Designed for hunting and competitive gun dogs over 6 months old

Bird Dog Training

Wilde Acres can help train your dog for a life as a hunting companion or competitive gun dog. Our immersive bird dog training program makes the most of that special window in time to formulate good behaviors from a young age. After your dog completes our bird dog training program, expect a solid, well-mannered pup and a gun dog with incredible drive.

The upland game dog training program offers 8 weeks of total training for dogs over 6 months old. This is not a classroom program; dogs will be introduced to working in the field, gunfire, and live birds throughout their stay.

how it works

Schedule Training

While we can get you on the schedule in advance, training is best when your puppy is at least 6 months old.

Bird Dog Training

Your dog attends our immersive 8-week-long upland game dog training at Wilde Acres and learns dog training fundamentals as we also work on developing specific upland game dog training skills.

1-on-1 Lesson

When you pick up your dog from training, learn more about handling in the field using live birds, tables for teaching the finer skills of pointing and retrieving, and more.

Handler Classes

Attend up to 6 weekly handler classes to work with your dog on standard obedience training and to solidify new training habits.

everyone who completes a retreat is eligible for

post retreat handler classes

Upon picking up from each retreat, you’ll receive an extensive training lesson with our upland game dog team. As a follow up, you will receive one additional private training lesson. Weekly post-retreat handler classes are included with any Upland Game Dog Retreat but will focus on standard obedience behaviors vs hunting practice. Additional private lessons for hunting-specific behaviors can be scheduled at additional cost.

Every training retreat at Wilde Acres includes six follow-up sessions called Post Retreat Handler Classes. After a dog has completed a training retreat, both owner and dog are eligible to attend the weekly handler classes.

Handler classes are designed to help dog owners handle their dogs the way the Wilde Acres staff did, thus getting better behaviors. These classes will help owners feel completely confident in their dog and their skills. Wilde Acres staff recommends attending at least three handler classes.

Retreat Highlights

What Bird Dog Training Includes

What You Can Expect

Puppy Fundamentals: manners and socialization
Upland Fundamentals: introduction to gunfire and live birds
Commands: Come & Heel as well as specific upland game dog training commands Whoa, Fetch & Easy
Pointing and staying steady on the flush and shot
Refining range, making sure your dog continues working in your desired area
Continuing to strengthen manners and finished obedience behaviors
Adding more levels of distraction
Many other possibilities depending on your needs and the dog’s capabilities
A 1-on-1 lesson at pickup to review all commands and work your dog on live birds
One additional follow-up lesson with the Upland Game Dog Training team
An exit bath that includes hair brushing and washing (up to $160 value)
Unlimited phone and email support from Wilde Acres trainers and staff

Daily Training Schedule

The daily schedule includes multiple 1-on-1 lessons. If your pet is dog-friendly, they will have employee supervised playtime with other dogs. If your dog is not, they will have supervised yard time on their own. In addition, these dogs will do field work, gun desensitization, and table work.

If you’re seeking training for your puppy on more standard commands, check out our puppy training program instead.

Can't Say Enough Good Things!

Can't say enough good things about this place! I've enrolled my six month old pointer in their upland program and she is doing great with Cam's help. But even if you're not interested in the upland program, this is a really great place to train and/or board your dog. My puppy loves going back there. The staff are all clearly dog lovers. All around good vibes, a beautiful setting, and nice people. Worth it.

Tom Cavers

Behavior Modification Training

Pricing

Our bird dog training program is proven to get results. Your dog will get a total of eight weeks of immersive training onsite at Wilde Acres

When you book, we’ll require a $600 deposit to hold your reservation. This is refundable within 7 days of your start date if you choose to cancel. The remaining balance will be due upon drop-off for the training retreat.

Now Booking Day School Training Retreats!

Designed for hunting and competitive gun dogs over 6 months old

Bird Dog Training

how it works

Schedule Training

Bird Dog Training

1-on-1 Lesson

Handler Classes

everyone who completes a retreat is eligible for

post retreat handler classes

Retreat Highlights

What Bird Dog Training Includes

Can't Say Enough Good Things!

Behavior Modification Training

Pricing

8 Weeks

How Do I Choose a Good Dog Trainer?

Why do you use a pinch collar?

Why do you use electronic collars?

We're Here To Help

Dog Training

Services

Explore

Newsletter