Question: What kind of dogs do you train?

Answer: We have trained many breeds of dogs. Including retrievers, flushers and pointing dogs. We have trained all flavors of lab's, golden's, springer spaniel's, pointing lab's, german wirehair's, german shorthair's, poudle pointer's, britney's, english pointer's, gordon setter's. We can take any of these breeds from pups to polished finished hunting dogs, competitive hunt dogs or hunt tests dogs to the highest levels. We have also helped people that just want a well behaved obedient dog.

Question: How long does it take to train my dog?

Answer: It depends on what your goals are and where your dog is currently in the training process. To properly build a basic and strong foundation for a dog we work with it takes three to four months. That would be teaching concepts of obedience, heel, here, sit on lead, force fetch or fetching on command, kenneling on command, introduction to birds, introduction to shot. For pointing dogs the process also involves basic whoa training.

Advance training can take several months more. Call Gary and tell him what your goals are and he can give you an idea on the timeline to achieve your goals.

Question: What do I need to bring with my dog when I drop them off for training?

Answer: You must have a signed contract with all of the information filled out. A copy of your dogs current vaccination records. That's it. We provide the food and boarding for your dog.

Question: When can I visit my dog?

Answer: Initially after dropping your dog off you need to leave them with us for at least three weeks before returning. This gives your dog the opportunity to get into a training routine. If owners come to see their dogs earlier the dogs tend to digress in their training. The purpose of training is for your dog to progress and anything that will hinder that should be avoided. Be prepared to make a commitment to your dog and their training.

After the first three weeks you can visit weekly if you would like. All we ask is that it is scheduled so we are around with your dog when you visit.

Question: Can I watch or train my dog with you.

Answer: Yes, depending on what is scheduled for the day and for the dogs. It needs to be a scheduled visit.

Question: Can I come and visit and take my dog for a walk?

Answer. Absolutely. We have a great place to take your dog for a walk. We just need to schedule it so that we can be here with your dog.

Question: Will my dog remember me after training?

Answer: Yes with out a doubt. Any bonding you have done with your dog will remain. The difference you will see will be a much better behaved dog overall. There are many benefits directly and indirectly for your dog in training.

Question: Will my dog get any socialization while in training?

Answer: Yes. They will get socialization with people and other dogs both of which are important. Your dog will be around other dogs and people during training as well as my two kids Aspen 7 and Cory 11. Your dog will also have time in an airing yard to socialize and play with other dogs daily.

Question: Can my dog run in hunt tests or other events?

Answer: It depends on your goals and your dogs abilities. As a general rule the answer will be yes. We run dogs in several hunt test organization from entry to the highest levels. If your goal is Master Hunter in the AKC, Grand Master Pointing Retriever in the APLA or Hunter Retriever Champion in HRC, if your dog has the abilities to learn the skills needed we can help make it happen.

Question: Can I run my dog in a hunt test or other events?

Answer: Yes, if your dog has the abilities to successfully pass a test and you have learned how to handle your dog well enough to pass the test.

Question: What do you feed your dogs?

Answer: We feed Black Gold and have had good results with it for the past four years. We feed either 26/20 percent protein and fat or 30/20 percent protein and fat food depending on what the dogs needs are. We also have some excellent supplements we us for our hard working dogs that can be added for a fee.

Question: Can I call to see how my dog is doing in training?

Answer: Yes, with in reason. Progress should take place on a weekly basis. That said it will be even more obvious on a monthly basis. We teach each dog at the rate that they can learn at. All dogs are different and we adjust accordingly.

Question? What are the training fees?

Answer: Training fees are currently $550 per month plus birds.

Question: What do you charge to handle my dog in an event.

Answer: For local events it is $75 per event. Out of state events may be more. Costs can be more because of travel expenses

Question: Do you do any thing in exchange for training?

Answer: It depends. In some cases we have worked deals with people. We have worked trades for things we have needed. Such things as a four wheeler, dog trailer or firearms. Things that can be used for training may be of interest to us. We currently are looking for a good used four wheeler. Also a. 8 hole topper in good condition.

Question: What kind of birds do you use?

Answer: We use pigeons, chuckars, pheasants, ducks and quail. We use primarily ducks for retrievers and pigeons to teach pointing dogs fundamental concepts. In most cases all dogs will have some exposure to all of the birds mentioned.

Question: How many birds will my dog need?

Answer: It depends on your goals for your dog. Pointing dogs require more birds as a general rule. Dogs that will be running events will use more birds prior to running in an event.

Question: Do you do tune ups with dogs before the hunting season?

Answer: Yes, we have several dogs that come back to us each year for a tune up before the hunting season starts.

Question: Can you teach me how to train my own dog?

Answer: Yes, depending on your ability to learn training concepts. Gary offers one on one consulting for $60 a session. A session will vary depending on where your dog is in the training process.

Question: Do you have references?

Answer: Yes, we have excellent references from people all over the country.

Question: How do I get a hold of Gary?

Answer: Call at 970 568 1125 if you get an answering machine be sure to leave a message with your name, when you called, a brief description of what your needs are, your phone number and when a good time to call you is. We are usually quite busy and are not in the house until after dark each day.

You can also email us at bigdog@poudrerivergundogs.com.

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