Training
We offer training
services for both pointing and retrieving breeds. We train for
gundog owners as well as those going to the hunt tests. We
limit the outside students to four as we also train our own
dogs. We generally attend 12-18 pointing dog hunt tests each
year. This year our plans are to enter more retriever hunt
tests. We will have at least one senior retriever and several
juniors. We have one GSP in Master and several Seniors. We
will run several Junior GSPs and help quite a number of folks
with their juniors.
All pointing dogs
are taught whoa, here and heel as soon as they arrive in our
kennel. By the end of week two force fetch begins. All are
force fetched regardless of how well they naturally retrieve.
We want them to know that fetch is an absolute, without chomping
or rolling a bird in their mouths. Once through force fetch
they are retrievers for life that can be counted on to do a
complete job the same way every time. Next, as the introduction
to birds progresses, we break to wing and shot followed by
absolute honors. At this point most have had enough birds
killed over them to perform as a skilled hunting dog and are
ready for AKC Senior hunt tests.
Our Labradors go
through basics starting at 7 weeks. Here, heel, sit and lots of
marks are elementary training. Force fetching begins at six
months followed by pattern drills, the single and double t,
blind patterns, cheater singles, a ton of marks and cold
blinds. Our goal for all is basic Senior hunt test levels.
Those that excel will progress to Master level work.
Our goals are to
make a complete dog in a reasonable amount of time. Our
expectations and owners' expectations need to be a common goal
for the success of our students. We strive to put the dog's
bests interests first and care for their mental health, as well
as physical health and welfare. We want our pupils to be happy,
productive workers that are an integral part of their owner's
family as well as ours.
Call for
availability of training space and time.
Pictured is Justin
Hinkle and his GSP,
Gunther. Justin began working for us in the fall of 2002.
He soon became interested in training and obtained his first dog, Gretchin. Together they ran their first hunt tests Spring
2003. Four for four and Gretchin attained her Junior title.
She was sold in August and Justin started working with Gunther.
In 2003 we built a
new 40 by 80 foot barn to use as an indoor training area.
Additionally we remodeled our old barn to include 5 new indoor
and outdoor kennels for outside dogs. We have 17 acres here for
training, two 20 acre plots to kill birds year round as well as
a game preserve and numerous lakes, ponds and CRP fields we use
seasonally. We currently have a 6 dog trailer, but will more
than likely look for a 10 dog in the future.
Special
Services:
Individual
education programs are designed for those with special needs.
For example, no two gun shy dogs are alike. Many times gun shy
dogs really have other issues that are at the root of their
shyness. Once those issues are identified and solved we can
move forward with reintroduction to birds and the gun. The fall
of 2000 seven dogs of all ages came to us with gun shyness, six
returned to their owners legitimate bird dogs.
Seminars
We will offer a
free bird dog training seminar for all new owners of Gunshot
puppies. If you did not purchase a puppy, but
would like to attend, call Andy or Paula for details - See
Contact Us.
Equipment
We are a full line
Tri-tronics dealer. We’ve tried other brands, but always prefer
to use our dependable Tri-tronics collars. The multi-levels of
stimulation are precise. The timing is immediate. Best of all
these are the most durable collars made. We appreciate Tri-tronics
interest in what we are doing and their willingness to timely
address our few repairs.
We are pleased to
help our clients select the right collar for their needs and
then teach them how to effectively operate their collars. Sure,
owners are happy, but most of all the dog's happiness and
dependability benefit.
Call us with the
details of your needs. We will be happy to serve you.
