"Training"

Next classes starting late March/early April/05. Call now to reserve your spot in limited sized classes.

We train and handle our own dogs in obedience trials, agility trials, and field work.

We run obedience training courses for all breeds of dogs over six months of age that are fully vaccinated. Purebreds and cross-breds are welcome, and we accept problem dogs as well. Basic obedience training classes last for ten lessons and cover all the exercises needed to compete in the Novice class at CKC obedience trials for the title of "Companion Dog" (CD).(Heeling on lead, stand-stay, heeling off lead, recall, sit-stay for 1 minute in a group; down-stay for 3 minutes in a group.)

We also have advanced classes that lead to 'Companion Dog Excellent" (CDX) and "Utility Dog (UD) titles.

Many dogs from our classes have gone on to earn their titles in licensed trials, some with high scores and High In Trial awards. We limit the size of our classes to 10-12 dogs. In the beginners classes, lesson sheets are handed out after each class.

For those who cannot get to classes, or want their dogs trained while they are away, or on vacation, we offer in-kennel training while dogs are boarded with us. We offer everything from basic manners, to obedience title level training, and working as special skills dogs. Each dog is regarded as an individual and the training is personalized to each one and to what the owner requires.

Retriever Field Training

Retriever training in progress

We work our own dogs on a regular basis, and compete in Working Certificate test and Hunt Test trials with them. Ivan and his sons also hunt over the dogs.

In the Spring we start a combination field/obedience training course for people interested in hunting with their dogs or earning working titles such as the Working Certificate (WC) and Junior Hunter (JH). The course last for ten lessons and introduces the dogs and handlers to basic obedience, retrieving, delivery to hand, guns, birds, decoys, throwers, and water work.

Dogs that have had some previous obedience work can also be booked in to the kennel for field training or to be "brushed up" before hunting season.

More advanced field training is done in smaller groups with interested parties. Dogs from this level work towards their WCI and WCX titles, as well as their SH title.

Agility Training

Tracking Training

Tracking training, which is very time consuming and requires a lot of exercise on the part of the handler. We run classes when we have sufficient interest to start a group. The course starts with a full day introductory seminar, followed with some actual work in the fields. In ensuing weeks, other training sessions in the fields are done using different people to lay tracks. Dogs learn to follow tracks, use the wind, and work with the wind in different quarters, make turns, and indicate a find. There are Tracking dog titles, TD and TDX, which can be earned from the CKC. A licensed Tracking Test, run by EPS TRaining Assoc. is held here in August.