Training

RGK offers monthly boarding/training options as well as one-on-one training sessions. We utilize proven and refined training methods to prepare dog for your next hunting/testing season.

Before enrolling in our training programs, each dog completes a one-hour evaluation. This assessment allows us to evaluate temperament, ensure there are no aggression concerns, and determine how your dog responds to training. During this time, we also discuss your expectations and establish realistic, achievable training goals.

Dogs are trained five days per week, with individual sessions ranging from 15 minutes to one hour based on the dog’s ability and the specific skills being taught. Owners receive weekly report cards detailing progress and outlining upcoming training objectives. We also share regular updates on our Facebook and TikTok pages, giving you the opportunity to watch your dog in action throughout the training process.

During your dog’s stay with us, you are invited to participate in bi-weekly, one-on-one lessons. These sessions allow you to observe your dog’s progress firsthand while learning proper handling techniques and training strategies to ensure continued success and growth once your dog returns home.

RGK does not offer a la carte training. For us to provide you with the best results for your goals, we will place your dog into one of our programs: Foundation Gundog, Intermediate Gundog or Advanced Gundog. This will be determined during the assessment phase with your dog and discussed prior to booking training.

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Training Programs

Foundation Gundog:

This is the first phase of gundog training and has a high focus on learning all the basics of what a hunting companion should be. This program is designed for dogs 6 months to 2 years old but can be applied to dogs up to 5 years of age. This program is essential for further training in more advanced skills and is a requirement for ANY dog conducting more advanced training at RGK. This program should help prepare a young dog for its first season and entry level hunt tests. Minimum time 60 days, and some of the key skills covered are the following:

Obedience
Calm mind
Heel
Basic placeboard
Recall
Puppy steadiness
Develop search
Intro to gun fire
Intro to birds
Intro to water
Intro to e-collar

Intermediate Gundog:

This program is only offered to clients/dogs that have completed the RGK Foundation program or can demonstrate a solid knowledge of the skills of the Foundation program. The Intermediate Gundog program is designed to get your dog ready for its first couple of hunting seasons or preparation for hunt tests. Depending on the dog’s ability, a dog completing this program should be able to pass intermediate level hunt tests. Minimum time is 90 days, and some of the key skills covered are the following:

Advanced obedience/placeboard
Force fetch/trained retrieve
Intro to duck search
Steady to shot
Intro to steadiness in the duck blind
Retrieve by drag to 150 yards

Advanced Gundog:

This program is only offered to clients/dogs that have completed the RGK Intermediate program or can demonstrate a solid knowledge of the skills of the Foundation and Intermediate programs. The Advanced Gundog program is designed to finish your dog as a completed hunting partner. It focuses on refining skills and attitude that is required for more advanced hunts and testing. Depending on the dog’s ability, a dog completing this program should be able to pass advanced level hunt tests. Minimum time is 90 days, and some of the key skills covered are the following: