Hunting Dogs

Do you have a hunting dog breed?

Some very common breeds including the Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, German Shorthaired Pointer, Vizsla, Wirehaired Pointer, Poodle, and Poodle Mixes (i.e. Labradoodle and Goldendoodle) all have a history rich in being a working dog! These breeds were perfected through selective breeding programs to create desirable traits, some of which includes hunting fowl.

While you and your family may not want to actually hunt birds, your dog is genetically wired to perform a job! As professional dog trainers we want to ensure that you and your dog live a harmonious life together and offering your dog an appropriate, safe and fun outlet to rehearse the behaviors they were bred for is a key component.

But I don’t want to hunt…

Good news! Our “Faux” Hunting training and games doesn’t require actual upland or waterfowl hunting! But we can offer a fun and interactive way to introduce the concepts involved in hunting dog training such as:

• Steadiness

• Heel

• Platform work

• Whistle Recall / whistle cues

• Focus on handler in distracting environments

• Retrieving skills including, “Go Get It”, “Bring It” and “Drop It” cues

• Blind retrieves

• Shed hunting skills (Seeking antler sheds from deer)

• Learn about the tools you need to practice with your dog!

Your instructor: Lesley A. Shade, CPDT-KA, VSA-CDT