Training

Wingshooter Kennels specializes in training and conditioning pointing dogs of all breeds for the discriminating upland hunter. The first step in our training program is an understanding of the owner’s experience with his or her dog, and an evaluation of the dog’s current level of obedience and field performance. This information enables us to set realistic goals and develop a customized training program for the dog and handler. 

Each client is provided with an early assessment and follow-up call to review the dog’s training plan. We understand the importance of communication and are committed to sending routine reports with pictures and videos that you can share with family and friends. 

The Foundation

The Foundation Program is designed to nurture a young dog’s natural instincts through low-stress training and positive reinforcement. The cornerstone of our young dog training is to allow the dog to maintain its intensity, while developing a sense of purpose with proper introduction to obedience, field training and birds.  (Dogs are typically 4 to 12 months of age.)

• Dogs are trained to accept restrictions and obey basic commands. 
• Basic obedience: turn to its name, come, and follow into and from the field and into the kennel.
• Introduction to numerous hunting terrains and environments – developing the dog’s confidence, independence, and natural instincts to seek and find game.
• Basic handling and quartering drills.
• Socialization with other dogs of similar age in yard and field work. 
• Introduction to birds in yard and field work.  
• Field work with finished gun dogs to increase bird contacts and develop range, and a quartering pattern. Learning to search objectives for game and developing field compatibility with other dogs, and the opportunity to point and back.
• Introduction to gunfire through use of a blank gun. 

6-week program $1,500.

Gun Dog​​

The Gun Dog Program develops a dog’s desire to actively seek, find, and point upland birds. Dogs in this program become successful hunters; responsive to voice commands, able to perform socially with other hunters and their dogs and be vigorous bird finders.  We work on creating an easy-handling, ready-to-hunt bird dog and family companion. 

• We use a multitude of training methods and field experiences. Yard work, quartering drills, chain gang time, bird contacts and bird field time. 
• Basic commands are reinforced.
• E-collar conditioning to tone and stimulation. 
• Whistle commands. 
• Dogs are exposed and worked with homing pigeons and hard-flying game birds.
• Exposed to simulated field hunting situations and given the opportunity to point back and retrieve. 
• Introduction to gunfire and as the dog progresses to shotgun fire.
• Introduction to “heel” and “whoa” and encouraged to be staunch on point. 
• Trained with other dogs in yard and field exercises, and backing drills. 
• Simulated hunting situations with other dogs to develop staunchness on point, steady backing, and given the opportunity to retrieve. 
• Seasonal conditioning to improve aerobic performance and toughen footpads. 

Monthly $1,000. 

Personalized Hunter and Handler Training

Wingshooter Kennels teaches novice hunters and handlers the sport of upland game bird hunting and how to effectively handle your dog in the field. We understand that for a beginner the task of learning and developing field skills and acquiring effective gear can be a daunting task, not to mention expensive. We provide the gear and instruction for all on-premises programs.

• Novice dog handler yard and field work training one-on-one with you and your dog.
• Junior Handler training for AKC Junior Hunt Tests with your dog or ours.
• Junior Hunt Test participation.
• Basic upland hunter safety and gun handling  techniques. 
• In the field training with you and your dog to properly read and handle your dog on game for a safe and effective hunt.

Novice Programs are customized to the client’s individual needs. Each 1-hour session $75 w/o birds and $125 with birds.

Personalized Training Session with owner, dog, birds and Mark: $150

Dog Assessments and Self Training With Your Dog

We have the training fields, habitat, birds, and equipment for owners to train with their dogs. Our various habitats, food plots, fencerows and waterways allow handlers to train on a variety of situations year-round. By appointment only. 

• Preliminary Dog Assessment with owner, dog, bird and Mark: $150
• Owner Field time with their dog – 1 ½ hour session: $125 with birds

Dog Boarding:

We offer a limited number of short- and long-term boarding kennels for our sporting breed clients. 

• $30/day or $500/month