Topdog Training use a barn on the farm for indoor training during wet weather or dark evenings.  The barn is large and spacious which is wonderful for dog training but it can be draughty.  We do have Blower Heaters but again, please ensure that you dress accordingly – layers are sensible!

When we train outside, we use a paddock at the back of the barn.  As there are poultry often free range grazing and roaming in the surrounding paddocks, the farmer sometimes uses the precaution of fencing his birds in with electric poultry fencing.  This serves the purpose of keeping the birds in and keeping predators, such as foxes and now dogs (!) out.  The electric current is mild (it has to be or the poultry would be harmed!) but if touched by a human or dog, it will give a jolt!  You have been warned!

When you reach the Topdog Training barn, please park on the same side of the yard as the barn – not on the other side as you will block access to the poultry barns.  Thank you.

Sparlings Farm is a working poultry farm and whilst the entrance to the farm and the barn are concreted, there may be a little mud around so please ensure that you dress appropriately.  Please note that there is also, at times, a “country” odour!!

Sparlings Farm operates a no-smoking policy throughout, for the safety of their property and livestock and we would request your cooperation and understanding in this matter.

Please also note that dogs MUST remain on lead AT ALL TIMES unless in the barn or training paddock and under the supervision of the handler and instructor.  Many thanks.

Directions:

From Braintree, take the A120 towards Chelmsford, Stansted, Great Dunmow.  Exit the A120 at the Felsted (B1417) exit.  At the top of the slip road, there is a roundabout.  Take the exit off to Felsted (B1417).  From here you will be able to see Sparlings Farm outbuildings on the left.  Also on the left, you will see a red triangle road sign, indicating a bend in the road.  SLOW DOWN NOW!   Approximately 30 yards on the left after this sign is the entrance to the farm and it does rather sneak up on you!! Drive up the concrete farm road, bear right into the yard and park on the right hand side.  Topdog Training will have a sign on their barn.

From Dunmow, take the B1256 Dunmow Road towards Braintree & Rayne.  Just past the Palm Trees restaurant (on the left), there is a road off to the right towards Felsted (B1417).  Take this road.  At the top, there is a roundabout.  Take the exit off to Felsted (B1417).  From here you will be able to see Sparlings Farm outbuildings on the left.  Also on the left, you will see a red triangle road sign, indicating a bend in the road.  SLOW DOWN NOW!  Approximately 30 yards on the left after this sign is the entrance to the farm and it does rather sneak up on you!! Drive up the concrete farm road, bear right into the yard and park on the right hand side.  Topdog Training will have a sign on their barn.

From Felsted, follow the B1417 through Felsted.  Drive past Felsted School (on your left) and stay on this road.  You will come to a left hand turn at Watchhouse Green, signed B1417 to Braintree.  Take this turn.  You will come across the first entrance to Sparlings Farm on the right hand side – this is the main entrance, next to the farmhouse and with a Farm Shop sign outside.  PLEASE DO NOT USE THIS ENTRANCE.  Please continue along the road, the road bears to the right and take the next entrance to the farm, on the right hand side.  The Topdog Training Board sign will be by the entrance.  Drive up the concrete farm road, bear right into the yard and park on the right hand side.  Topdog Training will have a sign on their barn.