Service Description

Do you have a gun dog, hunting breed, or mix and want to give them an outlet for what they were bred to do - but without handling prey or participating in traditional hunting or field dog work? Then this is the perfect program for you! Hunting Dog Training for Pet Dogs is designed for those who want to engage their dog’s natural instincts in a positive, structured, and ethical way. And while this course is especially suited for retrievers, spaniels, pointers, and other hunting breeds, it’s open to any dog that loves to follow their nose! Your dog will learn to “hunt” and retrieve dummies - prey substitutes that fulfill their instinctual needs. There’s no need to handle anything dead. Your dog gets to engage in all the stages of the hunting sequence, while you learn how to work together as a connected team. This is also a powerful form of substitute training for high-prey-drive dogs, providing safe and satisfying outlets for chasing, searching, and retrieving in a controlled environment. Training can begin with puppies as young as 8 weeks and adapts to all levels. The big bonus? When your dog gets to use their nose and hunt with you, your relationship naturally deepens - and you’ll notice a more fulfilled, content companion at home. A dog allowed to use their nose is a happy dog! What you and your dog will learn: • How your dog’s brain processes scent and olfaction • Step-by-step progression to meet personalized training goals • Heel work • Retrieving dummies • Marking (locating and remembering where dummies fall) • Steadiness (waiting until cued to retrieve) • Whistle cues and recall • Blind retrieves (finding hidden dummies – for advanced teams) • Directional casting (sending your dog left, right, or back – advanced) • Adjusting difficulty to match your dog’s level • Building teamwork and communication • Mental enrichment through scent and problem-solving • Fun scent games to play beyond dummy work Session Details: • Fun and reward-based • Training is collar-free: no e-collars or choke chains • Sessions are 45–60 minutes, depending on your dog’s focus • Some portions may be recorded for your personal reference • Training takes place in a variety of outdoor locations • Certain equipment will be required - a list will be provided as needed Please note: All new clients are required to complete a one-time Virtual Intake & Orientation Session before booking training services. This ensures we start with a clear plan.