Companion Gundog Training
No perceptive shooting man needs to be told to cherish a dog with the gift of a good nose, for dog work, together with the mysteries of scent, add up to enchantment on an autumn afternoon.
George Bird Evans
Board & Train
Companion Gundog training focuses on developing the skills and instincts required on the hunt, manners and obedience necessary for the home, and skillfully balancing the development of the two. Our comprehensive programs develop drive, obedience, and clear communication. Through structured training sessions, your hunting companion will learn essential obedience skills, hone their natural hunting instincts, and develop clarity on when it is appropriate to engage in these various behaviors.
Your dog stays in our home, living alongside our personal dogs, instead of a commercial kennel environment. We take a very limited number of dogs in for board + train at any given time. This ensures the highest level of attention and care for your companion.
Program Details
Daily obedience & yardwork sessions
Daily exercise, enrichment, and socialization
Age/Skill level appropriate fieldwork sessions 3-5 days per week
Video based progress reports each week during your dog’s stay
Private or Virtual lessons included
One session prior to your dog’s Board + Train stay
One session per month during your dog’s stay
One session when you pick your dog up
Access to our training theory online course
Lifetime support
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Puppy
Our trainers expertly guide your new hunting companion through this dual purpose program which focuses on companion dog fundamentals, as well as gun dog skills specific to your puppy’s breed and your pursuits.
30 Day Board + Train & 2 Private Sessions $3500
60 Day Board + Train & 3 Private Sessions $4500
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Foundations
This program establishes a foundation in the four main skills required of all companion gundogs: searching, tracking, retrieving, and obedience. Socialization includes field trips to public environments, as well as game and gunfire introductions.
30 Day Board + Train & 2 Private Sessions $3500
60 Day Board + Train & 3 Private Sessions $4500
90 Day Board + Train & 4 Private Sessions $5500
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Advanced
Customized advanced training is available for retrieving, field work, and hunt test preparation. We can lay a solid foundation for retrievers, flushers, and pointers, and have significant testing and hunting experience with versatile breeds.
30 Day Board + Train & 2 Private Sessions $3500
60 Day Board + Train & 3 Private Sessions $4500
90 Day Board + Train & 4 Private Sessions $5500
Private Instruction
Unlock your dog’s full potential with our private coaching programs at Iron Oak Dog Co. Tailored to meet the unique needs of both you and your hunting companion, these one-on-one sessions provide personalized instruction in a variety of environments: in home, one of our locations, and even online! Our professional trainers utilize a proprietary dual reinforcement training system to foster effective communication, produce real reliability, and strengthen the bond between you and your dog.
Whether you’re brand new to training a gundog, looking for a pre-season tune up, want to advance your dog’s skills, or are preparing for a hunt test, our private lessons equip you with the tools and knowledge necessary for lasting success. We make highly effective dog training simple to understand and implement, empowering you to create lasting change in your dogs behavior, and fostering a mutually fulfilling relationship at both ends of the leash.
Program Details
Multiple delivery options
Private: we meet at a location of our choice
Virtual: we meet online
Customizable programs include
Fieldwork: develop prey drive and skills required for a reliable hunter
Obedience: reliable and responsive dogs can safely enjoy more freedom
Lifestyle: structure and manners make it easier to live life with your dog
Access to our training theory online course
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In Home
Let us come to your home or another location of your choice! This is a great option for behavioral concerns that only occur in specific locations.
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Private
Join us on 300+ private acres for obedience training, yard work, and all training sessions requiring field equipment, live or dead game, or gunfire.
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Virtual
Get five star rated training delivered anywhere with online lessons. These sessions take place via webconferencing.
Group Instruction
Monthly half day, club style, group training clinics are held to assist clients with advancing their trained skills and handling. Both monthly clinics are open to all breeds. Clients must complete a minimum of four private sessions and receive permission from a trainer prior to attendance.
Companion Dog Sunday School
Each session focuses on fundamental companion dog life skills required for dogs to live more inclusive lives with their owners.
On & Off Leash Obedience - reliable behavior in unpredictable environments
Neutrality & Desensitization - building confidence and ignoring distractions
Cooperative Care - tolerance to grooming and veterinary practices
Adventure Skills - loading/unloading from vehicles/watercraft, trail etiquette, etc.
Working Dog Sunday School
Each session focuses on the four fundamental training skills, and associated yardwork drills, in preparation for hunting, utility, and scent work scenarios:
Field/Area Search - head up, searching until encountering a scent cone
Tracking/Trailing - head down, following scent and ground disturbance
Retrieving - reliably recovering game and other items of importance
Obedience - secondary skills required for success and safety
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Companion Dog Sunday School
Sessions typically take place in two to three locations over the course of four hours with minimal driving between locations.
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Working Dog Sunday School
Sessions take place at Central Penn Sporting Clays in Wellsville, Pennsylvania. Blank gunfire may be utilized during these sessions on occasion.