Our basic gun dog training program is our bread and butter! This is the program that around 75% of our clients choose. The basic gun dog is a great hunting partner in the fields as well as lakes and marshes. Dove, duck, and geese along with pheasant should be easily retrieved by this level of dog. He will be able to respond to voice as well as whistle commands. Included in this program is our basic and advanced obedience which is foundational for every dog. We believe that great obedience is the core of a great gun dog.
In addition to obedience, our basic gun dog training program will teach your dog to be able to retrieve a double marked retrieve on land as well as in water. He will be steady and wait to be sent on a retrieve. Our basic gun dog will also be able to hunt through decoys on land and in water, jump from a boat, hunt from a dog stand and hunt dead in cover using his nose to aid in recovery. The average training time for a basic gun dog is 4-5 months but as always this depends on the individual dog. We recommend that gun dogs be trained to this level and then given a full hunting season before pursuing any advanced training.
The type of gun dog used will ultimately depend on the type of hunting you will be doing. Obviously Labrador Retrievers, Flushing Spaniels and the Pointing breeds of dogs are best suited to be called a genuine gun dog. For water fowl hunting, the Labrador will be the dog of choice. If you plan to spend time doing more upland bird hunting, the Spaniels and Pointers are generally used more often. However, it is very common to see Labradors used in upland hunting scenarios as well.
Whatever your choice of hunting is, Duck Dog Trainer can help your dog. Please feel free to call us today for details or to enroll in this program. Space is limited.