Foundation Seminar with Master Trainer Rick Smith

"A novice handler wants to work on intermediate training.

An intermediate handler wants to work on advanced training.

An advanced handler works on the basics."

A foundation gives you a solid base to build upon and is the first formal step in molding your pup into a good bird dog. In the simplest form, a bird dog needs to know three behaviors; go with you, come to you, and stand still. We will show you how to have your dog walk calmly beside you (the onset of having your dog go with you in the field), introduce your dog to birds, develop points of contact for cues, work your dog on a check cord including pointing and backing exercises… and much more. Key training tools at this stage are the Wonder Lead, check cord and whoa post. This is the beginning of teaching your dog the fundamentals that every bird dog needs to know. No matter your level of expertise, the Foundation Seminar is the place to start with this training format.

Understanding your animal is the key to success in any training. At each seminar Rick concentrates on reading every dog’s body language and understanding his canine nature. Rick will spend time talking with you, both in group settings and individually. You and your dog will be given the opportunity to work together completing exercises under Rick Smith’s guidance.

All hunting dog breeds welcome! Pointers, Flushers and Retrievers!

Who would benefit from this seminar?

Anyone who hunts with or field trains spaniels, retrievers or pointing dogs.  Improve your dog’s patience, respect for you, communication and relationship, lightness to cues, steadiness on birds

Celebrating over 50 Years of helping people train their bird dogs A Hall of Fame Inductee, Rick Smith has devoted his life to bird dogs. Before becoming a full time seminar instructor, Rick compiled a remarkable field trial record including 3 National Championships, 7 US Open Championships, 6 International Championships and more than 100 All-Age firsts. He shares his expertise in training, trialing, and hunting through his seminars.