Hunting Dog Training

Second, Before investing a substantial amount in any training program the owner should be absolutely comfortable with the trainers personality, training approach and methods. The 10 Day Evaluation allows each owner the time to see if TK Hot Kennels Trainers personalities are a good fit for the owner. Because at TK Hot Kennels we truly believe that to have an outstanding Gun Dog we need the owner to be a part of the process. From Bi-Weekly visits to the Private One-on-One Leadership Transfer Lessons the owner will involved as much as they would like or can be.

Third, Every dog takes time to adjust to the move from home to the training kennel. This adjustment period needs to allow the dog time to become comfortable in the new surroundings. Plus this period should be designed to help build confidence and resilience in the young dog. A bold, confident and resilient gun dog is the goal for every owner. This is one of the many reason clients from all over the US and Canada to have their dogs trained at TK Hot Kennels.

Fourth, This 10 Day Evaluation allows each dog owner to become comfortable and confident in the training methods used by TK Hot Kennels. Our approach to training is based on the Proven Scientific Principles that transcend not only dog training but also Horse Training and Human Training alike. It does not rely on “One Method” But is specifically designed to be adjusted to the various dispositions and instinctual drives inherited within each breed. For Example what works for a serious strong willed Chesapeake Bay Retriever will not work for as softer English Cocker Spaniel. This approach has been proven time and time again with over 16,000 dogs trained in the last 35 years. While other gun dog trainers will “Wash out” 25-30% of the dogs they train because they use only one way and force the dog into their preferred method of training, we at TK Hot Kennels develop specific training programs for the dogs uniques characteristics. Thus producing a 99% success rate with our clients. This is the number one reason over 16,000 clients have chosen TK Hot Kennels to train their Gun Dogs.

We conduct our 10 Day Evaluations twice per month, the enrollment is limited to 3 dogs per Evaluation period. During specific times of the year there may be up to a 5 month wait for an Evaluation opening. Once your Evaluation period has been scheduled you will than receive a call from the trainer to get more in-depth information regarding your dog, preferred hunting venture (waterfowl vs upland or a combination of both), additional training requests for your dog such as Shed Hunting or Blood Tracking etc….. as well as your desired goals for your Hunting Dog ie…. Running Blind Retrieves, Multiple Marks, Duck Searches etc…

What if you want to run your dog in a sanctioned Hunt Test while your dog is still in training?

We would be happy to run your dog in a sanctioned Hunt Test while they are in training at TK Hot Kennels. There are some additional cost that must be covered by the owner for their dog to run in a Hunt Test.

Handling Fee:

• The handling fee is given to the trainer who handles the dog through out the test.
• Handling fee is $100.00 per dog, per event.
• Example: If we take your dog to a Hunt Test Double Header event (2 tests during the same weekend). Your dog would be handled twice thus $100 x 2 = $200 Handling Fee for that weekend.

Entry Fee:

• Most owners enter their own dogs in the Event, however If you wanted us to pay for the dogs entry fees. (Fees range from $95 to $275 per event) then this fee would be added to the invoice for that particular Hunt Test Invoice.

Travel Expenses:

• All travel expenses are split by the number of the dogs on the truck.
• Example: If we take 4 dogs to a Hunt Test, and we accumulate the following expenses - $500 Fuel Fee and $450 Hotel Fee - Travel Fee Total is $950. ($950 divided by 3 Dogs entered at event.) Equals $316.67 per dog. $950 divided by 3 Dogs entered at event equals $316.67 per dog.

Total Additional Expenses:

• Double Header Handling Fee: ($200)
• Entry Fee if paid by TKHot: ($190) $95 x 2
• Travel Expenses: ($316.67)
• Total for Weekend Test: ($706.67)

What if you want to run your dog in a sanctioned Hunt Test and your dog is has completed their training and returned home?

There are two answers to this question.

1. If your dog finished Gun Dog fundamentals, for example and has been home for a short period then you decided to run them in Junior Level Hunt Test. You would go on Competition month to month program. You would be given a very special rate for this program because we do not know how long it will take to achieve the title. NAVHDA Hunt Tests are one and done, meaning if you Pass Prize 1, Prize 2 or Prize 3 are all passes. AKC Hunt Test require multiple passes to achieve a title. Junior Hunt Test require 4 passes to title. Hunt Test are held frequently from February till June Locally and extended out to late Sept for other States.

2. If your dog is getting close to being finished with Gun Dog fundamentals, (but you would like to Test him at a higher level) you would just pay for the level up you want to test him at SH, GDT etc…. Since the dog is technically still at the kennel it would just be an upgrade.

Important Special Note:

Our Results Based Program is for the training of the dog, NOT the titling of the Dog. Meaning if the requirements of the program level you chose are:

• Senior Hunter Retriever
• Marks (Double on Land, Double on Water- Out to 100 yards)
• Blind Retrieve (Both on Land and Water out to 100 yards)
• Honor (Staying while another dog retrieves)

Let’s say your dog finished the training requirements this program in January, Has meant all the requirements for the chose program, Double Marks Land / Water, Blind Retrieves Land / Water and the Honor. He is ready to be picked up, his level is complete. If said owner wants the dog to achieve the SH title Than the dog will moved into the “Competition Program” and will be on a special month to month training rate until dog has achieved the title.

Once again it is the training that is result guaranteed NOT THE TITLING of the dog.

All Programs are based on the AKC Models of:

• Junior Hunter (Started Retriever Gun Dog.)
• Senior Hunter (Intermediate Retriever Gun Dog.)
• Master Hunter (Finished Retriever Gun Dog.)

AKC® Hunting Test Regulations for Retrievers

AKC® Hunt Test Regulations for Pointers

NAVHDA Regulations NA, GDT, UT

Retriever Gun Dog Flow Chart

Pointing Gun Dog Flow Chart

Not concerned with earning Hunt Test titles?

Looking for a great partner to join you in bird, duck, waterfowl, pheasant, and shed antler hunting plus a great family dog the rest of the year? Let us Customize a training program just for you!

Regular coaching and private lessons taught by Professionals are an important aspect of keeping you and your dog at the top of your game.

Unlike most Gun Dog Trainers who don't even want you to visit. At TK Hot Kennels we understand to get the very best out of your dog during the hunting season it is critical for the owner to know how the dog was trained.

TK Hot Kennels takes "The Team" approach to training. Meaning "The Team" consist of "The Dog, The Trainer and The Owner." Each member is critical in the process of a well trained Dog.

We want your experience at TK Hot Kennels reach well beyond your expectations. We schedule monthly visits and lessons to ensure your "Teams" continued success.

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