Hunting Dog Training in Billings, MT
Hunting Dog Training/ Gun Dog Training
The vast and diverse terrain at Thunder Ridge Kennels in Billings, MT provides a fantastic setting for gun dog training. Owner/trainer Leonard Houser has over 30 years’ experience training hunting dogs for both individuals and competitive field trials. Leonard is known for his training abilities throughout the U.S., specifically for getting good results with all types of mannerisms and different hunting dog breeds. Leonard knows the strengths and weaknesses of each dog he trains, and he provides a flexible program to meet the needs of the dog and produce a top notch hunting dog ready for the field.
Our Dog Training Program
At Thunder Ridge Kennels, instruction and moderate pressure are the key points the dog will be exposed to so they gain confidence in their ability to perform various hunting styles. 
Obedience and manners are instilled in every dog being trained, as well as marking, teaching the dog to navigate to the fallen bird through various cover including water, and moderate pressure to build the dog’s confidence and keeping them enthusiastic.
Hunting Dog Breeds
Many breeds of dog can make excellent hunting dogs. Some of the most common and popular breeds of hunting dogs we train at Thunder Ridge Kennels in Billings, MT include:
- Labrador Retrievers
- Golden Retrievers
- Springer Spaniels
- Field Cocker Spaniels
- German Shorthair Pointers
- English Pointers
- Wirehaired Pointers
- Vizslas
- English Setters
- And all other gun dog breeds!
A well trained gun dog will sit quietly, waiting for birds, waits to retrieve until he is told or sent and does his retrieving with enthusiasm, speed and style. He will retrieve the birds efficiently and deliver them promptly and softly to hand. The dog is also obedient and comfortable with gunfire around him.
Each dog is started with basic obedience. He is introduced to birds and retrieves. The next step in training is force fetch. The dog is taught how to retrieve in a disciplined manner. Once the dog is retrieving nicely, he is taught marking. The dog must accurately navigate to the area of the fallen bird in various types of cover, including water. The dog must also learn these techniques in different wind conditions and weather conditions. In this respect, he is developing the ability to use his nose to find the bird. The dog learns to sit quietly until he is sent on a retrieve. Live fliers are used in training so the dog is on an actual hunt throughout his training in the field.
It is preferred to have the dog at least three months (minimum) in order to establish good hunting behavior as well as continued training. During this time, the dog is allowed ample practice time to develop his hunting ability and to become more reliable.
By the age of 6 months, most retrievers are ready to begin their formal training. Most dogs can reach their level of consistency in three to four months of training, although, some require more. It is preferred that the owner plan to spend at least on training session with us before taking the dog home. It is important to learn how to continue training in a consistent manner and keep the dog in tune to all he has worked for. Remember, the dog is working very hard to please you.
Obedience Training
At Thunder Ridge Kennels, we have been training dogs for over 30 years! Although our specialty is hunting dog training, we also offer obedience training for non hunting dogs as well. In fact, our vast experience dealing with the challenges of training gun dogs makes us an ideal choice for general obedience training. Even if you don’t hunt our dog training experience can provide you with a well behaved, loving, and obedient pet!
CONFIDENCE
A confident hunting dog not only makes your hunt more successful, but it makes the hunting experience more enjoyable for both the dog and the hunter. We consistently produce confident, capable gun dogs ready to take your hunt to the next level.
ENTHUSIASM
You love to hunt, and so should your dog! At Thunder Ridge Kennels we not only produce dogs with world class hunting ability, but we take extra time in training your hunting dog to make sure that they have a high level of enthusiasm for the hunt!
NAVIGATING COVER
Hunting in the field requires your dog to successfully navigate a variety of cover such as water and other obstacles without getting discouraged or side-tracked. Every hunting dog we train is able to work in whatever conditions you may encounter.
At Thunder Ridge Kennels, Leonard Houser has spent over 30 years developing one of the best hunting dog training programs in the country.
His intimate knowledge of proper gun dog training techniques combined with his natural ability to build a strong relationship with each dog gives him the ability to consistently produce confident hunting dogs.
Ready to take your hunting to the next level? Contact Thunder Ridge Kennels to find out more about how our unique hunting dog training program can enhance your hunting experience and get you that world class gun dog you always dreamed about!
The fact that watching your hunting dog work is a large part of what makes hunting with a dog so enjoyable is undeniable. Our world renowned gun dog training program puts a lot of emphasis on making your dog absolutely love the hunt. The level of enthusiasm which our dogs show is simply incredible, making the hunt much more exciting for both the dog and owner.
At Thunder Ridge Kennels in Billings, MT, we know the value of an enthusiastic hunting dog. We have spent 30 years working with gun dog training and our unique program is well known for producing gun dogs with high levels of both ability and enthusiasm.
Ready to start having more fun than a human should? Call us today to see just how much better your hunts can be with an enthusiastic hunting dog from Thunder Ridge Kennels!
A hunting dog that is able to navigate a wide variety of cover in the field is not only important, it is an absolute necessity.
Our training facility at Thunder Ridge Kennels covers a vast amount of ground with diverse cover including water, tall grass, brush, rocks, hills and other terrain.
Throughout the extensive gun dog training process, we work closely with your dog to make sure that it is ready and capable to navigate all of these different types of cover to retrieve the birds.
Tired of your dog disappearing in cover only to get side-tracked and return without the bird? Contact us today and learn more about the importance of our cover navigation training.