm and great fun. It is a real bonus that when we travel our dog is delighted to spend her holidays with Ian and Andrea and we know she is happy and being well cared for. Annie Macpherson Labrador Owner

We were introduced to Ian via a mutual friend and after meeting him we were very comfortable with breeding our cocker bitch for the first time with Freddy. Ian and Andrea are extremely genuine, helpful and friendly people whom I would have no hesitation in recommending for training and breeding purposes. We are still in contact with them after our bitch Tess had a litter of four very big strong pups and Ian?s experience and knowledge has been extremely helpful throughout the whole process. We hope to keep in touch with Ian and Andrea and wish then every success for the future when there are so many charlatans out there is great to meet people who offer a value for money service and deliver exactly what the say they will, we are 100% satisfied. Robb Lynch West Lothian Area

We took our cocker spaniel Nala along to Eshiels last September, hoping for a successful litter with Freddie. As this was our first time breeding Nala, Ian gave us a lot of information and was more than happy to answer all of our many questions! He not only helped us when we took Nala to Esheils but also throughout her pregnancy, if we had any questions or queries. The beautiful, healthy litter of 5 were born mid November. We are hoping to go back to Ian in the near future for some puppy training classes with the new addition to the family ? Archie! as the standard of obedience and skills demonstrated from the other dogs at Eshiels was of such high standard. We would highly recommend a visit! Thank you so much. The Blackwood family Beautiful and healthy litter