Gun Dog Development

Much more than just Bird Dogs

Media Gallery

A gallery of memorable photos taken from our training sessions, hunting adventures, or from some of our clients.

Video from training sessions and hunting adventures - View All Videos

Hunter Payne - Owner

Our Philosophy on Dog Training

Time has taught us that there are no short cuts to success, and that includes the training of bird dogs. It is our belief that in order to develop a "bragging rights" bird dog, it must be built on solid foundation. Starting with the best genetics possible in the chosen breed, the developing dog must continue its journey with a sound nutrition and training program. A good bird dog must be introduced into its lifestyle at an early age, and must include proper introduction to birds, gunfire, humans, other canines and as many of the different experiences that it will encounter during its hunting career. It cannot be overemphasized that much of this should take place during the young dogs "imprinting" stage, with more formal training coming later.

Upon arrival at Gundog Development, new dogs are evaluated and a program drafted to maximize its potential. Benchmarks are established to advance the dog through the program rather than using a time schedule that either forces or restricts a dog within a program. During the training process owners are encouraged to visit the kennel to monitor their dogs progress, and if travel distances make this difficult, video will be posted to the web for their convenience. Upon completion of a specialized program or training period, a detailed report along with continued instructions will be provided to assist owners with continued training.

Designed to bring out all the class, style and talented bird dog has to offer, Gundog Development finishes bird dogs, not break them.
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Latest News

April 9, 2012

Soddy Daisy High School Clays Team Shoot- April 22, 2012

Come with us to support an outstanding group of high school kids at his fundraiser shoot at Mont Lake Shooting Range. These kids and parents do an outstanding job for the East Tennesse Pointng Dog Clubs field trials. Contact us for more information.

Training Seminar May 12, 2012

The East TN Pointing Dog Association will hold a training seminar at Gundog Development. First session is "Eliminating Training Obstacles" followed by Snake Avoidance Training. Please contact the kennel for more information on this event

Montana Training Camp

We will be offer a two week wild bird camp this summer in Montana. Please contact Hunter Payne for more information. Dates: July 5-August 2, 2012

Grouse Camp

Once again we will be offering our fall grouse camp. Please call for more information on this program.Dates: September 21- October 12, 2012.

New Week Long Bird Camps

After a successful pilot program this past season, we are offering one week "cram sessions" at our bird rich training grounds near Cochran, Georgia. Please contact us for more information on this unique opportunity. Programs during December 2012, January-March 2013

April 9, 2012

Upcoming Breedings

SWIFT- SLEDGE

Swift, is one of our Smarty Smith puppies that has impressed us with her bird finding ability and style is going to be bred to what we think is a very special grouse dog, Sledge. Both dogs display desireable traits for our breeding program that include bird drive, style, trainability and temperament.

BELL-HITCH

A repeat breeding of Bell and Hitch is planned for later this year. The previous litter has shown exception bird skills not only for us but for several trial judges as well. Bell has been our top guide, and she has produced some outstanding puppies. This will be Bell's last litter, so reserve yours early if you want one of her pups.

Training Schedule

What we consider the ideal training program

Eight to SIxteen Weeks

Our comprehensive puppy development program that takes advantage of a young puppies imprinting stage. The program includes human and canine socialization, introduction to birds and gunfire, and time to just be a puppy..

Four to Eight (6-8) Months

By this time the young bird dog should have had plenty of bird contacts and exposure to gun fire. During this time the young dog is diccovering his legs and learning how to run. The is the time to develop the desire to quest, find birds and run or handle with you and to the front.

Six to Ten (6-10) Months

As the young dog becomes bolder, his desire to catch birds can present a problem for trainers. During this time a trip to wild bird country is a good outlet for your developing gun dog. WIld birds have and will always be one of the best training tools produce a bragging rights bird dog.

Fourteen to Twenty-Four (14-24) Months

Around fourteen months, a young with proper exposure to birds should start holding point for the gun. Not expected to be steady to wing and shot, the dogs program should be in place to polish and prepare him for finishing

Eighteen to Thirty-Six (24-36) Months

Most dogs that have been brought up within a program to produce a highly polished bird dog should begin showing signs that he is ready to finish somewhere around eighteen months. Some dogs may be ready sooner, and many more possibly later. If you, as a trainer have been diligent, your dog should easily be finished somewhere in this time period.

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