Gun Dog Basics
The Foundation of a Successful Retriever
Our Gun Dog Basics program lays the groundwork for every great hunting companion. Over six months, we guide your dog through a structured and intentional training process designed to build confidence, control, and intense retrieving drive.
Our approach focuses on clarity and consistency, training at each dog’s individual pace to ensure they fully understand every phase before moving to the next. The result? A well-balanced retriever that performs with both style and desire in the field.
What’s Included:
Each stage of the program builds on the last, creating a solid foundation that prepares your dog for both hunting and advanced-level work.
Training Phases:
Basic Obedience — On and off-lead obedience to establish control and responsiveness.
Collar Conditioning — Introducing e-collar communication with fairness and consistency.
Hold Conditioning — Teaching proper mouth habits for clean retrieves.
Force Fetch — Reinforcing reliability and ensuring consistent deliveries to hand.
Steadiness Singles — Developing patience and control when marking.
Gunfire Conditioning — Gradually introducing gunfire to build confidence and steadiness.
Hunting Scenarios — Simulating real hunting conditions from blinds, pits, marsh stands, and boats.
Program Outcomes:
Upon completion, your retriever will:
Be steady to wing and shot in the blind
Mark and retrieve single birds on land and water
Work comfortably from multiple hunting setups (ground blinds, pit boxes, marsh stands, and duck boats)
Wait patiently for release before retrieving
This foundation sets the stage for a confident, capable hunting partner and prepares your dog for the next phase of advanced or competition-level training.
Have questions about our offerings?
be sure to check out our FAQ page!
