Junior/Senior – Birds, Bumpers & Basics
10-Session Training Program (Bring Your Dog)
Thursdays | 6:00 PM – Dusk
April 9th – August 6th
Program Overview
This 10-session training program is designed to develop both the handler and the dog for success in AKC Hunt Tests and HRC events.
The focus is on “training the trainer”—equipping handlers with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to effectively train their own dogs.
Throughout the program, participants will:
- Learn foundational and advanced retriever skills
- Gain hands-on experience in training setups and execution
- Receive weekly mentoring and structured skill progression
- Develop a better hunting companion for both waterfowl and upland scenarios
- Learn the ins and outs of volunteering at hunt tests
Each session includes field work followed by a group discussion, allowing time for:
- Questions and troubleshooting
- Weekly training assignments
- Peer learning and collaboration
This course is ideal for:
- Handlers with Junior or Senior-level dogs looking to progress to the next level
- New handlers wanting structured guidance
- Anyone looking to improve consistency, handling, and test performance
Location
160 Grounds – MN Horse & Hunt
2920 220th St E, Prior Lake, MN
Note: Alternate training locations may be used and will be communicated in advance.
Session Schedule & Topics
Week 1 – April 9
- Tour of the 160 Grounds
- How to reserve training areas
- Training setup fundamentals
Week 2 – April 23
- Walk-ups
- Driver birds for Junior dogs
- Decoy usage
- T-Drill demonstration
Week 3 – May 7
- Diversion shots & birds
- X-Drill
- Honoring concepts
Week 4 – May 21
- Live flyer work
Week 5 – June 4
- Water setup fundamentals
- De-cheating concepts
Week 6 – June 18
- British breaking drill
- Keyhole blinds
Week 7 – July 2
- Advanced water setups
Week 8 – July 16
- Teaching doubles & triples
- Bird-in-mouth singles
- Delayed triples
Week 9 – July 30
- No off-mark scenarios
- Running blinds under control
Week 10 – August 6
- Final session and wrap-up
- Review and next steps for continued training
What You’ll Gain
By the end of this program, handlers will:
- Have a clear training roadmap for continued development
- Understand how to set up and run effective training sessions
- Be more confident handling their dog in test scenarios
- Be better prepared for Junior and Senior level hunt tests
Additional Notes
- Dogs should be brought to every session
- Training will run from 6:00 PM until dusk
- Weekly participation is strongly encouraged for maximum benefit