F.A.Q.

Training duration depends on various factors, as each dog progresses at their own pace. On average, upland training takes 6-8 weeks, while waterfowl training lasts 3-4 months. For hourly clients, upland and basic waterfowl dogs typically require about 10 one-on-one sessions  (1-2 hours per session).

Yes, our one-on-one hourly training program is designed for you to train your dog at home. While it takes longer, many clients successfully complete the training with our guidance. This method requires significant commitment and reinforcement from you between sessions.

For boarding, dogs require a prong collar, e-collar, whistle, and you’ll need to provide their food. For hourly training, in addition to these items, you’ll need bumpers, a place board, bird dummies, and a long check cord. We can provide product recommendations upon request.

We recommend completing basic obedience training before starting with us, as it strengthens your bond with your dog and provides a solid foundation for gun-dog training. However, we do not work with dogs that have prior bird dog training experience.

Your dog will stay in our home, with two private rooms, toys, a bed, and a crate. Boarding dogs are kept separate from ours but may interact during downtime if they get along. In addition to 1:1 training, they will also have individual relaxation time with us. Please see the "services" page for boarding requirements.

An e-collar is not mandatory but makes it easier to control your dog at long distances or in exciting situations. The e-collar should only be used as an extension of the leash and we recommend using a quality e-collar, especially for bird-dog training. We will not train dogs without this tool.

Due to time constraints, we focus on dogs specifically bred for bird hunting and require them to complete the full training program. Dogs boarding with us must finish their training in one stay to maintain our schedule.

Yes, you’re welcome to visit your dog during their stay, but we ask that you schedule visits in advance to accommodate our busy schedules. We understand how important it is to stay connected with your dog’s progress, so we also upload videos and photos to keep you updated.

Force fetch training is crucial once your dog completes formal obedience and is old enough. It teaches your dog to retrieve to hand, which is essential for bird conservation and a key part of the program. By the end of force fetch, your dog will retrieve almost anything on command.