Puppy socialization for puppies 7 weeks of age or older. Puppies live inside, are taken into the community for social outings, taken with and socialized to the training environment, introduced to birds, fun retrieves, fun obedience games, and thinking games meant to take advantage and optimize this vital time of brain development.

Gun Dog Program, including waterfowl and/or upland. Dogs are appropriately introduced to birds, gun shot, and other hunting scenarios such as decoys, boats, layout blinds, finding dead birds in cover, flushing, and cripple tracking/trailing. Training will be individualized for the type of hunting you do with your dog. Approximately one month depending on your dog’s abilities and previous training.

Basics Program. This program includes collar conditioning and force fetch, which is where fun obedience and retrieving games evolve into functional responses. Dogs will deliver birds to hand and learn that voice and whistle commands are not optional. The result of this program is a retriever that is competent and confident at behaving in the field and home. Typically one to two months.

Transition Program. This is where dogs begin to learn hand signals. Casting and lining games/drills are taught systematically until the dog can run a basic water and land blind retrieve. Also known as a “handling dog,” this is where whistle, voice, and hand signals are used to guide the dog to a bird that the dog did not see fall. A handling dog is an extremely valuable retriever for the waterfowl hunter. Typically about three months.

Hunt Test and Field Trial Program. Basics, transition, and advanced training are completed thoroughly, with dogs also receiving a high level of exposure to hunt test and field trial environments. “Marking is of primary importance,” is not forgotten. Dogs in this program will see marks daily. Owners will be encouraged to participate in training as to improve their handling skills and become a true team with their dog. Although owners are encouraged to run their own dogs in competition, field trial and hunt test handling will be available.

Get ready for fall training classes. Weekly classes will be available mid to late summer. Owners arrive with their dogs and participate with their dogs. Owners will receive advice and guidance on training and handling. Set-ups will be hunting oriented with birds, decoys, guns, etc. Great option as a warm-up for the hunting season and for those participating in hunt tests.

Day training with or without owner present may be available. A variety of specialized options could be arranged. This could include owners dropping off and picking up their dog for a day or a few days a week, owners joining Tim for a day of training, or one on one instruction. These specialized options are available on a limited basis.

Problem solving specific behavior problems. Examples may include issues with birds, gun shyness, barking, whining, creeping, breaking, water issues, etc. Applied Behavior Analysis principles will be used to humanely and effectively modify behavior problems. Available on a limited basis.

Boarding, Care, and Training Facilities
Dogs are boarded and cared for by Tim at Nan-Dool Kennels in Forest Lake, MN. These indoor kennels are heated and cooled when necessary, and cleaned daily. Dogs are aired and exercised morning and night, and fed a quality food. Well-cared for dogs are mentally and physically healthy and are more focused and easier to train.
Nan-Dool has beautiful ponds designed specifically for dog training, making water concepts easier to teach and easier for dogs to learn. Kelly Farms near Hugo has a generous variety of water and land options. Dogs will be exposed to a variety of land and water locations and cover types during training.

Location and training grounds:
Nan-Dool Kennels, Forest Lake, MN
Kelly Farms, Hugo, MN

All dogs will be cared for, fed, aired, trained, and so forth by myself. I believe that clean and healthy dogs are more easily trained. My training philosophy is based on comprehensive, systematic, and fair teaching and training. Dogs will be trained as individuals with a focus on those skills most conducive to the needs/desires of their owners. Realistic hunting scenarios will be replicated with real birds being the mainstay of training retrieves.

Rates and Contact Info
Please contact Tim for rate information.

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