Handler Training at Valhalla

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

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

Self Service dog bathing now available at Valhalla Kennels

Valhalla Kennels is pleased to announce the opening of a fully equipped bathing/grooming area open 7 days a week in the main lobby of the kennels.

This state of the art bathing set-up includes a stainless steel tub with ramp, professional spray nozzles, shampoos, conditioners, towels, brushes, and a caged dryer set up.

Fee for this service is $10/dog or let us do the dirty work for $20/dog.

Don’t drag home a dirty dog, take advantage of our convenient set up.  The process is simple.  Wet the dog down, work in shampoo, rinse well, and relax at clubhouse while your dog comfortably drys in the forced air kennel.  This service is available to all guests and members of Valhalla Hunt Club and The Bluffs.

Keep your favorite dog in shape this summer!

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