I am just getting started in upland bird hunting. I got a beautiful golden lab for Christmas and I am looking to find a trainer in Western Wyoming or Eastern Idaho. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Upland Bird Dog Trainers?
- Thread starter Lisa Allen
- Start date
I would ideally like a pro to train him for a couple months to build a good foundation. Then I would like to work together with the trainer to train both my dog and me really.
I don't know of a pro trainer for you but I've trained mine by using George Hickox's videos. I have had great results. He has schools to train your dog too. Check him out. Good luck
Welcome to the forum too
Welcome to the forum too
Kevin Root
Very Active Member
I've found Richard Wolters awesome to read and he is a awesome dog training source of information. I've had a couple Black labs that did well with his book, "Water Dog" but he also has a book for the upland hunter, "Game Dog" using retrievers. I'd highly recommend his books. His training outlined in the book makes it fun for the dog. It does not take that much time each day and you see results quickly.
I've used my labs more for retrieving and had a Lewellyn English setter for pointing upland birds but I've seen some labs that really enjoy pointing too.
I've used my labs more for retrieving and had a Lewellyn English setter for pointing upland birds but I've seen some labs that really enjoy pointing too.
In God We Trust
Very Active Member
If you want to check out a good read on training look up Tom Dokkens Book "Retriever Training". I have used the book to train 2 labs and they have turned out well. I hope you are well into the training already, the earlier you start the better off the dog will be. If you are looking to send the dog off still I know of one great trainer here in Colorado that doesn't overdo it with the shock collar, some trainers use the things way too much. Bear Point Kennels run by Dale and Brenda Merritt, I have bought 3 labs from them and they are very nice people.
In God We Trust
Very Active Member
Gun Club Labradors is another reputable trainer here in Colorado. I have never dealt with them but People I have hunted with say they are top notch. Good luck with the training and happy hunting.
Colorado Cowboy
Super Moderator
Have you started anything with the dog yet? You should work on obediance training. Sit, stay, heel at least to get a good foundation. I've trained several dogs myself and it is really not as difficult as you might think. I like to start a dog when they are about 8 weeks old. The basic obediance stuff has to be there before you can start much else. Get yourself a capgun and work on the noise part of it too. Hold it behind you so the dog can't see it and shoot it when you feed. It won't take long for the dog to associate the noise with pleasure...eating.
Everything I've trained are flushers/retrievers. Labs and Springers.
Everything I've trained are flushers/retrievers. Labs and Springers.
In God We Trust
Very Active Member
Good point CC. You need to start them young on the basics. I personally like to train my own dogs. It takes time and they may not be as polished as a dog trained by a pro but I know I did it myself and I take pride in hunting with my dogs. They still hunt like hell and get the job done!
I read Ben O. Williams book and the main point I got from it was that as long as you get the basic obedience stuff down, especially the come command, 95% of the dog's hunting ability comes from its breeding so only 5% will come from what you teach it. I just give my dog opportunities to succeed and reinforce the traits you want to keep. It can be frustrating watching your pup bust a covey of chukar just out of range after climbing 1000 vertical feet to get to em, but after three seasons my pup has finally really got it down. It comes down to repetition. The more times you get it out in the field the better.
Elkfreak22
New Member
- Apr 8, 2013
- 12
- 0
There is nothing better imo then training a gun dog and watching it go do what it was bread to do... I have trained a few on limited free time. All great advice on your thread as far as reading books and watching videos. If you dont find a pro give it a try. You will be suprised how rewarding it is. Good luck and happy hunting!
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