A Day in the Life of a Bird Dog in Training

Now this is my favorite part of the morning, even better than seeing the morning crew and getting to play.  I watch eagerly as the trainer walks back and forth, loading up all the Bird Dogs that are staying at the kennel for school.

I can barely hold in my excitement.  Actually, I can’t hold in my excitement, which is why I’m jumping up and down, barking as loudly as I can, hoping I can catch his attention.  My training time might be the best part of the day but waiting for my turn is the worst.

I know I could find every bird in the field, maybe even every bird in the whole world, if only he would hurry up and get to me.

Finally, he comes to my kennel and it’s off to the training grounds.  Accessorized with a Dogtra E-Collar that beeps so the trainer can’t lose me, I am at last let off leash to do what I do best.

I find every single bird and I know the trainer is proud of how far I’ve come with my Bird Dog Training.

I have done my best and back up the kennel we go.  I can tell the staff have already finished feeding and medicating for the morning and now they are focusing on the daily sanitation of our kennel runs.

I like all the ladies who work here.  They may not let me out to run in the field and hunt birds but they are kind and patient and let me play in the yards all day long.

Thank goodness, its dinner time.  I definitely earned my meal tonight.  I lick the bowl clean, then wait for another turn in the exercise yard.  It’s the perfect way to end the day!

Being at Valhalla is my happy place!

Dog First Aid Kit

Ready Dog First Aid KitNo matter what injury has occurred, you’ll be better prepared to handle it if you have a Ready Dog First Aid Kit with you. The Gun Dog Kit is the one that has been proven in the field and recommended by Veterinarians who understand the risks of the field.

It has the tools to remedy a face full of porcupine quills, the jagged gash from a barbed wire fence, a skunk encounter, and just about any other mishap that could befall your dog. In fact, from reams of gauze to paramedic shears, Kelly forceps, cold compresses, skin stapler, antihistamine tablets and even honey packets (good for getting down other pills and giving a blood sugar boost), you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better or more properly equipped dog first aid kit. Best of all, part of the kit detaches from the main unit so you can stuff it in your bird vest or shell bag and take it afield, where you’re likely to need it most.

Contact: Valhalla Kennels to pick up your custom first aid kit.

No Gimmicks… Just Results.

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.

Happy 4th of July from Valhalla Kennels & Gun Dogs!

As we approach 4th of July weekend there is perhaps no better time than now to start thinking about the future of your young pup!  If you are starting a new prospect this summer, now is the time to give your pup the foundation it needs to be successful in the field.  This starts with confidence around birds and confidence with the shotgun.  The 4th of July can be a dangerous time for the future of a young pup as the loud noises from fireworks and noisy neighbors can frighten a young dog and if not properly protected from these elements could even cause your pup to become gun shy.  So this year make sure to keep your pup in a quiet spot away from the noise, there is a time and place to introduce noise and that is in the bird field.

At Valhalla we offer our Gun Dog School of Excellence class every Saturday morning at 8 am.  This is a great place to get your pup off to the right start!  During class dogs of all ages and experience levels can be properly exposed to birds and live gunfire under the guidance of Valhalla’s professional training staff.  The class will help you and your pup build a solid foundation to be the best you can be in the field.  You will have the opportunity to work your own dog while learning fieldwork fundamentals such as quartering the field, whistle commands and whoa work.  Our Gun Dog School of Excellence is a great place to socialize your dog with other people and other pups while at the same time getting early bird exposure and training development.  Come work dogs with us on Saturday mornings at 8 am, you and your pup will sure be glad you did!

Valhalla Kennels and Gun Dogs