Aren’t you the proud parent!  Your new pup has been in your home for awhile now and has become part of the family. From what you can tell she has the drive and skills to be a great gun dog.  After a lot of research  you have come to realize that although your pup might be the “total package” you lack the time, insight, access to birds, etc., to properly train her.  That’s why you have decided to send your new dog off to puppy training camp.    

Pre-Camp

            Obviously, like anything done right, preparation is key.  Renowned gun dog trainer Tom Dokken strongly recommends that the owner puts a significant amount of time into socializing your pup before camp.  “Properly socializing a puppy goes beyond your house.  Bring the puppy on lots of car rides and go for walks where there are a lot of people around” urges Tom Dokken.   Furthermore, Tom Dokken suggests that well working on socializing your new pup, teach it the basic commands (ie, here, stay, sit) and get the puppy familiar with walking on a leash.        

            Another, item to work on before sending your pup to training camp is crate training.  Professional trainer Rob Babcock, of Captains Kennels, takes only one or two dogs at a time into his “puppy camp.”  He says it is not necessary to drop a puppy off 100% crate trained, but it is beneficial to have at least started the training.  Rob Babcock thinks of it this way, the more time spent on crate training prior to camp, gives your pup more time to focus on guns and birds well at camp.

Camp

 While at a puppy training camp your dog will experience a lot of things, many for the first time.  There will be new sights, sounds and smells – one would imagine it to be a little overwhelming for a young dog.  Surely, there will be starter pistols, wings, live birds, frozen birds, shotguns, bumpers, whistles and leashes.  However, Rob Babcock says that by “using only positive training methods during puppy camp, the pup won’t get frightened or burnt-out, but eager to train more.”  And as a hunter, what else could you ask for!      

Post-Camp 

Remember that a puppy camp is only one of many building blocks needed to make a great gun dog.  Tom Dokken says that “the focus of this type of training is to send the puppy home exited about birds and comfortable around the gun.  However, the owner must understand that this is not a finished dog.”  Certainly, more training at home, other professional training programs and a lot of time hunting will help solidify the important principles your puppy developed during camp.