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Our Retriever Training Program

Puppies typically start their training at 6 months old. They are started at this age due to losing their puppy teeth and getting permanent teeth. We don't want to start a puppy with a sore mouth because retrieving may be painful. This could give a false indication of their retrieving desire or lack of which is an important part of training.

Upon a dog/puppy being checked in, the first few days are the warm-up. I get to know your dog and let them get to know me. This builds trust and lets them have time to adjust to their new surroundings. This is all fun and games during this time period. I am also able to observe and get an idea about their desire to retrieve.

Next comes the obedience stage. I move as quickly as your dog allows. Each dog is different in the amount of time it takes for them to become steady in obedience. I roughly quote a month for them to be at the level that is required to be a successful duck dog. We work on heel, sit, stay, kennel and down during this time. We practice a lot, to be solid obedience dogs.

The 2nd month is allotted for fetch-on-command or force training. Force training is the foundation for having a solidly trained gun dog. This is where I teach your dog to hand deliver your birds. Nothing more frustrating than a dog who drops the bird at the edge of the water on every retrieve. This teaches your dog to hold an object (bumper, docken duck, or bird) until they are told to release it.

The 3rd month is to practice marking and steadying. This is to enable you to take your dog hunting and not have to worry about your dog beating you to the punch. They are trained to stay sitting at heel until you send them on their name. This month also teaches them how to watch and be able to find the birds after you shoot them. The gun is also introduced in a gradual manner during this month.

The 4th month is a tie it together month. This is the time we work out all the kinks and work on any special needs you have for you dog, for example pit hunting, special ramps to dog stand, etc.

OBEDIENCE: This discipline includes but is not limited to SIT, HERE, STAY, HEEL, and DOWN. All off lead with voice commands and whistle commands where applicable. By the end of this process, the dog will be under control and collar conditioned. This is mandatory for all dogs.

INTERMEDIATE LEVEL: Single and double marked retrieves on water and land, Force Fetching and an introduction to hand signals and diversions.

SEASONED LEVEL: All of the above with increased distance and a higher degree of difficulty. Blind retrieves up to 50 yards. Live and dead birds.

MASTER/FINISHED LEVEL: All of the above with triple land and water marks, 150 yard blinds and shot flyer diversions. This level should cover everything you might encounter in the field or in a hunt test.