303-644-4300 info@machunts.com

No Gimmicks… Just Results.

Training

At Valhalla our training program focuses on consistently turning out exceptional bird dogs. Obviously the natural talent of every dog varies but our trainers work to bring out the best in every client and the goal is to deliver a hunting companion that is confident in the field and is responsive to the handler.

How does Valhalla define a well-trained bird dog?

Over 40 years of combined training experience 20 years of a dedicated training program has put Valhalla’s program is a nationally recognized training program that has set the standard in consistently producing the ultimate upland bird dog. Our professional staff focuses on providing the ultimate experience for both dog and owner. Producing a bird dog that you can brag about at the end of the hunt.

Trainers take great pride in the level of training that dogs have upon leaving one of our programs and are passionate about providing results for every owner.

What makes a successful experience at Valhalla? Expectations and education.

First let’s start with an evaluation. Gauge exactly where your dog’s skill set is and give a realistic set of expectations for the program.

Education – you’ve invested in your dog’s education now it’s time to learn how to handle. Training the dog is only half the battle. Becoming proficient in your handling and correction of the dog in the field/home is the other half of the equation. When these two things come together in the field it makes for that quintessential hunting experience.

Trust, Expectations, and Education

These three fundamentals have been the foundation of our training program for the past 20 years.

We recognize that you are entrusting us with more than a dog. Our clients consider their dogs to be members of their family and want the best care and training available. At Valhalla we have a staff of dedicated kennel professionals take that trust seriously and are passionate about making sure every dog is safe, happy, and healthy. Our full time training staff take pride in every dog that leaves the program and have the highest of standards in the dogs they graduate.

For the best results in any of our training programs it’s essential to have well communicated and realistic expectations. An evaluation prior to starting a training program ensures that everyone knows the goals and the approximate timeframe. What you expect out of your bird dog and determining your dog’s existing skill set are the first steps at Valhalla.

The trainers have worked hard at developing your dog into a hunting machine. Now it’s your turn. Take advantage of over 40 years of combined training knowledge and learn the art of handling a bird dog. Confidently controlling, correcting, and trusting your dog in all situations is the ultimate goal of the Valhalla Gun Dog School of Excellence Program.

Handler Training at Valhalla

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Well it is the “Dog Days” of summer as they say and unfortunately for all you bird-hunting enthusiasts we still have a little ways to go until the nationwide dove opener in September.  But don’t despair, summer is a great time to train dogs or even better train your self!  This summer instead of sitting on the couch watching “Hunting with Hank” reruns get on the phone and reserve your handler training session at Valhalla today!

Handler training participants get to spend the morning training along side Valhalla’s Pro Trainer, as he works sporting dogs of all breeds.  You will see first hand the intricacies, nuances and “tricks of the trade” when it comes to working all breeds of sporting dogs.  You will learn everything from how to gun break a young puppy to watching mature dogs getting professionally trained to retrieve.  Pointing dog owners will learn how to teach dogs to hold their point, honor other dogs as well as yard work basics including quartering the field and “whoa” work.  Flushing dog enthusiasts will benefit from learning drills like sitting to a whistle and the flush, honoring pointing dogs and advanced water work.

Whether you have an older dog that needs some polishing up this summer, awaiting your first bird dog puppy or are just looking to broaden your knowledge of bird dogs and sporting breeds you can benefit from signing up for handler training today.  Chances are you will learn more in a morning of training than by reading every gun dog book on the shelf!  Do yourself and your current or future four legged best friend a favor and sign up for a handler training session at Valhalla today, you’ll both be glad you did!

For more information or to reserve your spot, call Valhalla Kennels and Gun Dogs today at 303-644-4300.

Young Guns

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There is nothing like starting a new pup and the only thing better than one little rascal is two! Starting a new young pointer isn’t as time consuming as many people think. As a young puppy the most important things we want to accomplish are getting the dog well socialized with humans, building prey drive and running style and acclimated to the shotgun…

For young dogs socialization is key, we want to build a happy, confident and well-adjusted young dog. Take that puppy with you everywhere you go! One of the unique things about a young dog coming into the world is that they seem to enter the world liking humans and us the same, a truly unique relationship that is to be cherished.

As far as prey drive and running style, young pups are too immature for advanced training. Now is the time to let your dog chase around some crippled pigeons and just have fun. Now is not the time to look for pointing perfection, we just want the young dog fired up about birds! At this point in the puppies development it is also advantageous to do some wing on the string drills to bring out the pointing and stalking instinct within your dog. Never let the pup catch the wing and eventually he will become frustrated and start stalking the wing and showing you the beginnings of his pointing instinct!

Young dogs really are a lot of fun, if you are looking for help developing a young dog be sure to visit Valhalla Kennels for Saturday morning puppy classes allowing you and your pup the opportunity to socialize with other people and their dogs and get proper bird and gunfire exposure.

We look forward to seeing you in the field this winter!

Happy hunting,

Valhalla Kennels & Gun Dogs

Keep your favorite dog in shape this summer!

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Summer is a crucial time for your gun dog.  It’s hard to believe but September is less than four months away and what you do now might very well determine the fate of your dog’s upcoming season…

Conditioning is key right now.  A lot of dog injuries happen from hunting a dog that is in no condition to hunt.  Sitting on the couch all summer and feeding your dog the occasional bag of Cheetos is not going to help Fido out come fall…

It is very important to maintain a decent exercise schedule during the summer months.  At the very least, strive to get your dog out on a few thirty minute, off leash runs twice a week to keep their head and heart both happy and healthy.

Summer is also a great time to brush up on a little training!  Maybe you’re tired of watching your dog bust birds or failing to honor another dog’s point, now is the time to get out and do some real training.

The warmer months are also a great time for taking your dog out of the field and working on a trained retrieve or force fetch program.  This process takes time but after it’s done your dog is simply going to be a polished performer.  There is no better time than summer to get your dog force fetched so he is ready to retrieve birds to your hand next fall!

If this summer finds you and your family traveling, be sure to check out our training program.  If you are planning on boarding your dog, why not give them the pleasure of getting out and worked on live birds by professional trainers?  Next fall your buddies will be impressed and you will watch your bag limits go up!

So this summer be sure to stop by Valhalla on Saturdays for our Gun Dog School of Excellence and inquire about private and monthly training sessions.  Next fall our goal is for your favorite gun dog to be the talk of the lodge!

Valhalla Kennels & Gun Dogs

The Three Stages of Professional Gun Dog Training

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Professional gun dog training takes time and patience. It also takes commit to a proven program, consistent handling, and a dog with a love of the game. Only when a dog masters one stage is it appropriate to move on and increase the difficulty, physical conditioning and command structure. So, what are the three stages of gun dog training and how do they benefit dog and hunter?

  1. Rookie training.This is the introductory stage for the dog that has had little or no exposure to any prior gun dog training.  Puppies should be at least 16 weeks old before being enrolled in this stage. The dog learns to point and chase. They are exposed to birds, guns and hunting grounds.  Rookie training is all about establishing a good foundation.  Prey drive and basic field commands (here) are the primary focus.  The training program at Valhalla is all about developing a confident dog but don’t expect a tremendous amount of discipline in this stage.
  2. Seasoned training.Once your dog behaves with confidence in the field and has mastered the basic command, it is time to move up to the second training stage. Terming it the seasoned stage, this level is open to dogs that are at least six months of age. At this level, there is more differentiating between the training received by pointing and flushing dogs. Pointing dogs learn the “whoa” command while flushing dogs train to sit by whistle command. Dogs must learn to control their impulses to chase game birds by pointing without engaging and by letting other dogs take the lead when instructed.  The rate at which dogs complete this stage varies.  On average this is a 6-8 week program that we recommend be completed 100% and not broken into multiple visits.  This is also the stage in training where you will see a more disciplined dog that is ready to go to the field.
  3. Trained Retrieve.This intense 8-10 week program is the finishing touch for any bird dog.  There is a misconception that just because the dog likes fetching this program isn’t necessary.  The truth is, this program is all about the respect of the command and respect of the handler and fetching is just the by product.  Our Valhalla guarantee is that every dog leaves the program happy and with their tail wagging.  Valhalla trainers compare a dog that has gone through this program to driving a car with power steering.  Sure, you can drive a car without but it’s no fun.

Contact us today for more information on the importance of the three-staged training approach.  Moreover, find out what a dog with professional gun dog training under its belt will offer to you, the hunter, while in the field.