Upcoming Events
1st Annual Chukar Challenge
The Speakeasy Gundog Social Club is hosting their first annual chukar challenge at Central Penn Sporting Clays! We’ll be raffling off some items at lunch and the winners of the open pointing and flushing divisions will receive prizes.
Wobble trap and five stand are available for shooters to warm up before their run.
This event will have four divisions:
Puppy Flushing (18 months of age cutoff) Sample Scoresheet
Puppy Pointing (18 months of age cutoff) Sample Scoresheet
Open Flushing Sample Scoresheet
Open Pointing Sample Scoresheet
Dog handlers may designate someone to shoot on their behalf. General Rules
Registration
Registration includes a raffle ticket, field run, continental breakfast, and catered lunch for one person. You may purchase add-on meal/raffle tickets for your designated shooter, or family and friends that will be attending with you.
If the same handler wants to register more than one dog, complete registration again and use code ADD-A-DOG for a $20 discount.
Select a division below to register:
Versatile Gun Dog Conversations: Roadmap
This is our 4th annual webinar series on versatile gun dog training. Each month during the training season (March - August) we present on topics related to preparing versatile breeds for hunting and hunt tests. This year all of our webinars will take place on the Skool platform. It’s free to join and you’ll have access to webinar recordings after the live events are over.
The Roadmap webinar will discuss:
Sequencing: What skills to work in at what age and in what order
Transitions: Connecting dots from basic skills in the basement, to yard work drills, to field work setups
Hidden Pitfalls: The stuff nobody talks about that bites you in the ass
This year’s schedule includes:
March: Training Roadmap
April: Fundamentals
May: Obedience
June: Searching
July: Tracking
August: Retrieving
Versatile Gun Dog Conversations: Fundamentals
This is our 4th annual webinar series on versatile gun dog training. Each month during the training season (March - August) we present on topics related to preparing versatile breeds for hunting and hunt tests. This year all of our webinars will take place on the Skool platform. It’s free to join and you’ll have access to webinar recordings after the live events are over.
The Fundamentals webinar will discuss:
Communication: minimize confusion and speed up learning
Phases of Training: set proper expectations so you consistently move forward without setbacks
Conflict Management: getting your dog to do the right thing even when it’s the hard thing
This year’s schedule includes:
March: Training Roadmap
April: Fundamentals
May: Obedience
June: Searching
July: Tracking
August: Retrieving
Tracking & Forest Clinic with Sondra Rolison
Join us for a weekend clinic focusing on tracking and forest work. Learn an easy to follow approach to tracking, area search, and obedience in the face of compelling distractions. Dinner and/or onsite lodging is available per day for an added fee. If you select lodging, it is for the night prior to the date of registration.
Working spots provide for individualized time with the instructors. Bring your dog and we provide hands on coaching to you and your dog. Audit spots allow for you to attend without a dog at a reduced price to gain valuable knowledge during lecture portions and observe how different dogs are coached through exercises.
Sondra Rolison is a nationally recognized IGP competitor with multiple breeds, and represented the United States in the FCI International FH (Tracking Dog) Championships. She has also campaigned a number of dogs in all levels of the JGHV testing system and has assisted many of her clients in doing the same, including high scores for advanced tracking and obedience skills such as overnight tracks and bringsel.
Nate Czarnota is a NePoPo® New Gold certified trainer specializing in companion dog obedience and behavior modification, as well as versatile gundogs. His Deutsch Drahthaar, Anja, received a max score of 204 on the NAVHDA Utility test and passed the 2025 NAVHDA Invitational with a 196. His Kleine Munsterlander, Aura, received a prize 1 VGP.
Gretchen Zwerlein is a NePoPo® New Silver certified trainer specializing in early puppy imprinting, learning, and development. She has trained and handled numerous dogs to successfully complete VJP and HZP level tests within the JGHV system, and coached others to do the same. She is the lead trainer for our board and train programs.
Sport Search and Rescue Webinar with Melissa Stagnaro
This webinar will provide an introduction to Rettüngshunde, Sport Search & Rescue. Melissa Stagnaro will be leading this event and is a competitor and board member for the American Rettüngshunde Sport Association with experience and success training and trialing in a variety of dog sports.
This event is FREE and is strongly recommended for participation in the in-person seminar to be held on May 9, 2026.
For more information about sport search and rescue:
Sport Search and Rescue Seminar with Melissa Stagnaro
This seminar will demonstrate training for a variety of exercises found in Rettüngshunde, Sport Search & Rescue. Melissa Stagnaro will be leading this event and is a competitor and board member for the American Rettüngshunde Sport Association with experience and success training and trialing in a variety of dog sports.
Registration fee covers attendance for one person, catered lunch, and porta-potty rental. Melissa, Nate, and Gretchen are donating their time.
We strongly suggest attending the webinar on March 30 to get the most out of this event. Registration details for the in person seminar will be provided to webinar registrants after the webinar is complete.
For more information about sport search and rescue:
Upland Clinic with Sondra Rolison
Join us for a weekend clinic focusing on field work and steadiness. Gain a better understanding of the process for developing field search, pointing, and steadiness. An optional dinner at a local establishment will be held Saturday night.
Working spots provide for individualized time with the instructors. Bring your dog and we provide hands on coaching to you and your dog. Audit spots allow for you to attend without a dog at a reduced price to gain valuable knowledge during lecture portions and observe how different dogs are coached through exercises.
Sondra Rolison is a nationally recognized IGP competitor with multiple breeds, and represented the United States in the FCI International FH (Tracking Dog) Championships. She has also campaigned a number of dogs in all levels of the JGHV testing system and has assisted many of her clients in doing the same, including high scores for advanced tracking and obedience skills such as overnight tracks and bringsel.
Nate Czarnota is a NePoPo® New Gold certified trainer specializing in companion dog obedience and behavior modification, as well as versatile gundogs. His Deutsch Drahthaar, Anja, received a max score of 204 on the NAVHDA Utility test and passed the 2025 NAVHDA Invitational with a 196. His Kleine Munsterlander, Aura, received a prize 1 VGP.
Gretchen Zwerlein is a NePoPo® New Silver certified trainer specializing in early puppy imprinting, learning, and development. She has trained and handled numerous dogs to successfully complete VJP and HZP level tests within the JGHV system, and coached others to do the same. She is the lead trainer for our board and train programs.
Versatile Gun Dog Conversations: Obedience
This is our 4th annual webinar series on versatile gun dog training. Each month during the training season (March - August) we present on topics related to preparing versatile breeds for hunting and hunt tests. This year all of our webinars will take place on the Skool platform. It’s free to join and you’ll have access to webinar recordings after the live events are over.
The Obedience webinar will discuss:
Basic Obedience: the three basic skills every dog needs to know
Process: our simple process for teaching all obedience behaviors
Conflict Management: getting your dog to do the right thing even when its the hard thing
This year’s schedule includes:
March: Training Roadmap
April: Fundamentals
May: Obedience
June: Searching
July: Tracking
August: Retrieving
Water Clinic with Sondra Rolison
Join us for a weekend clinic focusing on water work. Develop skills required for blind retrieving, duck search, and impulse control with marks and gunfire. Dinner and/or onsite lodging is available per day for an added fee. If you select lodging, it is for the night prior to the date of registration.
Working spots provide for individualized time with the instructors. Bring your dog and we provide hands on coaching to you and your dog. Audit spots allow for you to attend without a dog at a reduced price to gain valuable knowledge during lecture portions and observe how different dogs are coached through exercises.
Sondra Rolison is a nationally recognized IGP competitor with multiple breeds, and represented the United States in the FCI International FH (Tracking Dog) Championships. She has also campaigned a number of dogs in all levels of the JGHV testing system and has assisted many of her clients in doing the same, including high scores for advanced tracking and obedience skills such as overnight tracks and bringsel.
Nate Czarnota is a NePoPo® New Gold certified trainer specializing in companion dog obedience and behavior modification, as well as versatile gundogs. His Deutsch Drahthaar, Anja, received a max score of 204 on the NAVHDA Utility test and passed the 2025 NAVHDA Invitational with a 196. His Kleine Munsterlander, Aura, received a prize 1 VGP.
Gretchen Zwerlein is a NePoPo® New Silver certified trainer specializing in early puppy imprinting, learning, and development. She has trained and handled numerous dogs to successfully complete VJP and HZP level tests within the JGHV system, and coached others to do the same. She is the lead trainer for our board and train programs.
Versatile Gun Dog Conversations: Searching
This is our 4th annual webinar series on versatile gun dog training. Each month during the training season (March - August) we present on topics related to preparing versatile breeds for hunting and hunt tests. This year all of our webinars will take place on the Skool platform. It’s free to join and you’ll have access to webinar recordings after the live events are over.
The Searching webinar will discuss:
Game & Gun Intros: introducing game and gunfire to young dogs
Developing Search: building search behaviors in the field, water, and forest
Pointing: what pointing is and isn’t, and how to develop staunch pointing
This year’s schedule includes:
March: Training Roadmap
April: Fundamentals
May: Obedience
June: Searching
July: Tracking
August: Retrieving
Versatile Gun Dog Conversations: Tracking
This is our 4th annual webinar series on versatile gun dog training. Each month during the training season (March - August) we present on topics related to preparing versatile breeds for hunting and hunt tests. This year all of our webinars will take place on the Skool platform. It’s free to join and you’ll have access to webinar recordings after the live events are over.
The Tracking webinar will discuss:
Tracking & Trailing: the differences and why to teach one or the other
Getting Started: introducing tracking/trailing to your dog
Environmental Considerations: how environmental factors affect performance
This year’s schedule includes:
March: Training Roadmap
April: Fundamentals
May: Obedience
June: Searching
July: Tracking
August: Retrieving
Versatile Gun Dog Conversations: Retrieving
This is our 4th annual webinar series on versatile gun dog training. Each month during the training season (March - August) we present on topics related to preparing versatile breeds for hunting and hunt tests. This year all of our webinars will take place on the Skool platform. It’s free to join and you’ll have access to webinar recordings after the live events are over.
The Retrieving webinar will discuss:
Force or Fun: considerations when selecting a method for teaching the retrieve
Yard Work: critical steps between the trained retrieve and field work
Problem Solving: common retrieve issues and how to fix them
This year’s schedule includes:
March: Training Roadmap
April: Fundamentals
May: Obedience
June: Searching
July: Tracking
August: Retrieving
2026 Grouse & Woodcock Hunt Camp
Join us for our second annual Midwest Grouse and Woodcock camp
Dates:
October 18 - 24, 2026
Includes:
Lodging
Daily breakfast and diner
Approximate drive time from:
South Central PA: 10 hours
Baltimore, MD: 10.5 hours
Washington DC: 11 hours
We had a such a good time this year that we’ve already booked a place for next season! Bird numbers have been consistent or trending upwards in the area for the past two years and we’re scheduling this trip in an attempt capitalize on the woodcock migration as well. Waterfowl are also in season.
This year we’ll be staying in a dog friendly 5 bedroom, 3 bathroom cabin on a lake with a wrap around porch, ample parking, and kennels. Registration includes a lodging and two meals (breakfast and dinner) daily, as well as a webinar on web based and in person scouting, what to pack, and dog preparation and care.
All available beds are in shared rooms.
This is a DIY hunt camp. We are not guides. We teach you how to scout and provide tips for hunting target species with your dog, and handle lodging and meals.
Spots are open to owners of puppies from our kennel, gundog training clients, cooperative trainers, and friends.
Obedience & Retrieving Clinic with Sondra Rolison
Join us for a weekend clinic focusing on obedience and retrieving. Gain a better understanding of the process for teaching new skills, increasing impulse control, and developing reliability and commitment in the face of distractions.
Working spots provide for individualized time with the instructors. Bring your dog and we provide hands on coaching to you and your dog. Audit spots allow for you to attend without a dog at a reduced price to gain valuable knowledge during lecture portions and observe how different dogs are coached through exercises.
Sondra Rolison is a nationally recognized IGP competitor with multiple breeds, and represented the United States in the FCI International FH (Tracking Dog) Championships. She has also campaigned a number of dogs in all levels of the JGHV testing system and has assisted many of her clients in doing the same, including high scores for advanced tracking and obedience skills such as overnight tracks and bringsel.
Nate Czarnota is a NePoPo® New Gold certified trainer specializing in companion dog obedience and behavior modification, as well as versatile gundogs. His Deutsch Drahthaar, Anja, received a max score of 204 on the NAVHDA Utility test and passed the 2025 NAVHDA Invitational with a 196. His Kleine Munsterlander, Aura, received a prize 1 VGP.
Gretchen Zwerlein is a NePoPo® New Silver certified trainer specializing in early puppy imprinting, learning, and development. She has trained and handled numerous dogs to successfully complete VJP and HZP level tests within the JGHV system, and coached others to do the same. She is the lead trainer for our board and train programs.
Modern Gundog Training Seminar with Liberty Canine
Liberty Canine, LLC and Iron Oak Dog Co. are collaborating for a seminar on modern training for gundogs, hosted by Rusty Guns Kennel in Lillington, NC.
This seminar will cover:
Developing training plans
Maximizing the effectiveness of rewards
Maximizing the effectiveness of pressure
Game and gunfire introductions
Searching
Pointing
Tracking
Retrieving
Obedience
To maximize hands on learning time, we'll be sending out some training materials about a month in advance of the seminar. Reviewing that information in advance means we won't have to spend any time lecturing on basic information. That means the entire seminar will be role playing games between attendees and hands on work with dogs. We'll also be doing Q&A during dinner each evening.
Randall and I will guide role play games to illustrate various training concepts. We'll then each present on our approach to teaching different skills. You'll see that although we train differently, we are adhering to the same principles. The goal is to have you understand how to follow the "rules" of dog training so you create your own "method" of training that works best for you and your dog.
Registration includes meals during the seminar for both days, online training materials sent out in advance of the seminar, and raffle tickets for items to be given away throughout the weekend.
Working Spots are $359 with the option to add a second auditing participant for $99.
2025 New Mexico Quail Camp
Quail hunting in the mountains and deserts of New Mexico! Five to six bedrooms are available ranging from $1200 for a private room to $300 for a shared space are available.
Included with your registration:
6 nights accommodations
Webinar covering e-scouting, packing list, safety considerations for humans and dogs
Coffee and breakfast each morning
These hunt camps are unguided DIY events. Our aim is to put you in an area with good bird numbers and help you understand how to be successful hunting wild birds with your own dog.
Rettungshund 101 Webinar
ARSA, a national organization dedicated to the search and rescue sport, offers an internationally recognized training program built around obedience, agility, and scent work. Our program is intended to help those who are active in the sport improve their skills through training and testing. The skills required by the sport may also be useful to operational SAR teams.
Commonly called RH (Rettüngshunde, or rescue dog), the sport has similarities to and is an ideal supplement to IGP (Schutzhund), obedience, agility, AKC tracking, and other activities. RH is suitable for most breeds, including older dogs when other sports have become too physically demanding.
The Working Dutch Shepherd Association of America is hosting an RH 101 free online seminar conducted by ARSA.
This is open to anyone at no charge but does require a sign up. Free introduction to RH 101 AKA Sport Search and Rescue.
An approximately 20 minute presentation will be followed by time for any questions.
A link confirming your attendance will be sent by WDSSA.
2025 Michigan Grouse Camp
Ruffed grouse and woodcock hunting in the mitten! These hunt camps are educational, unguided, DIY events. Our aim is to put you in an area with good bird numbers and help you understand how to be successful hunting wild birds with your own dog. Dogs are allowed on the premises outside, but not inside the house. Dogs must be kenneled in vehicles at night.
Included with your registration:
6 nights accommodations
Webinar covering
e-scouting
food source and habitat identification
packing list
safety considerations for humans and dogs
All bathrooms are shared. This trip allows for a maximum of 10 people. If you would like to select your roommate(s) please contact us after submitting payment for your accommodation.
Payment & Refund Policy:
Full payment is required up front to reserve your accommodations.
Cancellation requests must be sent in writing to info@ironoakdogs.com
Refund Schedule
Cancel by March 31 - 100% refund, minus credit card processing fee
Cancel by April 30 - $80% refund, minus credit card processing fee
Cancel by May 31 - 60% refund, minus credit card processing fee
Cancel by June 30 - 40% refund, minus credit card processing fee
July 31 - 20 % refund, minus credit card processing fee
No refunds after July 31, 2025, no exceptions
Working Dog Sunday School
These half day sessions provide opportunities to practice and advance your companion dog’s skill sets including:
Scentwork: Tracking, trailing, and area search
Retrieving: Marked and blind retrieves
Agility: Confidence on unstable terrain/surfaces, jumping over obstacles, being carried by handler
Environmental desensitization: Acclimation to noises (like power tools or gunfire), navigating various forms of cover (tall grass, brush, water), etc.
Each time you attend there will be a menu of skills we’re working on that day, along with modifications for difficulty based on your dog’s current experience level. Get actionable advice on what to work on at home, then return next month for reevaluation and continued advancement.
Past/Current clients, and our puppy owners, are welcome to attend either session. Register for both sessions and receive a discount. Prospective/New clients must complete a minimum of four private lessons or a board & train program prior to attendance.
Visiting trainers/handlers can reach out if interested in dropping in to train with us!
Both Companion Dog and Working Dog Sunday School sessions are open to all breeds of dogs and the skills apply to a variety of dog sports and real world scenarios.
Companion Dog Sunday School
These half day sessions provide opportunities to practice and advance your companion dog’s skill sets including:
Cooperative Care: Teaching tolerance to grooming and veterinary procedures
Obedience: Reliable responses to basic commands, even around distractions, no excuses
Ancillary Adventure Skills: Loading and unloading from vehicles, trail etiquette, confidence in/on small watercraft like kayaks/canoes/SUPs
Public Access Training: Neutrality to environmental stimuli, people, dogs, and other animals in public environments such as restaurants and breweries
Each session begins at an open air mall where we practice obedience and manners. Our second stop is a natural environment where we work on adventure skill such as off leash obedience, trail hiking, or acclimation to small watercraft. We end each session at a local watering hole for some food and drinks.
Each time you attend there will be a menu of skills we’re working on that day, along with modifications for difficulty based on your dog’s current experience level. Get actionable advice on what to work on at home, then return next month for reevaluation and continued advancement.
Past/Current clients, and our puppy owners, are welcome to attend either session. Register for both sessions and receive a discount. Prospective/New clients must complete a minimum of four private lessons or a board & train program prior to attendance.
Visiting trainers/handlers can reach out if interested in dropping in to train with us!
Both Companion Dog and Working Dog Sunday School sessions are open to all breeds of dogs and the skills apply to a variety of dog sports and real world scenarios.
Working Dog Sunday School
These half day sessions provide opportunities to practice and advance your companion dog’s skill sets including:
Scentwork: Tracking, trailing, and area search
Retrieving: Marked and blind retrieves
Agility: Confidence on unstable terrain/surfaces, jumping over obstacles, being carried by handler
Environmental desensitization: Acclimation to noises (like power tools or gunfire), navigating various forms of cover (tall grass, brush, water), etc.
Each time you attend there will be a menu of skills we’re working on that day, along with modifications for difficulty based on your dog’s current experience level. Get actionable advice on what to work on at home, then return next month for reevaluation and continued advancement.
Past/Current clients, and our puppy owners, are welcome to attend either session. Register for both sessions and receive a discount. Prospective/New clients must complete a minimum of four private lessons or a board & train program prior to attendance.
Visiting trainers/handlers can reach out if interested in dropping in to train with us!
Both Companion Dog and Working Dog Sunday School sessions are open to all breeds of dogs and the skills apply to a variety of dog sports and real world scenarios.
Companion Dog Sunday School
In this session:
Part 1: Obedience and dock diving at Carousel Diving Dogs
Part 2: Public Access training and wine tasting at Linganore Winecellars
These half day sessions provide opportunities to practice and advance your companion dog’s skill sets including:
Cooperative Care: Teaching tolerance to grooming and veterinary procedures
Obedience: Reliable responses to basic commands, even around distractions, no excuses
Ancillary Adventure Skills: Loading and unloading from vehicles, trail etiquette, confidence in/on small watercraft like kayaks/canoes/SUPs
Public Access Training: Neutrality to environmental stimuli, people, dogs, and other animals in public environments such as restaurants and breweries
Each session begins at an open air mall where we practice obedience and manners. Our second stop is a natural environment where we work on adventure skill such as off leash obedience, trail hiking, or acclimation to small watercraft. We end each session at a local watering hole for some food and drinks.
Each time you attend there will be a menu of skills we’re working on that day, along with modifications for difficulty based on your dog’s current experience level. Get actionable advice on what to work on at home, then return next month for reevaluation and continued advancement.
Past/Current clients, and our puppy owners, are welcome to attend either session. Register for both sessions and receive a discount. Prospective/New clients must complete a minimum of four private lessons or a board & train program prior to attendance.
Visiting trainers/handlers can reach out if interested in dropping in to train with us!
Both Companion Dog and Working Dog Sunday School sessions are open to all breeds of dogs and the skills apply to a variety of dog sports and real world scenarios.
Working Dog Sunday School
These half day sessions provide opportunities to practice and advance your companion dog’s skill sets including:
Scentwork: Tracking, trailing, and area search
Retrieving: Marked and blind retrieves
Agility: Confidence on unstable terrain/surfaces, jumping over obstacles, being carried by handler
Environmental desensitization: Acclimation to noises (like power tools or gunfire), navigating various forms of cover (tall grass, brush, water), etc.
Each time you attend there will be a menu of skills we’re working on that day, along with modifications for difficulty based on your dog’s current experience level. Get actionable advice on what to work on at home, then return next month for reevaluation and continued advancement.
Past/Current clients, and our puppy owners, are welcome to attend either session. Register for both sessions and receive a discount. Prospective/New clients must complete a minimum of four private lessons or a board & train program prior to attendance.
Visiting trainers/handlers can reach out if interested in dropping in to train with us!
Both Companion Dog and Working Dog Sunday School sessions are open to all breeds of dogs and the skills apply to a variety of dog sports and real world scenarios.
Companion Dog Sunday School
In this session:
Part 1: Obedience, manners, and CGC test exercises at Middle Branch Park
Part 2: Small watercraft acclimation at Broening Park
Part 3: Outdoor dining at Samos Greek Island Grill or Little Havana
These half day sessions provide opportunities to practice and advance your companion dog’s skill sets including:
Cooperative Care: Teaching tolerance to grooming and veterinary procedures
Obedience: Reliable responses to basic commands, even around distractions, no excuses
Ancillary Adventure Skills: Loading and unloading from vehicles, trail etiquette, confidence in/on small watercraft like kayaks/canoes/SUPs
Public Access Training: Neutrality to environmental stimuli, people, dogs, and other animals in public environments such as restaurants and breweries
Each session begins at an open air mall where we practice obedience and manners. Our second stop is a natural environment where we work on adventure skill such as off leash obedience, trail hiking, or acclimation to small watercraft. We end each session at a local watering hole for some food and drinks.
Each time you attend there will be a menu of skills we’re working on that day, along with modifications for difficulty based on your dog’s current experience level. Get actionable advice on what to work on at home, then return next month for reevaluation and continued advancement.
Past/Current clients, and our puppy owners, are welcome to attend either session. Register for both sessions and receive a discount. Prospective/New clients must complete a minimum of four private lessons or a board & train program prior to attendance.
Visiting trainers/handlers can reach out if interested in dropping in to train with us!
Both Companion Dog and Working Dog Sunday School sessions are open to all breeds of dogs and the skills apply to a variety of dog sports and real world scenarios.
Working Dog Sunday School
These half day sessions provide opportunities to practice and advance your companion dog’s skill sets including:
Scentwork: Tracking, trailing, and area search
Retrieving: Marked and blind retrieves
Agility: Confidence on unstable terrain/surfaces, jumping over obstacles, being carried by handler
Environmental desensitization: Acclimation to noises (like power tools or gunfire), navigating various forms of cover (tall grass, brush, water), etc.
Each time you attend there will be a menu of skills we’re working on that day, along with modifications for difficulty based on your dog’s current experience level. Get actionable advice on what to work on at home, then return next month for reevaluation and continued advancement.
Past/Current clients, and our puppy owners, are welcome to attend either session. Register for both sessions and receive a discount. Prospective/New clients must complete a minimum of four private lessons or a board & train program prior to attendance.
Visiting trainers/handlers can reach out if interested in dropping in to train with us!
Both Companion Dog and Working Dog Sunday School sessions are open to all breeds of dogs and the skills apply to a variety of dog sports and real world scenarios.
Versatile Gundog Webinar Series: Tracking Exercises
This FREE webinar provides instruction on how we develop searching behavior and the test exercises that utilize it. This webinar covers:
Basic tracking behaviors
The value of article indications for gundogs
Equipment signals and uses for tracking
Basic tracking patterns and what the dog learns from running them
Corrections for disobedience in tracking
pressure based corrections
environmental corrections
Rewards for obedience in tracking
keeping your dog calm on tracks
slowing down or speeding up tracking behaviors
Training tips for different test exercises
Dead game drags
Live game tracks
Blood tracking
A link to join the webinar will be sent out to registered participants the day prior to the event. A recording will be available for all registered participants after the event. If you registered for a previous webinar in this series, you do not need to register again.
Here’s a list of all the upcoming webinars in the series:
July: Retrieving
August: Neutrality, Capping, Obedience
August: Handling for Hunting and Hunt Tests
Modern Training for Sporting Dogs - Cato, New York
Two days of hands on learning & application of the language of modern dog training. All spots are working spots, but you may attend without a dog. Content covered in this seminar is applicable to all training disciplines, but focuses on sporting breeds including retrievers, flushers, pointers, and versatile. An online theory course is provided to all attendees in advance of the seminar to maximize hands-on time with dogs.
Registration fees are per person.
NePoPo® is a registered trademark of B.C.BB B.V. (Michael and Bart Bellon) and is used here with permission.
Versatile Gundog Webinar Series: Searching Exercises
This FREE webinar provides instruction on how we develop searching behavior and the test exercises that utilize it. This webinar covers:
Conditioned emotional responses
Developing independence
Desensitizing dogs to environmental discomfort
Drive building
how to increase possessiveness of game in dogs who are lukewarm to it
the process for developing “will to find”, the level of effort dogs have to exert to find game
Introductions
how we introduce puppies to game
how we introduce gunfire
how we introduce water and other forms of cover
Strategies for developing pointing in different breeds of dogs
Transitioning from elicited to discriminate behavior
Using operant conditioning to enhance natural ability
Obedience
Teaching your dog to quarter
Getting your dog to increase or decrease range using rewards
Getting your dog to increase or decrease range using pressure
Training tips for different test exercises
Field search
Duck search
Independent forest search
A link to join the webinar will be sent out to registered participants the day prior to the event. A recording will be available for all registered participants after the event. If you registered for a previous webinar in this series, you do not need to register again.
Here’s a list of all the upcoming webinars in the series:
June: Tracking
July: Retrieving
August: Neutrality, Capping, Obedience
August: Handling for Hunting and Hunt Tests
Virtual Group Class: Companion Gundog Foundations
This 8 week virtual group class provides an in depth understanding of our training system and introduces dogs to foundational behaviors that form the basis of all versatile gundog skill sets: searching, tracking, retrieving, and obedience. Lifestyle training is also incorporated into the instruction, helping owner/trainers clarify windows of drive expression for their dogs. This produces the ultimate hunting companion, capable of being a monster in the field and a good citizen around town.
Course participants will receive class recordings the day after the live class, and will maintain access to these recordings for six months after the course is over. Between sessions, participants are invited to record training sessions and send training clips to the instructor for assistance and feedback. Discounts for recommended training equipment that we stock are also provided.
This course includes in depth instruction on:
Developing a learning language
Maximizing the value of rewards
Effectively implementing reward hierarchies
Establishing clear signals through classical conditioning
Establishing clear consequences through operant conditioning
Tool selection
Multiple ways to incorporate pressure into your training to enhance reliability, commitment, and control
Pros and cons for various training tools, when to use them, and why
Tools covered:
Flat collars and harnesses
Slip collars (slip lead, wonder lead)
Prong and pinch collars
Electronic collars
Tie outs
Training tables/platforms
Bumpers, tugs, and game
Food
Foundational training exercises, their uses, and progressions
Shaping
Dopamine Box
Marker Board
Game Play
Retrieve
Lifestyle training
Establishing windows for drive expression
Establishing schedules, rituals, and routines
“Do this” vs. “don’t to that”
Building an “off switch” if your dog didn’t come with one
Sign up by March 17th and get 10% off the regular price with code FOUND10.
v.d. Wildblumen & v.d. Eiseneiche puppy owners can attend this class FREE. Your code is available in our Kennel Portal.
KlM-GNA VJP Test
We typically rent a house for ourselves and other puppy owners who are planning on testing their dog. If you would like to join us, please email Nate and Gretchen at info@ironoakdogs.com so we can begin gauging interest.
Below are examples of completed entry forms for dogs within the litter listed. You can copy/paste the test details, birthdate, dam & sire, breeder information, etc.
Be sure to check off the VJP box in the top section, and fill out you & your dog’s individual information, such as kennel name, microchip number, ZBr, the owner/handler info, including your hunting license number, etc.
Formblatt 1 - WILDBLUMEN B LITTER example
Formblatt 1 - EISENEICHE A LITTER example
About the VJP Test
The VJP is a test that evaluates the natural abilities of a young versatile hunting dog. Most of the pups who run a VJP are between 6 and 18 months of age. A full VJP (with 5 dogs) will usually last for an entire day. A VJP consists of three main phases of judging: Search, Pointing, and Tracking. Your pup will be expected to search a field, find and point at least 1 wild/liberated bird, and track wild cottontail rabbits/jackrabbits in another area.
The VJP judges evaluate 5 attributes throughout the day. Those attributes are as follows:
Tracking- A dog is required to demonstrate a willingness, desire and ability to concentrate under difficult hunting conditions. The manner of the dog is also noted.
Nose - The degree of accurate scent discrimination and how sensitive the nose is, are evaluated. The nose is evaluated during Search, Pointing and Tracking.
Search- A dog is evaluated on the desire to find game, style, and stamina coupled with an impressive search pattern. A dog is also evaluated on how steady it is to gunshot.
Pointing- A dog is evaluated on the duration and intensity of the point, and must indicate the location of the game.
Cooperation- The ability for the dog to remain attentive and to be a team member is a very highly valued trait. The dog needs to demonstrate the ability to know where the handler is, be able to change direction with the handler and have the ability to note the location of his handler when working out of sight.
A dog can be rated on a 1-11 scale for each of the 5 attribute categories. Dogs that give an exceptional performance in extreme conditions can also earn a 12 in the tracking and nose subjects. The tracking and nose scores are multipled by 2 and added to the search, pointing, and cooperation scores for a final score.
Versatile Gundog Webinar Series: Equipment, Signals, Behaviors
This FREE webinar provides instruction the training equipment we use, how we develop clear signals to communicate with our dogs, and the process of training the five fundamental exercises (that you can teach in your basement or garage!) we teach to our versatile gundogs. This webinar covers:
Training Equipment
What tools we use and why
Leads and check cords
Collars
Electronics
Toys
Tables, boxes, and pens
Pros and cons of each piece of equipment
Signals
Classical conditioning
Reward and punishment markers
Putting behaviors on command
Non-verbal cues
Situational cues
Fundamental Exercises/Behaviors
Tie outs
Teaching leash and collar communication
Developing drive
Developing neutrality
Box work
Teaching article indications and tracking behaviors
Developing commitment, persistence, and mental toughness
Counter conditioning and desensitization
Table work
Send aways
Steadiness
Casting and directionals
Retrieve
Creating clarity in the fetch, hold, and give behaviors
A forced retrieve process that you and your dog will actually enjoy
Basic yardwork for marks and blinds
Gameplay
Building confidence, creativity, and independence through brain games
Creating passion for pressure
Why you should play tug with your gundog
A link to join the webinar will be sent out to registered participants the day prior to the event. A recording will be available for all registered participants after the event. If you registered for a previous webinar in this series, you do not need to register again.
Here’s a list of all the upcoming webinars in the series:
May: Searching
June: Tracking
July: Retrieving
August: Neutrality, Capping, Obedience
August: Handling for Hunting and Hunt Tests
Confidence & Environmentals Drop In Session
These sessions focus on building confidence in novel situations, and developing neutrality to environmental stimuli.
Prerequisite:
Attend at least 4 Manners & Obedience drop in sessions
Pass Canine Good Citizen test
Manners & Obedience Drop In Session
These sessions focus on applying manners and obedience to common scenarios, and work towards meeting objective training standards set by the AKC Canine Good Citizen and Community Canine Tests.
Prerequisite:
Complete any standard training program with Iron Oak Dog Co.
Iron Oak Kennels Training Weekend
Training weekends are open to all owners of dogs from v.d. Wildblumen and v.d. Eiseneiche Kennels. We prioritize dogs/handlers that are registered and preparing for breed certification tests (VJP, HZP, VGP), but we are happy to assist everyone in achieving their training goals. Everyone is expected to assist each other in setting up training exercises and cleaning up at the end of the day.
We ask for a nominal $20 fee per day to help us cover costs related to conducting these training days: access to private grounds, wear and tear on equipment, consumables such as shot shells, our time, gas for picking up live game, etc.
Public Access Drop In Session
These sessions focus on public access training, which is advanced obedience that ensures a dog is non-intrusive and safe to be around in public environments and situations. These sessions also work towards meeting the training standards set by the AKC Urban Canine (CGC-U) public access test.
Prerequisite:
Attend at least 4 Manners & Obedience drop in sessions
Attend at least 4 Confidence & Environmentals drop in sessions
Pass Canine Good Citizen test
Pass Community Canine test
Manners & Obedience Drop In Session
These sessions focus on applying manners and obedience to common scenarios, and work towards meeting objective training standards set by the AKC Canine Good Citizen and Community Canine Tests.
Prerequisite:
Complete any standard training program with Iron Oak Dog Co.
Confidence & Environmentals Drop In Session
These sessions focus on building confidence in novel situations, and developing neutrality to environmental stimuli.
Prerequisite:
Attend at least 4 Manners & Obedience drop in sessions
Pass Canine Good Citizen test
Iron Oak Kennels Training Weekend
Training weekends are open to all owners of dogs from v.d. Wildblumen and v.d. Eiseneiche Kennels. We prioritize dogs/handlers that are registered and preparing for breed certification tests (VJP, HZP, VGP), but we are happy to assist everyone in achieving their training goals. Everyone is expected to assist each other in setting up training exercises and cleaning up at the end of the day.
We ask for a nominal $20 fee per day to help us cover costs related to conducting these training days: access to private grounds, wear and tear on equipment, consumables such as shot shells, our time, gas for picking up live game, etc.
Versatile Gundog Webinar Series: Training Flow Chart
This FREE webinar discusses a logical, methodical sequence for training versatile gundogs from puppyhood through finished gundog with a focus on balancing the drive and intensity required of a hunting dog and the manners and obedience required of a companion dog. This webinar covers:
Puppy Development
Direct and indirect socialization
Building drive, confidence, and work ethic
Introductions to game, gunfire, and water
Developing an “off switch” and clarifying when the dog should “switch on”
Developing a learning language
Started Dog Work
Nurturing the three fundamental hunting behaviors
Searching
Tracking
Retrieving
Developing control without conflict
Drive Capping
Neutrality
Obedience
Using basic behaviors to create behavior chains and teach abstract concepts
Seasoned Dog Work
Tactfully developing your dog’s relationship with force/compulsion
Layering force over known behaviors
Installing the “must key” for truly reliable obedience
Using the e-collar as a gas pedal
Finished Dog Work
Establishing clear pressure signals for “do” and “do not”
Enforcing obedience while maintaining enthusiasm
A link to join the webinar will be sent out to registered participants the day prior to the event. A recording will be available for all registered participants after the event.
Here’s a list of all the upcoming webinars in the series:
Public Access Drop In Session
These sessions focus on public access training, which is advanced obedience that ensures a dog is non-intrusive and safe to be around in public environments and situations. These sessions also work towards meeting the training standards set by the AKC Urban Canine (CGC-U) public access test.
Prerequisite:
Attend at least 4 Manners & Obedience drop in sessions
Attend at least 4 Confidence & Environmentals drop in sessions
Pass Canine Good Citizen test
Pass Community Canine test
Confidence & Environmentals Drop In Session
These sessions focus on building confidence in novel situations, and developing neutrality to environmental stimuli.
Prerequisite:
Attend at least 4 Manners & Obedience drop in sessions
Pass Canine Good Citizen test
Iron Oak Kennels Training Weekend
Training weekends are open to all owners of dogs from v.d. Wildblumen and v.d. Eiseneiche Kennels. We prioritize dogs/handlers that are registered and preparing for breed certification tests (VJP, HZP, VGP), but we are happy to assist everyone in achieving their training goals. Everyone is expected to assist each other in setting up training exercises and cleaning up at the end of the day.
We ask for a nominal $20 fee per day to help us cover costs related to conducting these training days: access to private grounds, wear and tear on equipment, consumables such as shot shells, our time, gas for picking up live game, etc.
Manners & Obedience Drop In Session
These sessions focus on applying manners and obedience to common scenarios, and work towards meeting objective training standards set by the AKC Canine Good Citizen and Community Canine Tests.
Prerequisite:
Complete any standard training program with Iron Oak Dog Co.