Long-haired Weimaraner lying in the grass

Welcome to Field Notes & Follies

Field-tested insights and honest lessons from life with gundogs – triumphs, trials, and training follies included.

About the Author

Handler in oilskins sitting with dog

Hi, I’m Emily – Dog trainer, field trialler, and slightly reluctant early riser.

Field Notes & Follies is a space for thoughtful reflections on training mindset, preparation, and the everyday moments that shape life with gundogs… the polished, the muddy, and everything in between.

Latest Field Notes

What to Expect From Field Notes & Follies in 2026

Change is afoot… Don’t panic! Not that “oh my god, here comes a life crisis” sort of change. Just the good sort.

With the start of the new year quickly underway, I thought it was time to fill you in on what to expect over the next 12 months here at Field Notes & Follies.

Being the Teammate Your Dog Deserves

When we train our dog, it’s easy to focus on performance, results, and mistakes. But what if the most important thing isn’t what our dogs do… it’s how we show up for them? This post explores what it really means to be a good teammate in training.

Essentialism in Dog Training: Doing Less, But Better

This week I trained for a total of about 30 minutes, spread across three short sessions. And that was enough. When life is chaotic and your brain is fried, consistency beats intensity. Here’s how micro-sessions, clear conditions, and guilt-free decisions helped keep us moving forward.

Tools for the Thoughtful Trainer

Practical, printable resources to help you train, reflect, and stay consistent.

Resources Coming Soon!

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Welcome to Field Notes & Follies!

Hi, I’m Emily – a gundog enthusiast sharing stories, training insights and countryside life from New Zealand. It’s great to have you here.

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