Gundog Boot Camp

Our Gundog Boot Camp is offered exclusively to AHD dogs that have gone home at eight weeks old and return to us for hunting training. Boot Camps usually run for two to four months. While at Boot Camp, your Hunting Doodle lives in our home and packs with our dogs and other trainees. Our pack training approach allows your dog to learn social skills and household manners in addition to preparing for hunting.

Whether Gundog Boot Camp will be your dog’s first introduction to hunting training, or if your dog has several hunting seasons under their belt, we can tailor a curriculum to suit your dogs’ needs and your hunting objectives. AHD Gundog Boot Camp offers three training levels.

Level 1 - First-Time Trainees

For beginner dogs new to hunting, our curriculum generally covers the following areas:

·         Reinforce basic commands (sit, stay, lay, come, heel, etc.).

·         Marked retrieves.

·         Steadiness - waiting to retrieve until given release command.

·         Gun training - learning association of gun noise with retrieve.

·         Swimming - confidence in the water and water retrieves.

·         Live bird retrieve - live hunt or released birds for flushing and retrieving.

 Level 2 - Experienced Hunters

For dogs that have already been through Level 1 training, or have the experience of a couple hunting seasons, we offer training to bring their game to the next level. We can focus on the specific areas that need attention and work with you to put together a custom training program for your dog. Level 2 training covers all of Level 1, and can include:

·         Hold conditioning – delivery to hand, hold until released.

·         Marked, unmarked, and blind retrieves.

·         Introduction to whistle stop and redirect.

·         Introduction to casting / hand signals.

·         Introduction to multiple retrieves and prioritization of retrieve.

Level 3 – Finishing Work

For gundogs with several hunting seasons, and/or have been through Level 2 training, we focus on the finishing details that separate the great from the good hunting dogs. Depending on where your dog is currently at with their hunting skills, finishing work usually encompasses:

·         Impeccable obedience.

·         Whistle stop and redirect.

·         Casting / hand signals.

·         Multiple blind retrievers.

·         Retrieval prioritization.

·         Honoring.

After completing each level of training, we will go over all areas of training to demonstrate your dog’s abilities and provide a detailed write-up of your dog’s training and specific instructions on how to continue developing their hunting skills.

To reserve a spot for your dog at our next Boot Camp, complete the form below and submit your deposit. First month’s training fee of $3,500 is the required deposit amount. All deposits are nonrefundable. All transactions are subject to our Terms & Conditions.