Started Gun Dog Program

The foundation of our program begins with basic obedience training. This includes commands such as here, heel, and whoa. Consistent and positive reinforcement methods are employed to build a solid bond between the dog and handler, ensuring the dog is responsive and eager to please.

Field training is the cornerstone of our Started Gun Dog Program. I have years of experience working with pointing breeds, and we utilize traditional techniques paired with modern technology to bring out the best in each dog. The training fields include a variety of habitats and terrains to simulate real-life hunting conditions, ensuring that the dogs are adaptable and confident in any environment.

We train our dogs using pigeon drills to enforce the whoa command and improve steadiness on point. We work with live birds three times a week to enhance game-finding skills and drive. As dogs age, we increase bird contacts and field time to build stamina and hunting pace. Our training includes quartering drills, hunting patterns, and searching objectives to develop confident partners with strong game drives. We continue whoa conditioning to ensure dogs are steady to wing and shot and eager to retrieve.

One of the most crucial aspects of a gun dog's overall performance is its ability to retrieve game efficiently. Our program emphasizes the development of strong retrieving instinsts, from the initial stages of fetching to advanced retrieving drills. Once our dogs are steady to wing, we start shooting birds for them, developing their natural instinct to search for and retrieve on recall harvested birds.

We believe that a well-rounded dog is one that is well-socialized. Our program includes ample opportunities for the dogs to interact with other dogs and humans. This helps to build confidence and ensures that the dogs are comfortable and well-behaved in various household and hunting situations.