The 40 Best Gun Dog Training Resources (Reviewed)

Entering the gun dog world can be bewildering and confusing. Knowing where to start is difficult and finding expert trainers requires time and a lot of leg work. At times you may become stumped by a problem with your gun dog and not know how to go about correcting it. The difficulty is knowing which trainer and which approach will help you. The internet is filled with resources, but how do you know the correct one to choose and what approach you wish to take in training or rehabilitating your dog.

There are many gun dog training resources, including books, DVDs, online courses, and health professionals. Trainers offer individual sessions, seminars, and gun dog schools. Breeders can have valuable input into helping choose the right dog for your discipline and answering your questions.

This article has reviewed gun dog resources and summarized their aims, provision of services and gives an overview of top gun dog resources. The hope is that it will bring some clarity to your search for answers.

Best Gun Dog Training Books

Several books crop up whenever you ask for advice on the best reference books for gun dogs. Some of them might be a little old-fashioned, but the truths in them are invaluable.

Joan Bailey: How To Help Gun Dogs Train Themselves: Taking Advantage of Early Conditioned Learning. This book is a step-by-step manual on training your gun dog. It is a must-read for all gun dog owners. The focus is on the first twelve months of a gun dog’s life, but it also contains valuable techniques that can be applied to an older dog.

Joan was involved in the foundation of the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association (NAVHDA). She was a field judge for twenty-eight years and the Gun Dog Supreme editor for twenty-six years. Joan has a wealth of knowledge which she imparts in an easy-to-understand style. She wrote another book titled How To Have The Best Trained Gun Dog. If you are a griffon fancier her book Griffon. Gun Dog Supreme will be infinitely helpful to you. Joan Bailey training gun dogs

Jim Barry: Positive Gun Dogs. Jim was a pioneer in the gun dog world. He was the first trainer to introduce positive reinforcement training seminars for handlers. His training methods became a passion for him. Together with Mary Emmen and Susan Smith, he wrote Positive Gun Dogs: Clicker Training For Sporting Breeds. Jim Barry Raising Canines.

Helen Phillips: Clicker Gundogs. Helen has been involved with hunting dogs for over thirty years. She has a rich and extensive knowledge of gun dogs and their training. Helen has owned a variety of gun dogs and has been breeding Hungarian Vizslas since 1998. She is a competent trainer with a proven history of achievements in the field and during trials. Her primary focus is to achieve a high level of control of her dogs while using positive reinforcement. Helen aims to pass this on to her students. Clicker Gun Dogs

Robert Milner: Absolutely Positively Gundog Training: Positive Training for Your Retriever Gundog. Robert Milner blends scientific research with his experience to create an easy, effective method to train your gun dog. He has had experience training dogs in traditional methods. Due to dissatisfaction with these old methods, he changed to using a positive training model, which he feels is far superior.

Robert’s book includes information on a dog’s perceptions, communication, and learning methods. This is valuable information for any dog owner. Milner’s training model is upbeat and enjoyable for both the handler and the dog. He has trained not only gun dogs but also search and rescue dogs and scent detection dogs. He has over fifty years of experience training dogs.

Richard Wolters: The Hunter’s Retriever for Upland Birds and Waterfowl. Some people love this book, claiming it explains and emphasizes key issues in training dogs. Others feel it is outdated and dogmatic. Wolter’s book is best suited to pointers. It is one of the earlier books written on gun dogs and does not incorporate modern methods, but some people will not be without a copy on their bookshelves.

Bill Tarrant:

Bill Tarrant loved dogs and was very concerned that they are trained humanely. He hunted extensively and wrote prolifically on training hunting dogs. He was the gun dog editor for Field and Stream for twenty-five years until his death in 1998.

George Bird Evans: Trouble With Bird Dogs And What To Do About Them: training experiences with actual dogs under the gun.

Although this book was published in 1975, it still contains useful and logical steps to manage gun dogs’ problems. George bred English setters under the kennel name, Old Hemlock.

Richard Weaver: Training Your Pointing Dog for Hunting & Home. This is an excellent book for the novice who wishes to train a pointer. He deals with choosing the right breed for your personality and hunting preference. The importance of this cannot be overemphasized, making this book a worthwhile purchase. It focuses on home obedience and hunting training.

Robert C. Pettit: Gun Dog Training & Problem Solving: Gun Dog Training with Proven Results and Expert Advice. This book is excellent for amateurs as it deals with common mistakes and rehabilitation methods for problem dogs.

Jo Laurens: Force-Free Gundog Training: The Fundamentals For Success. Jo Laurens applied modern learning theories to develop a systematic approach to the successful training of gun dogs. There is a particular emphasis on ensuring the dog is not forced into behaviors and feels no fear or stress during training.

Gun Dog Associations And Courses

Valuable clicker training resources are Jim Barry Raising Canines. Jim Barry Raising Canines

Online courses are offered from this site, helping those who live in rural communities where trainers are not plentiful.

Positive Gun Dogs Minnesota (PGDM) is another clicker training association. PGDM is active in organizing seminars and training days where there are usually several authors and trainers as guest speakers. PGDM.

North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association (NAVHDA) was founded for anyone interested in hunting their dogs. NAVHDA has ninety chapters located in the United States and Canada. The service they offer ranges from assistance in selecting the right dog from a responsible, proven breeder to finding trainers in your area.

A useful opportunity offered by NAVHDA is that they provide performance evaluations of dogs. These assessments allow you to judge your progress and identify training areas that need further work. The Natural Abilities Test is an assessment for dogs up to sixteen months. The young dog is hunted for at least twenty minutes while three judges (and sometimes apprentice judges) evaluate the dog’s ability.

The dogs are assessed on field, tracking, and water phases. Their physical characteristics are considered. A total score is given out of the maximum 112 points. This test is not a competition, and each dog will receive a rating with opportunities to discuss recommendations with judges. NAVHDA also provides programs for children interested in training gun dogs. NAVHDA

North American Gun Dog Association (NAGDOG). The North American Gun Dog Association organizes events and competitions across the country. There are nine divisions in competitions to allow handlers and dogs to compete at the most appropriate level. NAGDOG

North American Hunting Retriever Association (NAHRA). This association was founded in 1983 and is mainly aimed at retrievers. They organize retrieving events, competitions, and educational opportunities. NAHRA

The American Hunting Dog Club (AHDC) aims to preserve the sport of hunting with gun dogs. Members can participate in clinics to improve their training knowledge and techniques. Gun safety and game conservation are considered paramount, and education is given on both subjects. AHDC

The Positive Gun Dog Association was formed by enthusiasts of the positive approach to training gun dogs. Traditionally aversive methods were used in gun dog training. This harsh training often led to dogs and handlers that stopped hunting because of the stress placed on the dogs. The problems arising from aversive training gave rise to the positive training movement. The Positive Gun Dog Association aims to educate handlers and provide resources for handlers looking for positive trainers. Positive Gun Dog Association.

Blackthorn Academy offers online gun dog training courses that are logical, informative, and interactive. The courses range from starting training with a puppy to working with two dogs simultaneously. The instructors have many years of working gun dogs and can answer your queries, helping to solve those niggling issues with your gun dog. Blackthorn Academy

Pet Gundog Training is a company that provides training for the foundational skills a gun dog puppy needs to learn. It uses positive, reward-based methods to make the training a pleasurable experience for the dog. Training can be done personally or via video. Pet Gundog Training

DVD and Videos On Gun Dog Training

There are training DVDs and videos available if you cannot or do not wish to arrange a private trainer.

Perfect Start/ Perfect Finish

Perfect Start / Perfect Finish is a five-disc DVD set developed by Jon and Cindy Hann. The Hanns are trainers at the top of the gun dog field across all disciplines. They run a very successful pointer training facility in the United States. This series of DVDs is extremely popular with gun dog enthusiasts. Many handlers credit Hann’s training methods with the success they achieve with their gun dogs. They are well known for breaking the learning process down into small steps maximizing the dog’s learning process. Jon Hann

George Hickox Training Videos

George Hickox is legendary in the field of gun dog training. There are four video series:

Great Beginnings: The First Year, Training The Pointing Dogs.
Great Beginnings: The First Year, Training The Upland Retriever.
The Flushing DVD Collection Of Volumes 1 – 3
The Pointing Dog DVD Collection Of Volumes 1 – 4.

George Hickox Videos

Gun Dog Trainers

Pippa Mattinson

Pippa has been working with gundogs for over thirty years. She and her husband run a pheasant shoot in the Surrey countryside. She has worked gundogs in most disciplines and spends summers and winters out in the fields with her dogs. Pippa adopts a modern approach to training, using positive reinforcement.

She has a Facebook site called Positive Gundogs, which is helpful to all levels of handlers. She has written numerous gundog training books for the Gundog Club. In 2006 Pippa started the Gundog Club to help owners train their dogs. She was instrumental in establishing a National Graded Gundog Training Scheme.

Pippa has also authored Total Recall, The Labrador Handbook, and The Happy Puppy Handbook. These books are useful for pet owners and gundog owners. Totally Gundogs

Inga From

Inga became interested in clicker training and positive reinforcement methods after attending a seminar by Jim Barry. She has studied extensively and worked in law enforcement and as a game warden. She is a certified dog behaviorist and has many qualifications behind her name. Inga was responsible for the formation of PGDM. She has worked in shelters for many years as a behavior expert. Inga From PGDM

Helen Phillips

Helen is based in the United Kingdom but sometimes does seminars and training events in the United States. She is one of only a few trainers that uses a clicker to train gun dogs. Helen is a very experienced trainer. Should you get the opportunity to attend an event where she is teaching, it is well worth the time. Clicker Gun Dog

Dr. Ian Dunbar

Dr. Dunbar is a specialist veterinarian and animal behaviorist who believes that dog training should be dog-friendly. He has written numerous books, made DVDs, and appeared on television shows. Dr. Dunbar presents information in simple terms that can be easily understood. Although Dr. Dunbar provides information on general dog training, many of his methods apply to gundog training. He was responsible for founding the Association for Professional Dog Trainers. Online courses are available on his website. Dunbar Academy.

Jon and Cindy Hann

Perfection Kennel is based in Missouri and provides training courses for gun dog handlers.

They also take in abandoned and surrendered gun dogs, rehabilitate them, and re-home these dogs to pet homes and hunting homes. Jon Hann

Ronnie Smith and Susanna Love

Ronnie is the nephew of renowned trainer Delmar Smith and comes with a wealth of knowledge from a family who has spent decades involved with gun dogs. Susanna also comes from a family that has invested many years in training horses and dogs. They work predominantly with flushing and pointing dogs. The Ronnie Smith Kennels are based in Oklahoma, but they sometimes do training seminars in other areas. They employ a training method called the Silent Command System. Ronnie and Susanna also breed and train Brittany Spaniels and English Pointers. There are occasionally opportunities to intern at the Ronnie Smith Kennels to learn professional gun dog training skills. RSK

George Hickox

George Hickox has over thirty years of experience in gun dog training. He offers individual sessions for handlers and their dogs, clinics, and Gun Dog Schools. These courses and lessons are delivered all over North America at various times. George has hunted in all areas of the United States. Although George has won awards in flushing and pointing, his vast knowledge allows him to train and advise all areas of gun dog hunting. He helps owners teach basic obedience, good field manners, and controlled hunting in their gun dogs. George Hickox

How Much Does Gun Dog Training Cost?

Gun dog training costs vary across regions. In the United States, the southern states prices range between five hundred dollars to one thousand dollars for full kenneling, feed, and training. In the northern states, the prices go up to one thousand five hundred dollars per month. The more experienced the trainers usually charge higher fees. Training can vary taking between three to six months to complete.

Individual sessions for dog training range between eighty to hundred dollars per session. This for dogs that come only for the session and are not being boarded at the trainer’s kennels. Always ask about hidden costs such as bird fees and shot fees. Some trainers add on these extra costs, giving you a nasty surprise at the end of the day. Prices for handler training vary, with some fees being as high as two hundred dollars per session, depending on the session’s length, and if it is a group or individual session.

How To Choose A Gun Dog Trainer

The first and most essential aspect of choosing a trainer is that you need to feel comfortable with the trainer and establish a rapport. Some trainers are brusque and non-communicative, making it challenging to learn from them and intimidating if you are a novice. Ask about the trainer’s methods and ensure that you are not placing your dog or yourself in the hands of someone harsh and unfeeling.

Training Kennels

If your dog is going to be kenneled at the trainer, ask to inspect the kennels. The kennels should be clean, and the dogs should look settled and comfortable. Be sure to enquire how many times a week your dog will be trained and whether the training will occur only at the kennels or out on hunts. Also, ask about the sanitization of kennels and deworming protocols. A good kennel manager will insist on deworming any new dog coming into the kennels unless a veterinary certificate indicates deworming has been done recently.

Who Is Training Your Gun Dog?

It is also best to be sure exactly who will be training your dog. Some trainers employ interns who they use to train dogs. You may think a specialist is teaching your dog only to discover your dog has been handed over to an intern for training. This is not something you want if you are paying top dollar. If you pay a much-reduced price, then training with an intern under a specialist’s guidance is acceptable.

Real Birds vs. Decoys

Another issue to consider is whether the trainer uses real birds or decoys for training. Decoys can be used for some exercises, but real birds are best for creating excitement and drive in gun dogs.

Which Method Should I Use?

There are a variety of training methods for gun dogs. It is confusing to know which one is the best to choose. Methods based on modern positive reward-based learning are usually more enjoyable for both the handler and the gun dog. This does not mean that other approaches are not valid or useful. If you are uncertain about which training method to employ, consider the following factors;

Your personality will help determine the approach you prefer using.
Your dog’s issues and character will have a bearing on the approach you use.
What discipline you wish to enter with your gun dog.
Speak to a judge at one of the associations – NAVHDA is particularly helpful if you have completed one of their Natural Aptitude Tests.

Complete The Course

Once you have chosen a training system, try to see it through so that you do not confuse your dog. If you are having many challenges and your dog is not happy, then obviously consider an alternative approach. Try not to marry techniques, especially if you are a novice.

Breeders

A responsible, knowledgeable breeder is a good resource for a gun dog owner. If you have bought a dog from a breeder, they should always be available to answer questions. The breeder will refer you to a reputable trainer if he or she cannot help you themselves. Anyone breeding gun dogs should have sound knowledge of health, common problems, and their dogs’ abilities.

How To Choose A Breeder

Breeders are enthusiasts of their chosen breed. As such, they are usually knowledgeable and an excellent first option if a problem confounds you. When selecting a breeder, there are some important considerations to take into account:

Choose a breeder who breeds dogs proven on hunting fields and trial competitions. Proven parents will give you a much better chance of succeeding in training your gun dog. Remember that genetics play an important role in abilities.
The breeder should show you health and genetic testing certificates for their dogs to ensure that you are buying a healthy puppy.
The breeder must know their puppies well and advise you on the best puppy for your family and home situation. They will match the puppy to the discipline in which you wish to participate.
The kennels must be clean, and the dogs’ condition must be good with no parasites and overcrowding.
The breeder should have a socialization program to ensure the puppies are well-adjusted and equipped to move to their new homes.

Physiotherapists And Orthotists

Gun dogs are athletes and need to be kept fit and strong. Unfortunately, as athletes, they are involved in strenuous work, which may give rise to injuries. It would be advisable to find an animal physiotherapist in your area to help with muscle spasms, strains, and sprains in your gun dog.

If needed, orthotists that specialize in animals can provide supportive bracing to assist with rehabilitation from injuries. You can locate the animal physiotherapists and orthotists by consulting your veterinarian or the Veterinary Association. American Veterinary Medical Association

Veterinarian

It is well worth your while to develop a good working relationship with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian should know that you hunt your gun dogs as this information will give important information when he or she is assessing your dog. There are times when your dog may show behavioral problems which originate from physical issues. For example, the case of the older dog that develops a fear of gunshots. This has been shown to have a direct link to musculoskeletal pain.

Animal Nutritionists

As athletes, gun dogs may need specialized diets. Some dogs do well on commercially produced dog food for working dogs, but others may struggle with weight issues and need a tailor-made diet. Certain gun dog breeds may have health conditions that necessitate diets with specific requirements. Diet may play a role in training if your dog appears to run out of energy halfway through the hunt or becomes too thin or over-weight to deal with the training requirements. If you are dealing with dietary issues in your gun dog, consider consulting an animal nutritionist. Veterinary Nutritionists

Conclusion

Gun dogs are athletes, and as such, they need specialized care. The handlers need to ensure they can provide the support the dogs need. Training gun dogs can be confusing for novices. Even seasoned handlers may find problems with their gun dogs that they are unsure how to remediate. It is advisable to seek out professional trainers or training books and DVDs as resources.