If you can relate to the above, then maybe you should consider getting your dog professionally trained. Here are a few general thoughts to consider.

Before you even brought your dog home you certainly put in a significant amount of “research time” selecting the perfect dog. You considered breeds, blood lines, breeders/kennels, puppy personality and time of year. Thus, when it comes to picking the perfect trainer for your situation, you’ll want to do just as much due diligence. 

The first step when looking into a professional trainer is research. You will find that a dozen or so trainers that generally “fit” you, your dog and your goals.  Then, to narrow down your list, figure out pertinent information for your situation.  For example, find out if they “are a full or part time trainer,” “practice force fetch,” or have “a list of references you could call,” etc. 

Once you have a few trainers in mind, set up an appointment to see them at work.  Treat it just like a job interview - ask questions, check out their work environment (i.e., kennel and training grounds) and make sure you watch as the trainer works with other dogs undergoing a similar program.

Before you send your dog off to be trained, make sure you know specifically what you hope to accomplish.  Professional trainers have a whole bag of tricks to teach your dog.  Training programs can focus on introduction to birds, pointing, collar conditioning, gun steady, basic obedience, force fetched, casting, etc. 

By going with a professional trainer you’ll be sending your “hunting buddy”, your “blind heater”, your “K9 companion” away for an extended period of time.  So, just like sending your kids off to summer camp, get a good feel for the “camp” well before you arrive to drop them off. 

By no means do trainers need to be kenneling your dog in four star accommodations, but it should be an environment that you, and of course your dog, are comfortable with.  Ask questions about the number of other dogs in the program/facility, play time, exercise space, necessary vaccines, etc. 

Before sending your dog off to be professionally trained, consider the season, the length of the program, and the age of your dog.

Obviously, you won’t want to send your hunting buddy off to be trained in the fall, so figure out which remaining season works best for you and your dog.  Don’t forget to consider the fact that winter plays havoc on the “training grounds” (i.e., snow) and summer abuts the hunting season (i.e., your dog will be right out of the training field into the hunting field). 

Also, consult with the trainer about the length of the program your dog will undergo.  Clearly, a program that introduces a puppy to birds will be much shorter then a comprehensive retrieving program. 

Lastly, the age and maturity level of your dog should be considered as well.  Consult with your trainer to figure out when the appropriate time is to start your dog in a specific program.  For example, it would not be wise to send a dog off to be force fetched before she gets her permanent teeth.

When you day dream of getting your dog professionally trained dollar signs fill your head just as rapidly as visions of long retrieves.  A few mouse clicks on the web and you’ll see fees ranging from $300 to $1000+ per month for professional training. 

 Is it worth it? Only you can answer that question. However, make sure you think of the price as more of an investment then an expense. 

This was the first part of a 4 part series concerning getting your dog professionally trained.  Future articles will detail Puppy Camp, Gun Dog Training and Continuing Education at Home.  A whole host of Professional Gun Dog Trainers, like Tom Dokken and Rob Babcock, will provide valuable insight on why you should seriously consider getting your dog “a hunting education”.