Train
Build a Better Gun Dog
There is no substitute for a well-trained gun dog. At Quill Feather Farm we understand this necessity and offer a variety of unique and tailored training opportunities to help you get the most out of your gun dog. A well-trained hunting companion requires a solid foundation that starts in the home, moves to the yard, and extends into the field and beyond. We cater to the versatile hunting dog by offering both upland and waterfowl training in both individual and group settings. We also offer extended stay training.
We prefer to employ a train-the-trainer approach, whereby we provide knowledge, experience, guidance, environments, birds, tools, equipment, etc. to give you and your pup the best opportunity to build a better gun dog...but following up, moving forward, and rate of progress will be completely dependent upon you and your dedication to training your versatile hunting partner.
Check out some of our clients!
HELPING YOU BUILD A BETTER GUN DOG - INDIVIDUAL | GROUP | EXTENDED STAY
Individual Training Options
At Quill Feather Farm, we prefer a train-the-trainer approach whereby we help you train your own gun dog. We offer knowledge, experience, guidance, environments, birds, tools, equipment, etc. to give you and your pup the best opportunity to build a better gun dog. Please note that we require an evaluation before recommending any training initiatives.
Evaluation
Having an understanding of where you and your dog currently are is an imperative step to building a successful training program. During this 1+ hour session, we will evaluate you and your dog during a variety of situations in the yard, the field, and at the water. Taking what we learn, we will create a personalized training program just for you and your dog. This is a mandatory precursor to any individual program. Click here for more information.
1 HOUR | INCLUDES BIRDS
Private Training Sessions
Taking what we learn during your evaluation, we'll have a better understanding of where you and your dog currently are in your training. We'll combine that with your ultimate objectives to create a unique and personalized training plan just for you and your dog. We can cover everything from the home to the yard to the field and water, however, your rate of progress will be completely dependent upon you and your dedication to training your hunting partner.
1 HOUR | BIRDS ARE EXTRA
Semi-Private Sessions
We believe wholeheartedly in the notion that you can learn more through observation. Once you've reached a certain level in your training, we may find it beneficial to team you up with another client who is setting the same pace. We find these sessions to be exceptionally beneficial as they give you the opportunity to observe a dog and handler working through the same scenarios. You will then have the opportunity to apply your learning almost immediately.
1+ HOURS | BIRDS ARE EXTRA
NAVHDA Test Prep
Whether you've signed up to test Natural Ability, Utility, or the Invitational, we can help get you and your pup prepared for the big day. Everything from AIMS and rules, to handling tips, retrieving, steadiness, duck search, and more. Number of sessions required will be dictated by current level and rate of progress.
1 HOUR SESSIONS | BIRDS ARE EXTRA
AKC Test Prep
Whether you've signed up to test Junior, Senior, or Master Hunter, we can help get you and your pup prepared. Everything from handling tips, brace exposure, search, steadiness, honoring, retrieving, and more. Number of sessions required will be dictated by current level and rate of progress.
1 HOUR SESSIONS | BIRDS ARE EXTRA
Trained Retrieve
Whether you've signed up to test or just want a solid gun dog, establishing a finished retrieve is imperative. A dog that will reliably and consistently retrieve to hand is not only a pleasure to hunt with, but will also help ensure conservation of game. This process will take a minimum of 6 weeks.
1 HOUR SESSIONS | BIRDS ARE EXTRA
Please note: bird prices fluctuate throughout the year. Please ask for pricing ahead of your session.
Group Training Options
The group environment provides an excellent opportunity to not only learn from others, but also network and socialize your pup to different environments, sights, sounds, smells, etc.
Foundation Obedience
In the field, your level of success will be determined by the efforts you first put into establishing a foundation of obedience. This 4-week course is uniquely designed to help you set this foundation and show you how to implement it in the world of the active gun dog. We will also cover the importance of body language, eye contact, touch, posture, and more.
4 x 1 HOUR | OUTDOOR | SPRING/SUMMER
Group Training Sundays
The group environment provides an excellent opportunity to learn from others. During group training days we cover everything from obedience to yard work, force fetch to field/water work. Each group session is unique, and the day's agenda (and fee) will be based on several factors including level, age, breed, goals, etc. of those attending.
3+/- HOURS | BIRDS ARE EXTRA | YEAR ROUND
Please note: bird prices fluctuate throughout the year. Please ask for pricing ahead of your session.
Extended Stay Options
Our extended stay options allow you to leave your dog at the farm for several days of training. Maybe you're struggling to get over a hurdle, not sure how to address an issue, hesitant to implement a new training technique. Maybe your dog needs a break from you, or maybe you need a break from your dog...or maybe you both need a break from each other! Regardless of the situation, we have a solution that will work for both you and your dog. Please note that we require an evaluation before recommending any training initiatives. Extended stays are available to existing clients only.
Come, Sit, Stay...with Us
This program combines customized training with extended stay. Choose anything from the most basic obedience to steadiness, duck search, and beyond. Create your own package: you pick the training, you pick the dates, you pick the duration. Base price includes: daily runs, swims, quiet time, access to spacious yard, kennel etiquette training, and more! Pricing starts at $40/day + customized training fees. Evaluation required prior to stay.
BIRDS ARE EXTRA | AVAILABLE YEAR ROUND
