Dog Training

Pointing Dog Training at The Madison Ranch

Developing Reliable Hunting Companions

Overview

The Madison Ranch offers pointing dog training that builds confidence, sharpens instincts, and creates reliable hunting partners. With acres of bird habitat, a healthy Hun population reserved for training, and experienced handlers, each dog is guided to reach its full potential.

Training Options

Guests and owners can choose the type of training that best fits their dog’s age, ability, and goals:

● Foundation Training

Early exposure, basic obedience, and introduction to birds and environments.

● Fieldwork & Instinct Development

Encouraging natural point, building boldness, and expanding obedience in the field.

● Formal Bird Work

Structured training on pointing, steadiness, and handling with advanced commands.

● Advanced Training

Polishing skills for reliable performance in the field and preparing dogs for finished status.

● Private Lessons

Hands-on instruction for owners to improve their own training and handling skills

Pointing Dog Training Program

Structured Stages for Every Level

Focus: Socialization, confidence, and bonding

  • Basic obedience: kennel, wait to be released, beginning recall
  • Positive exposure to fields, woods, water, and varied cover
  • Introduction to birds to encourage curiosity and scent tracking
  • Gradual introduction to gunfire, paired with bird excitement

Focus: Encouraging natural point and expanding obedience

  • Off-lead running in varied terrain to build boldness
  • Bird work with pigeons or quail planted in the field
  • Rewarding pause and interest in scent to encourage point
  • Intro to “whoa” command and early retrieve work
  • Careful introduction of e-collar to reinforce known commands

Focus: Sharpening structure and control in the field

  • Teaching steadiness to flush
  • Quartering patterns for efficient ground coverage
  • Flank e-collar as a cue for distance control
  • Reinforcing advanced “whoa” command
  • Intro to backing — honoring another dog’s point

Focus: Reliable performance for finished dog status

  • Steady to wing and shot for polished bird work
  • Honoring other dogs automatically
  • Addressing issues such as creeping, breaking, or pressure problems
  • Fine-tuning retrieving, steadiness, and distraction tolerance

Core Skills Tracked Throughout the Program

Each dog develops at its own pace, but throughout every stage we track and reinforce the core skills that lead to a dependable hunting companion.

  • Obedience in field and home

  • Confidence in cover and terrain

  • Bird finding and pointing intensity

  • Steadiness on birds

  • Retrieving reliability

  • Honoring other dogs

  • Gunfire and distraction tolerance

Private Lessons

Private lessons are designed to teach owners how to train and handle their dogs both in the home and in the field. These sessions give hunting dog owners the chance to increase their knowledge, practice handling skills, and fine-tune their dog’s progress with direct guidance. Options include half-day, full-day, or hourly instruction depending on your goals.

Rates

  • Obedience / Introduction to Bird Hunting: $1,250 per month (generally one month is sufficient)
  • Formal Pointing Dog Training: $1,250 per month (generally three to four months)
  • Private Lessons: Half day $250, Full day $500
  • Hourly Rate: $100

 

Monthly rates include all food and live birds.

Why Train at The Madison Ranch?

What sets The Madison Ranch apart is the unique environment where dogs learn and thrive. With nearly 8,000 acres of training ground, a mix of wild bird habitat, and an exceptionally healthy population of Hungarian Partridge (Huns) reserved exclusively for training, dogs are exposed to multiple covers and field conditions. By training in real hunting environments, dogs gain confidence, consistency, and reliability that carries over to every field and season.

Train Where Birds Thrive
Inukshuk Trusted Reseller

Feed What Our Trainers Trust

Consistent energy for learning and recovery

Great training starts with great fuel. We stock Inukshuk at the kennels for its reliable energy and digestibility that help dogs stay focused during sessions and bounce back afterward. Ask our team which formula fits your dog’s workload and goals.

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