Tributes pour in for “true legend” of the gundog world

The gundog world is mourning the loss of Andy Cullen MBE, one of the UK’s most celebrated and respected working dog trainers, who died, aged 60, in May 2026 after a battle with cancer. His death has prompted an outpouring of grief and tributes from handlers, colleagues and industry partners across the country and beyond, with many describing him as a “true legend” and a master of his craft.

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Founder of Laochin Gundogs

Cullen was the owner and director of Laochin Gundogs, based in Northumberland, where he developed and taught his widely admired training philosophy known as “The Laochin Way”, an approach celebrated for its gentleness and focus on building deep, trusting bonds between handlers and their dogs. Rejecting the harsher methods of earlier generations, Cullen’s style of training was friendly, supportive, constructive and, as colleagues fondly recalled, always “full of laughter”.

Among his many accolades, Cullen was named Gundog Trainer of the Year for 2011–2012, receiving the prestigious Keith Erlandson Memorial Trophy, and frequently captained training and competitive teams, including representing Scotland at international level.

His influence extended well beyond the training field. Cullen worked closely with industry brands including Sporting Saint, who described him as “a true gentleman, a professional, a countryman, a friend, and above all, a family man”, adding that knowing him had been “a true privilege”. He also developed specialist equipment with them, such as the Set Up Trainer and puppy packs, and served as a long-time ambassador for PureFlax canine supplements and CAB Boxes.

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“A great advocate for our way of life”

Tributes flooding in across social media have remembered him not only as a brilliant trainer but as a warm and generous human being. The Working Spaniel platform described him as “a great guy, a great dad, and a great advocate for our way of life”. Fellow handlers remembered him as “one of life’s gentlemen” – endlessly approachable, encouraging to novice handlers and always willing to offer guidance and advice.

Friends and colleagues have rallied to offer their condolences and support to his family as they navigate this profound loss.

Andy Cullen leaves behind a legacy not only of competitive success and professional innovation, but of countless handlers and dogs whose lives were enriched by his patience, skill, and infectious passion for the gundog way of life.