Step 1
Bonding and basic obedience
Name, recall, crate, calm around people and other dogs. No birds and no pressure.
Dog Training
Train a dog you can trust from the first season.
If you are getting your first bird dog or you already have a puppy and feel lost, this page gives you a clear structure for the first seasons.
Built from real upland hunts and years training Brittanys, Pointers, and similar pointing dogs.
Who this training path is for
This is for upland hunters who want a dog that works hard but also has a brain. Not a robot and not a wild runner that disappears over the horizon.
- • You are buying or just bought a Brittany, Pointer, Setter or GSP.
- • You want a dog that hunts with you, not against you.
- • You care about safety, wild birds and long term progress.
- • You prefer a simple plan you can repeat, not a circus of tricks.
Dogs that get small consistent sessions all year become steady and reliable. Dogs that only touch a field right before season stay chaotic for years. The good news is you do not need a ranch. You need a clear rhythm and a clear structure.
A simple 90 day starter plan
This is a starter structure you can repeat. Keep sessions short. Protect confidence. Consistency at home is what shows up when birds and pressure appear.
Weeks 1 to 2
Bonding and control
Name response, recall, crate routine, calm handling, and short leash walks.
Weeks 3 to 4
Field introduction
Short fun walks in cover. No pressure. No long sessions. Build curiosity and confidence.
Weeks 5 to 8
Early bird work
Controlled contacts. Protect confidence. Avoid creating chaos that becomes habit.
Weeks 9 to 12
First season structure
Short real outings, calm corrections, safety first. Track progress by season, not by day.
Drop your email and you will get the full checklist and training plan the moment it is ready.
No spam. Just field tested notes and the full guide.
First Steps
Every good bird dog moved through the same four phases. The structure stays the same. What you repeat calmly in these phases is what builds a dog you can trust.
Training guides
Deep dives that support the four phases. Use these when you hit common problems or want a clear checklist.
Brittany Puppy Upland Training Checklist
A practical checklist for foundations, early field work, and first season readiness.
Read guide
Field Introduction for Pointing Dogs
How to make early field exposure calm, fun, and repeatable.
Read guide
Early Bird Work Mistakes
The mistakes that create chaos, and what to repeat instead.
Read guide
First Season Expectations
What to aim for, what to ignore, and what is normal early on.
Read guide
How to Prevent Gun Shyness in Bird Dogs
Gradual exposure, safety, and confidence protection in real life.
Read guide
How to Stay Consistent in the Off Season
A repeatable rhythm that turns into reliability during season.
Read guide
Training FAQs
Clear answers for beginners. Built for real upland hunting with pointing dogs.
How do I start training a bird dog puppy for upland hunting?
Start with bonding and basic obedience, then short positive field introduction, then controlled early bird work, then first real seasons with calm corrections. The structure matters more than speed.
What should I train at home before I take my dog to the field?
Name response, recall, crate routine, leash manners, calm handling, and the ability to settle. Off season consistency is what creates control when birds and pressure show up.
How do you prevent gun shyness in bird dogs?
Use gradual exposure early. Start far away from loud sounds and slowly bring them closer over time. A controlled environment like time near a shooting range can also help normalize gunfire before a first hunt.
Do you use an e collar?
Training is calm repetition with reward. An e collar is only used as a safety tool in early outings if a dog panics from gunfire and bolts. Losing a dog to fear running is a real risk.
How often should I train during the off season?
Small consistent sessions year round beat occasional intense sessions right before season. You do not need a ranch. You need a repeatable rhythm.
What are the most common early bird work mistakes?
Too much pressure too soon, too many corrections, and letting chaos repeat. Early bird work should protect confidence and prevent fear and confusion from becoming habits.
What should I expect in the first season?
Real mistakes and real learning. Focus on safety, confidence, and repeatable routines. The goal is progress through seasons, not perfection in one trip.
Where should I start if I feel lost?
Follow the four phases in order and use the blog guides as support. If you skip foundations, you will spend years fixing problems that should not exist.
Free Training Tips for a Great Season!
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