Companion & Field Training Programs
Companions
Gun Dogs
Working Dog
To meet each of our client’s needs, we customize our training programs. We offer complete programs, taking your dog from the beginning of obedience to the more complex blocks of a finished dog. For the at-home trainer we have month to month programs , For the local family we offer in-depth private lessons providing comprehensive direction in the complicated world of dog training...
Our Experience
Between us, we have over thirty years of gun dog training experience. We have:
* worked with field dogs and show lines from North America, Ireland and Great Britain;
* trained labrador retrievers for field trials and hunt tests, and as gun dogs and family companions;
* successfully rehabilitated troubled retrievers.
In addition to, being a AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, a AKC Temperment Evaluator, a member of the AKC Bred With Heart program, a certified pet evaluator for Therapy Pets Unlimited ; a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers ( APDT) , a certified trainer with the Canine Council for Professional Dog Trainers ( CPDT- KA), certified in Pet Psychology ( HCRUIO5) and Canine Communication (BX2K211S).
Having worked with so many different canines, we have a clear understanding of the possibilities for building great gun dogs, family companions and working dogs.
Our Approach to Training
Our training program is based on the belief that building sound quality animals requires fairness and consistency . Only by teaching with patience and understanding can one develop a companion that will be your best friend and trusted hunting partner.
At the core of Sundance Retrievers we have combined time-tested methods with current thinking and new technologies to implement a four step training process:
1. Teach – Give actions a name and mark that behavior with praise.
At this stage, the cue is a request.
2. Enforce – Cues become commands by applying corrections
and praise, i.e. “empowerment through choice”;
3. Groove – Repeat the desired response until it is automatic.
4. Apply – Take the learned behavior and transition it into the field.
Our training program is based on the belief that building sound quality animals requires fairness and consistency . Only by teaching with patience and understanding can one develop a companion that will be your best friend and trusted hunting partner.