Bird Dog Training

FIELD INTRODUCTION

• This class introduces your dog to all of the elements of the field, builds your dog's inherent prey drive on birds, and prepares him for formal training. This class is designed to bring your dog's prey drive to a pinnacle. There are no rules taught at this level.
• We recommend dogs be at least 4 months old to attend this class. This is a great preparatory class for any dog going into the Basic Formal Training Class (even if a mature dog). The class is designed to allow individuals to roll right into their Basic Formal Training Class the following month without interruption. There is no upper age limit for our Field Intro. This class focuses on building prey drive and preparing dogs for formal training. 
• If your dog has no prior field experience on game birds, the Field Intro Class is required before a dog can begin Formal Training.
• $750 (2-week class)
• Next scheduled classes: 
  
  • Sept. 15 - Sept. 30, 2023 
  • January 15 - February 1, 2024

BASIC FORMAL TRAINING CLASS

• Your dog's training as a bird dog begins here. This 3-month class will steady your dog on game and develop the fundamental skills every bird dog should know. During this class, we will teach dogs both an on and off-lead heel, teach them to work scent and be steady on game, work on handling, honoring, recall, loading, and basic manners to be a refined bird dog. At the end of the Basic Class these dogs have seen numerous birds and hunting scenarios every day of class and they are ready for the experience the world outside the classroom will give them. These are "green broke" dogs ready to begin a career! 

• • • The first month of training works to develop behavior or conditioned responses to mechanical cues of a rope (ie: on lead heeling, on lead recall, whoa post, direction changes, etc). The second month progresses to transitioning those conditioned responses to the remote cue of an e-collar and begin the steadying process on birds. The third month puts the finishing polish on the dog and brings them to the cusp of learned behavior. This 90-day program teaches a dog all that he needs to know to be successful and mannerly in the bird field and in life in general. 
• We implement our Challenge Course (agility obstacles) as a way of quickly teaching dogs to listen to cues that are increasingly subtle and as a way of getting dogs to join up with us, becoming partners in action. The Challenge Course also gets dogs comfortable jumping on objects when asked and standing still (just like at your vet's office). By navigating these obstacles dogs also gain the benefit of increased balance and more awareness of where their feet are. Presenting dogs with challenges, such as the Challenge Course, helps to build their resiliency and ability to manage stressors in a positive way.
• We believe bird dogs are the ultimate adventure dogs. Throughout our training we implement exercises to help dogs become more Confident, Composed, and Compliant in any situation.
• If your dog likes to retrieve, we will work to polish that natural retrieve and work on the dog's ability to hunt dead. Trained retrieve is not a part of this class. 
• We do ask owners to come to our kennels to pick up their dogs at the end of training, instead of having them picked up or flown home. We will spend time going over the training and how to manage the dog for optimal behavior and performance. We guide the dog and owner through this transition as they begin to implement their new experiences in order to restructure their relationship for the better. This transition is critical for the dog's success.
• If your dog has not had any prior bird and field exposure, the Field Introduction Class is a pre-requisite to enrolling in this class. Field Intro can typically take place during the two weeks prior to the beginning of the Basic Formal Training Class.
• Please note this training is for pointing dogs.
• Generally, dogs are ready for this class at around a year of age. If you just received a new puppy now is a good time to sign up for his Basic Class next year!
• $1500 per month (3-month class)
• Next scheduled classes:  
  
  • Oct. 1 - Dec. 31, 2023 (only a few spots remaining);
  • Feb. 1 - May 1, 2024
• Please Email Us  soon if you'd like to receive a Reservation Form to hold a spot for your dog in a class. If a class has already filled, we can place you on our waiting list.

TUNE UPS & ADVANCED CLASSES

• Prepare your dog for each season with an Annual Tune Up.
• This is an annual opportunity to bring your trained dog's performance to a peak and prepare him for a great hunting or trialing season. Just like with people, when dogs do not perform a certain skill for a period of time (ie: the off-season) they get "rusty" and out of shape, both mentally and physically. This class is designed to prepare your dog to hit the ground running on his first hunt of the season focused and giving his best performance. Only dogs previously trained at RSK are eligible for this level.
• This class furthers your dog's development as a proficient and mannerly hunter. 
• $1500 per month
• Next available classes: 
  
  • Sept. 1 - 30, 2023
• Please Email Us  soon if you'd like to receive a Reservation Form to hold a spot for your dog in a class. If a class has already filled, we can place you on our waiting list.

PRIVATE INSTRUCTION

Private Instruction

• On premise private instruction is offered at $100 an hour, $300 for two hours and $1,000 for a full day of instruction. Advance notice is required.

Contact Us to schedule a class.