Gun Dog Training Schools

The first step in our gun dog training involves a consultation with the owner and an evaluation of the dog. This results in two important findings. The first is an evaluation of where the dog is in its gun dog training. The second is to establish the expectations of the owner. Not every owner wants the same things from his or her gun dog that we do. At the same time, not all dogs are capable of doing what the owner wants.

We develop a gun dog training program tailored to the dog’s needs. The most difficult part of that program is helping the owner understand what’s involved. Many owners call in September, hoping to get their gun dog ready for gun season. This is not likely for two reasons. First, the dog generally does not have the foundation required to begin any formal gun dog training. Thus, we need to go backwards before we can go forward. Second, if the dog is not crazy about birds, i.e. a gun dog, we must make it bird crazy before we can apply the pressures of formal or advanced training.

We have three 13-week Gun Dog Training Schools during the year. They are created to maximize the specific needs of gun dogs based upon their current training level. The objectives for our Basic Gun Dog Training School are to set a strong foundation for your dog, which includes proper introduction and exposure to enough birds to create a bird dog, proper gun introduction, basic obedience, hunting in control and basic retrieving. This school has historically included puppies and younger dogs, or experienced dogs that have become self-hunters and are hunting out of control/gun range.

The objectives for our Pre-Season Gun Dog Training School are to build on the foundation previously established at one of our gun dog training schools, or the foundation put in place by the owner, to learn proper use of the wind while hunting in control, create a reliable retrieve and implement a conditioning program prior to the opening of bird season. This school has historically included both younger and older dogs that have some experience and obedience, but it needs to be refreshed or reinforced for the upcoming bird season.

The objectives for our Gun Dog Hunting School are to provide unmatched experience and exposure to actual hunting situations. These situations include not only consistant wild bird exposure, but it also includes exposure to a variety of hunting cover and conditions ranging from open pasture and fence lines to thick cover that is over the hunter's head. This gun dog training school is conducted in the heart of wild pheasant hunting country and allows the dogs of all ages to learn how to find and produce wild birds. After this gun dog training school, your dog will have the experience required to be a bird finder your friends will envy. Historically, owners that have sent their dogs to this school have wanted to provide the very best opportunity for their dog's to reach their full genetic potential. During the Gun Dog Hunting School, we have had clients book a Kansas pheasant hunting experience with us so that they can hunt over their own dog while it is in our gun dog training program. The advantage to this is that they can see their dog's development and we can help them with their dog while they are hunting.

Below are the 2010 dates and costs for the Craney Hill Gun Dog Training Schools.

Basic Gun Dog Training School - April 1 to June 30th (cost is $2,000. plus any veterinary services)

Pre-Season Gun Dog Training School - July 1 to Sept. 30th (cost is $2,500. plus any veterinary services)

Gun Dog Hunting School - Dec. 1 to Feb. 28th (cost is $3,000. plus any veterinary services)