Basic Gundog Training Class

Soggy Acres Retrievers is proud to announce new training classes that we will be holding on our property in 2010.  The class description is below.  Class sizes are limited so contact us if you are interested.

You can download a flyer for your convenience! CLICK HERE

Basic Gundog Training Class

The purpose of this class will be to teach the dog and handler techniques needed for basic gundog skills. The class will meet over a 6 week period, once per week, and work on basic commands and skills needed to train a gundog. The class will be hands on with one instructor per four dogs and handlers. Each dog will be evaluated and worked with one on one for a period of time during each session, with the balance of the training being in a group atmosphere.

We are limiting the class to 4 dogs with handlers. We will allow an additional person for each group to observe, but want to limit the amount of distraction for the dog and handler teams. Persons without dogs are welcome as well at a discounted rate.

The first class will start in June and be held on Thursday evenings from 630 pm to 830 pm. The last or sixth class will be held on a Saturday and last four hours.

Course Outline

I. Evaluation of dogs and handlers
A. The experience and level of each dog and handler will be evaluated.
B. Discuss goals for the course
C. Discuss/Explain training techniques and methods

II. Basic Obedience
A. Sit, Here, Kennel and Down Commands
B. Use of Whistle Commands

III. Force Fetch
A. Table work
B. Walking Fetch
C. Stick Fetch
D. Collar Fetch

IV. E-Collar Conditioning
A. E-collar introduction using the sit and here commands
B. Re-enforcement of commands
C. Use in the field

V. Marking
A. Simple land marks
B. Simple water marks
C. Long Single Marks on both land and water

VI. Upland Hunting
A. Quarter/Flush Drills
B. Mock Hunt

All birds are included in the cost of the class. We will have both ducks and upland birds for the training class. Expectations are that the dogs in the class will have a basic knowledge of obedience commands prior to its start. Equipment needed for the class is listed below and will be needed for the course. Soggy Acres Retrievers sells all of the products and can put the training packages together prior to the class.

The cost for the class is $250 per dog and handler. Handlers without dogs are $125 to observe the class. If possible I will provide demonstration dogs for observers.

We are limiting the class to four dogs with handlers. As classes fill we will add more as needed.

This class will be set up in a group training atmosphere. While the handler is not working directly with the instructor they will be expected to observe and learn through the experiences of other classmates. The course is set up to not only train your canine companion, but the handler as well. The main goal will be to train, demonstrate, and explain training methods that will allow the average handler to work effectively with their dog.

Equipment List

This is a list of equipment needed for the class
• Whistle and Lanyard
• Flat Buckle Collar
• 6 Foot Lead
• 1 Foot Lead
• Pinch Collar
• E-Collar (Optional, but highly desirable)
• Note Pad, Pen and Chair

Download your flyer – CLICK HERE