Our Professional Training Programs

1. Basic Obedience Program (All Large Breeds)

A rock-solid foundation is mandatory before any field training can begin. This intensive program instills total control on and off the leash.

  • Duration: 1 month.

  • Core Commands: Heel (on/off lead), sit, stay, down, kennel, place, and recall.

  • Methodology: Commands are taught on-leash and then reinforced off-leash using an e-collar.

  • Owner Integration: Includes two private handler sessions (at the 2.5-week mark and at final pickup) to ensure you can confidently handle your dog at home.

  • Scheduling: Offered primarily during summer months.

  • Investment: $1,800/month (Includes premium Black Gold 26-18 or Inukshuk 32-32 feed).

2. Bird Dog Program (December – March)

Engineered specifically for pointing breeds, this program builds a steady, confident, and polished wing-shooting companion.

  • Duration: 2 months.

  • Core Skills: Proper gunfire introduction, bird introduction, quartering and handling in the field, "whoa" training, pointing, backing, and absolute steadiness to wing, shot, and fall.

  • Custom Options: Case-by-case scheduling is available for specific fixes like backing issues, "whoa" work, or gunfire sensitivity.

  • Investment: $1,500/month (All premium feed and training game are included).

3. Versatile Gun Dog Program

Designed to meet the rigorous standards of the JGHV testing system, this program focuses heavily on maximizing your dog's nose and ensuring no game is ever lost.

  • Prerequisite: Completion of the SRO Obedience Program.

  • Duration: 3 months.

  • Core Skills: Gunfire, water, bird, and fur introductions; force fetch (table and cable); field and water retrieving work.

  • Advanced Fieldwork: Singles, doubles, diversions, drags, marks, blinds, and live duck searches.

  • Real-World Scenarios: Dogs are introduced to and worked from real boats, kayaks, and mutt huts.

  • Investment: $1,500/month (All premium feed and training game are included).

4. Big Game Blood Tracking Program

Develop your dog's natural scenting abilities to recover wounded or downed big game.

  • Duration: 1 month.

  • Requirements: Best suited for dogs with a calm demeanor, a strong nose, and a high willingness to work.

  • Methodology: Real-world training tracks are laid using real deer or hog blood using the traditional dab method.

  • Investment: $1,500/month (All premium feed included).

Why Choose Sandy Run Outdoors for Training?

  • Premium Nutrition: Every dog in our care is fueled by top-tier performance feeds, including Black Gold 26-18 and Inukshuk 32-32.

  • Exclusive Client Discount: Graduates of our training programs instantly unlock a discounted $10-per-bird rate on our self-guided hunting preserves.

  • Diverse Training Grounds: Your dog will train on multiple local farms featuring varied terrain, expansive ponds, flooded backwater sloughs, and river bottoms to replicate real-world hunting conditions

Ready to Enroll Your Dog?

Spaces in our seasonal programs fill up quickly. Contact Sandy Run Outdoors today to check upcoming schedule openings or consult with Sterling Pippin about your dog's specific goals.