303-644-4300 info@machunts.com

A Day in the Life of a Bird Dog in Training

Training

Now this is my favorite part of the morning, even better than seeing the morning crew and getting to play.  I watch eagerly as the trainer walks back and forth, loading up all the Bird Dogs that are staying at the kennel for school.

I can barely hold in my excitement.  Actually, I can’t hold in my excitement, which is why I’m jumping up and down, barking as loudly as I can, hoping I can catch his attention.  My training time might be the best part of the day but waiting for my turn is the worst.

I know I could find every bird in the field, maybe even every bird in the whole world, if only he would hurry up and get to me.

Finally, he comes to my kennel and it’s off to the training grounds.  Accessorized with a Dogtra E-Collar that beeps so the trainer can’t lose me, I am at last let off leash to do what I do best.

I find every single bird and I know the trainer is proud of how far I’ve come with my Bird Dog Training.

I have done my best and back up the kennel we go.  I can tell the staff have already finished feeding and medicating for the morning and now they are focusing on the daily sanitation of our kennel runs.

I like all the ladies who work here.  They may not let me out to run in the field and hunt birds but they are kind and patient and let me play in the yards all day long.

Thank goodness, its dinner time.  I definitely earned my meal tonight.  I lick the bowl clean, then wait for another turn in the exercise yard.  It’s the perfect way to end the day!

Being at Valhalla is my happy place!

No Gimmicks… Just Results.

Training

At Valhalla our training program focuses on consistently turning out exceptional bird dogs. Obviously the natural talent of every dog varies but our trainers work to bring out the best in every client and the goal is to deliver a hunting companion that is confident in the field and is responsive to the handler.

How does Valhalla define a well-trained bird dog?

Over 40 years of combined training experience 20 years of a dedicated training program has put Valhalla’s program is a nationally recognized training program that has set the standard in consistently producing the ultimate upland bird dog. Our professional staff focuses on providing the ultimate experience for both dog and owner. Producing a bird dog that you can brag about at the end of the hunt.

Trainers take great pride in the level of training that dogs have upon leaving one of our programs and are passionate about providing results for every owner.

What makes a successful experience at Valhalla? Expectations and education.

First let’s start with an evaluation. Gauge exactly where your dog’s skill set is and give a realistic set of expectations for the program.

Education – you’ve invested in your dog’s education now it’s time to learn how to handle. Training the dog is only half the battle. Becoming proficient in your handling and correction of the dog in the field/home is the other half of the equation. When these two things come together in the field it makes for that quintessential hunting experience.

Trust, Expectations, and Education

These three fundamentals have been the foundation of our training program for the past 20 years.

We recognize that you are entrusting us with more than a dog. Our clients consider their dogs to be members of their family and want the best care and training available. At Valhalla we have a staff of dedicated kennel professionals take that trust seriously and are passionate about making sure every dog is safe, happy, and healthy. Our full time training staff take pride in every dog that leaves the program and have the highest of standards in the dogs they graduate.

For the best results in any of our training programs it’s essential to have well communicated and realistic expectations. An evaluation prior to starting a training program ensures that everyone knows the goals and the approximate timeframe. What you expect out of your bird dog and determining your dog’s existing skill set are the first steps at Valhalla.

The trainers have worked hard at developing your dog into a hunting machine. Now it’s your turn. Take advantage of over 40 years of combined training knowledge and learn the art of handling a bird dog. Confidently controlling, correcting, and trusting your dog in all situations is the ultimate goal of the Valhalla Gun Dog School of Excellence Program.

Happy 4th of July from Valhalla Kennels & Gun Dogs!

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As we approach 4th of July weekend there is perhaps no better time than now to start thinking about the future of your young pup!  If you are starting a new prospect this summer, now is the time to give your pup the foundation it needs to be successful in the field.  This starts with confidence around birds and confidence with the shotgun.  The 4th of July can be a dangerous time for the future of a young pup as the loud noises from fireworks and noisy neighbors can frighten a young dog and if not properly protected from these elements could even cause your pup to become gun shy.  So this year make sure to keep your pup in a quiet spot away from the noise, there is a time and place to introduce noise and that is in the bird field.

At Valhalla we offer our Gun Dog School of Excellence class every Saturday morning at 8 am.  This is a great place to get your pup off to the right start!  During class dogs of all ages and experience levels can be properly exposed to birds and live gunfire under the guidance of Valhalla’s professional training staff.  The class will help you and your pup build a solid foundation to be the best you can be in the field.  You will have the opportunity to work your own dog while learning fieldwork fundamentals such as quartering the field, whistle commands and whoa work.  Our Gun Dog School of Excellence is a great place to socialize your dog with other people and other pups while at the same time getting early bird exposure and training development.  Come work dogs with us on Saturday mornings at 8 am, you and your pup will sure be glad you did!

Valhalla Kennels and Gun Dogs

Handler Training at Valhalla

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Well it is the “Dog Days” of summer as they say and unfortunately for all you bird-hunting enthusiasts we still have a little ways to go until the nationwide dove opener in September.  But don’t despair, summer is a great time to train dogs or even better train your self!  This summer instead of sitting on the couch watching “Hunting with Hank” reruns get on the phone and reserve your handler training session at Valhalla today!

Handler training participants get to spend the morning training along side Valhalla’s Pro Trainer, as he works sporting dogs of all breeds.  You will see first hand the intricacies, nuances and “tricks of the trade” when it comes to working all breeds of sporting dogs.  You will learn everything from how to gun break a young puppy to watching mature dogs getting professionally trained to retrieve.  Pointing dog owners will learn how to teach dogs to hold their point, honor other dogs as well as yard work basics including quartering the field and “whoa” work.  Flushing dog enthusiasts will benefit from learning drills like sitting to a whistle and the flush, honoring pointing dogs and advanced water work.

Whether you have an older dog that needs some polishing up this summer, awaiting your first bird dog puppy or are just looking to broaden your knowledge of bird dogs and sporting breeds you can benefit from signing up for handler training today.  Chances are you will learn more in a morning of training than by reading every gun dog book on the shelf!  Do yourself and your current or future four legged best friend a favor and sign up for a handler training session at Valhalla today, you’ll both be glad you did!

For more information or to reserve your spot, call Valhalla Kennels and Gun Dogs today at 303-644-4300.

Keep your favorite dog in shape this summer!

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Summer is a crucial time for your gun dog.  It’s hard to believe but September is less than four months away and what you do now might very well determine the fate of your dog’s upcoming season…

Conditioning is key right now.  A lot of dog injuries happen from hunting a dog that is in no condition to hunt.  Sitting on the couch all summer and feeding your dog the occasional bag of Cheetos is not going to help Fido out come fall…

It is very important to maintain a decent exercise schedule during the summer months.  At the very least, strive to get your dog out on a few thirty minute, off leash runs twice a week to keep their head and heart both happy and healthy.

Summer is also a great time to brush up on a little training!  Maybe you’re tired of watching your dog bust birds or failing to honor another dog’s point, now is the time to get out and do some real training.

The warmer months are also a great time for taking your dog out of the field and working on a trained retrieve or force fetch program.  This process takes time but after it’s done your dog is simply going to be a polished performer.  There is no better time than summer to get your dog force fetched so he is ready to retrieve birds to your hand next fall!

If this summer finds you and your family traveling, be sure to check out our training program.  If you are planning on boarding your dog, why not give them the pleasure of getting out and worked on live birds by professional trainers?  Next fall your buddies will be impressed and you will watch your bag limits go up!

So this summer be sure to stop by Valhalla on Saturdays for our Gun Dog School of Excellence and inquire about private and monthly training sessions.  Next fall our goal is for your favorite gun dog to be the talk of the lodge!

Valhalla Kennels & Gun Dogs

Get Your New Pup Ready for Bird Dog Training

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You spent a lot of time researching dog breeds and checking out litters to find just the right pup to be your new bird dog. You know your new hunting companion will take a significant amount of training to become an amazing bird dog. There are some things you can do now, when your pup is little to help with their bird dog training. Here a few simple tips to help train a great bird dog.

Tyler & Bourbon

Socializing

Your new pup is a little one so many things might seem scary to them. It is important that you socialize the new pup early. Once your puppy has become comfortable playing with the other people and dogs in your home, it is time to venture out. A puppy class at Valhalla is a great way to introduce new smells, sounds, people, and dogs in a safe environment.  Classes start every Saturday at 8:00. Puppies as young as 14 weeks are welcome to participate (more…)