From Puppy to Polished Hunting Companion: A Tailored Program for the Serious Upland Hunter.
For the dedicated upland hunter, a dog is not just a companion; it is an essential partner in the field. At Riley Kennel & Farm, we offer a specialized, comprehensive training program designed to develop your dog’s natural abilities and transform them into a reliable, skilled, and well-mannered bird dog. Whether you have a new puppy with raw potential or a seasoned dog that needs refinement, we have the expertise and facilities to meet your goals.
Our program is not a one-size-fits-all solution. We tailor the training to your dog’s specific breed, temperament, and your personal hunting style. We have all the necessary equipment, grounds, and live birds to take your dog from their first bird contact to a finished, polished hunting partner.
Our Training Philosophy: Building a Gentleman's Gundog
Our goal is to create a "gentleman's gundog"—a dog that is not only effective in the field but also a pleasure to hunt with. We focus on building a strong foundation of obedience and control, then layering on the specialized skills required for upland hunting. Our training emphasizes:
• Steadiness: Teaching your dog to be steady to wing and shot, a hallmark of a truly finished bird dog.
• Honor/Backing: Training your dog to honor another dog’s point, a critical skill for hunting with multiple dogs.
• Efficiency and Etiquette: Developing a dog that works with you, hunts efficiently, and understands the etiquette of the field.
Our Progressive Training Stages
We structure our training in progressive stages, building upon the skills learned in the previous stage. Each stage is designed to develop a specific set of skills and can be tailored in duration to meet your dog’s individual needs.
Puppy Development
This crucial first step focuses on building a strong prey drive and positive association with birds. We introduce your puppy to live birds in a controlled environment, encouraging the natural "bump and chase" instinct. This stage also includes a safe and proper introduction to the sound of gunfire.
2-4 Weeks
Foundational Training
Here, we instill the core obedience and control necessary for all future training. This includes a rock-solid "whoa" (the foundation of steadiness), on-leash obedience, and often the beginning of a trained retrieve.
~ 6 weeks
Intermediate Training
This is where the hunter truly begins to form. We take the foundational skills and apply them to real-world hunting scenarios. We focus on developing steadiness through the flush and shot, honoring other dogs, and hunting with efficiency and purpose.
~6 Weeks
Advanced Training
The final stage is about polishing and proofing. We take all the skills learned and make them second nature to the dog, creating a reliable and polished "gentleman's gundog" that is a true pleasure to hunt over in any situation.
~6 Weeks
Life-Changing Results
- Jessica M., Danville Indiana
"We were at our wit's end with our reactive German Shepherd Sarge. After the Reactivity Reset 1-on1 program, we now enjoy peaceful walks and park play dates. Our confidence in our fur missile has grown so much. It's not an exaggeration to say this has changed our entire family."
- Paul W., Terre Haute
ZD came from an abusive home and was destroying everything. We had Cliff and Lindsey work with her for several weeks. I am amazed at what they have done with her, how well she follows instructions, and her overall confidence. We still have work to do but with their help and guidance I have no doubt ZD will become the dog we had hoped for. Can't thank Riley Kennel & Farm enough, they are definitely "dog" people.
- Amanda & Chris L., Lafayette
Our rescue dog Levi was so anxious and reactive we couldn't take her anywhere. I had tried everything - treats, prong collars, other trainers. Nothing worked until we found Riley Kennel & Farm. Their help in coaching made all the difference. My dog is calmer, and I finally feel confident walking our furry friend in public.
A Custom Program for a Custom Dog
Due to the highly individualized nature of gundog training, we do not offer standardized pricing online. The investment depends on your specific goals, your dog’s current level of training, and the duration of their stay with us. We offer both package pricing and month-to-month options to suit your needs.
Please call us to discuss your goals and to receive a custom training plan and quote for your bird dog.