Gundog Training for Upland and Waterfowl Hunting

I’ve been working with gundogs all of my life.  Over the last 35+ years, I’ve picked up training techniques and studied many more.  In my experience, the foundation of gundog training is the relationship between dog and handler.  After that the most important step is to work on learning at the dog’s pace versus the handler’s wants/needs.  Too many trainers and handlers rush young gundogs and then have to go back for many years and undo the holes in the learning chain that the dog missed due to not being mature and ready early on.

This is why, years ago, I began studying the Continental methods and learning from European trainers.  I’ve imported dogs for England and Germany and trained them with success.  I’ve worked with many clients in the last 4+ years as a professional gundog trainer that have had everything from your traditional English Setter to versatile breeds such as Griffons.  Every one of those breeds has excelled in its training when it progressed at it’s own pace and had a solid, reliable relationship with it’s handler (aka pack leader).

My hope here is that I can assist our clients, new and established, with training their pups young and old.  I will work through the developmental milestones of a gundog with you, as well as include training plans and guidance.  Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to give me a call at 231-944-9946 or email me at chris@hawkinsoutfitters.com.

Here’s to solid foundations to build from!

Slow and Steady Wins the Race,

Chris Butz