Upland Training Program
Mesa Point Kennels strives to reach the top potential of each dog by training according to the mindset of each dog. MPK will treat each dog as if it were their own. Alex is a Certified Advanced HuntSmith Bird Dog Trainer through Ronnie Smith Kennels. She will continue to follow the coveted Smith Silent Command System. This system creates a solid foundation on any pointing breed of bird dog while catering to the mindset of each dog and working with its natural prey drive. This is achieved by paying close attention to details and having plenty of patience while doing so. A substantial part of the training format are the three C’s: Confidence, Compliance and Composure. These help to develop a working partnership with each dog; thus, creating skilled and refined bird locaters.
Trained Retrieve is not apart of the class, but I can work on encouraging the natural retrieve if need be.
Note: MPK specializes in training Upland Bird Dogs only
Field Introduction
Field Introduction is introducing your new hunting dog to the bird field. If your dog hasn’t had previous bird exposure, this will be a mandatory class. The introduction to birds starts in a positive manner that builds prey drive. This is a great start to build confidence and desire in the field.
Sept. 15 – 30, 2023
Upland Bird Dog Training
Hunt Smith Method
Foundation
The first month of training is creating the foundation or the starting point of the class. Everything MPK does in training has in mind the mindset of each dog and adapts the training practices accordingly. Each dog will begin at enhancing their prey drive in the field and will be working on the agility course. Both training exercises will develop cues on the neck and start gaining behavior to come to me, go with me and to stay still. The other cues they’ll work toward are an on lead heel with a command lead and the whoa post. The agility course is a great way to build confidence that will lead into their daily life. Every single detail when working with your dog will be analyzed with a purpose or a goal in mind.
Intermediate
The Intermediate stage of training moves to transitioning the cues of a rope to an e-collar remote and will start the steadying up process. In this process, verbal cues will be overlaid to have two different cues working toward learned behavior. They will begin to quarter out in the field on cue, honor another dog on point and heel off lead. They also will load and be able to jump up,”Hup”, when cued. All of this will be accomplished by looking at the mindset of each dog.
Advanced
The Advanced month will put the finish on your dog and bring them to the verge of learned behavior. They will have been challenged in various hunting scenarios for them to work in different situations and will have seen countless birds. They will quarter out in the field, hunt dead, heel off lead and go with you. Your dog will be classified as “green broke” and it’s important to continue the training to get to the point of learned behavior. The three C’s that have been implemented (Composed, Confident and Compliant) throughout the training will become like second nature to the dog that will need to be maintained for it to be fully learned behavior. At this point your dog will have learned all he needs to know to be able to hunt out in the field with you!
Oct. 1-Dec. 31, 2023
Tune Up
This class is specifically designed for MPK trained Bird Dogs to refresh their formal training. It is arranged to get your hunting dog focused and ready to get into the field, just in time for trial or hunting season
Sept. 1-30, 2023
Online Training/Advice
This service is offered for the ones that like to train their dog and just want some guidance. Everything will be catered to the needs of the training and set up through Zoom or FaceTime. The first call will be a consult to see what the goals are and if time allows, we will do a training session and talk through it as you work with your dog. We will do follow ups as needed.
This is Obedience Oriented
Summer Obedience Training
The Obedience Training will be customized to the owner’s needs. The training can start as early as 8 weeks. You are more than welcome to drop off and pick up daily if you’re local or I can house your dog during training.
July-Aug. 25, 2023