Maybe you have a great young dog but don’t have access to good training areas, birds, boats, or other expensive equipment to do the job. Possibly you just don’t have the time for daily training sessions and repetitive drills every day. Whatever your reason, hiring a professional trainer can be a great option, but at the same time choosing the correct trainer for the type and level of training you are after is critical.

Where to Look for A Trainer

Where do you begin looking for a trainer? You could start by asking the folks you bought your pup from; they very likely know good trainers or may even take dogs for training themselves. It is also important to look for a trainer who is familiar with your breed and the birds you typically hunt.

Another outstanding way to find good dog people is local sporting dog club training days and events where dogs like yours are tested for their hunting skills. While there, you’ll not only see which dogs/trainers excel, you will also get a better fix on the standards of performance expected of them. Ask around while there, you may find a pro on site who you could visit with, and as a bonus—possibly see some of his or her dogs work.

You should also consider joining one of these dog clubs. You will meet folks at all levels of training experience, gain access to training grounds and equipment, and you might just find help that allows you to train your own dog. In fact, this is a really good option, often resulting in a very solid working relationship with your gun dog. But that’s another article in itself.

Asking a Trainer the right Questions

Once you identify a trainer who interests you, make contact to see if you can set up a time to call or visit. Discuss your options, talk about what they expect of you, and what you can expect of them. Be certain you and your trainer understand what you expect. Talk about where you hunt, what you hunt, and how you hunt. They need to know what you expect of them, and what you think the dog should be doing by the end of his stay at the training kennel.

Explain that you would like some instructions in handling, especially near the end of formal training, so there’s a smooth transition from the trainer back to you. You're looking for a trainer not only for their training skills, but one who understands and focuses on developing a trusting relationship with his or her clients.

I feel most of our readers looking for help from a professional trainer, especially on the first go-round, would like to visit the training kennel; if nothing else just to feel better about where their ‘little heathen’ may be living for a while. This is all good, but be sure to make arrangements for open time with the facility. Most trainers are happy to demonstrate dogs they have in training, as well as to give you a quick evaluation of your dog and talk you through how their program works, including length of time and costs.

When Should You Start Training Your Dog?

What age do we send our dog off for formal training? Granted, we all should understand “training” in the broader term really begins as soon as your pup is home. Mostly at this point, training involves socialization and exposure to you and your home, to the backyard, and eventually, the hunting environment and some of the ‘good citizen’ commands.

The more you do with the young dog, the better prepared it will be. Above all, spend time in the field or on walks, don't let him sour in the kennel. Often a “kennel shy” dog has developed problems you can never totally overcome.

Other areas of development are in exposing the dog to birds, water, and gunfire. When you bring a dog to a trainer with this level of exposure, they are ready to go to work with a minimum amount of preparation on the trainer’s part.

When you’re considering help with more advanced foundation training such as heel, sit, kennel, and come, most gun dog trainers like dogs coming in to be near five to six months, and many like them to be a little older.

Assuming you have a dog that is correctly socialized and comfortable with his work environment, I feel you’re safer considering five to six months as a target age to turn your pup over to a professional trainer. Around this age, progress is usually more evident, and you’ll have a better sense of value.

The End Result

A good deal of the first month involves the trainer and dog getting to know each other. During this time, the dog is being evaluated. Most trainers reserve the right to return dogs that are mean or lack potential.

While your dog is in training, remember a good trainer is a busy person so don't make a nuisance of yourself, never simply drop in. Always call first to make an appointment. There are other clients to consider as well as the trainer's schedule for the day.

Then again, when it comes time to pick up your dog, schedule enough time that you can work through drills and scenarios with your trainer at your side. As mentioned earlier, make sure you have a good working knowledge of command words with your dog. I suggest you ask questions and make notes. There is a bunch to remember, but don’t worry, a well-trained dog will help you through it all. Please don't expect the dog to “stay trained.” You must continue reinforcing what was learned, or all can be lost. Hopefully you’ll enjoy your dog even more now that he is nearly trained, and the work won’t seem like work. If in the first few weeks you have problems, most trainers encourage you call and are happy to help with suggestions. I’m sure you’ll find the outcome is not only a well-trained dog to be proud of but a lasting friendship with your trainer, because good trainers pride themselves on your success.