Wetlands Gun Dog
Learn about our expert training program for gun dogs in the California wetlands!
Experience the Joy of a Hightest-Trained Gun Dog!
Our basic gun dog training course is one hundred twenty days and is offered to our customers who have purchased a puppy from us. Dogs can begin as early as seven months of age. During the first and second month, we focus on teaching the dogs to learn. Our emphasis is on obedience (on and off leash), e-collar conditioning, and a recall to the whistle. We continue to nurture your dogs natural ability to retrieve with birds on land and in water both in the first and second month. Dogs are also introduced to the gun at this time. The introduction to trained retrieve, to ensure your dog delivering to hand, begins in the second month.
Puppy Head Start Hunt Training
Puppy Head Start is for pups four to five months of age. It is an introduction to the skills your dog will need to be ready for more advanced Gun Dog training. We have found that people often don’t know what to emphasize in their early training and many puppies are poorly started. For the hunter, Head Start Hunt will help you and your pup develop into a successful hunting and retrieving team.
Head Start Hunt Puppies will be worked on both land and in the water for the retrieve and get accustomed to the gun shot.
Program Timeline
After 2 Weeks (14-Day Program)
At the end of your dog’s two week training we will schedule a one-on-one training session for you to work with your dog and the trainer. This session is to instruct you how to handle your dog and maintain progress.
After 1 Month (4-Month Program)
At the end of each month we like owners to come up for a one-on-one training session with their dog and the trainer. During the sessions you will be instructed in basic obedience and how to handle your dog in the field.
Towards Program Completion
During the third and fourth months, the dogs are taken out to different locations to learn to retrieve birds in simulated hunting situations. They work on retrieving ducks over decoys in the water and on land. Every morning the dogs are loaded into their own kennel compartment on the dog truck and are transported to different fields and wetlands where they are worked individually.
Pricing and Boarding Info
14-Day Program
As of January 1st, 2025, the cost for the fourteen day training program is $1,190. Dogs stay at the kennel during their training and are housed in individual runs.
4-Month Program
As of January 1st, 2025, the cost of the four month program is $2,000 per month. The cost includes boarding, feeding of a premium quality kibble, and birds. More advanced hand signal training for blind retrievers can be taught during winter months.
People Are Talking About Us!
“We have used Hightest over the past 15 years and have always been very happy with the services provided. My lab just finished the gun dog program and now my Chinese Pug is finishing up obedience training. We are over the moon with the progress the pug has made. Our German shepherd will be out soon.“
-Stacey Kinser, 2019
Praise for Hightest
“Just wanted to send you a quick note to let you know that Shaemus is doing great after his Puppy Head Start Gun Dog training. He hunted the opener for the Northern Zone and was a perfect blind partner. He has work to do, but at five months old, I could not be happier with where he is. He made multiple retrieves and has the foundation to be a valuable part of our duck hunting team as well as a great family dog. I have pics of him at work if you would like. Again, thank you for giving him the tools that he needs to be successful.”
-Ben Sitter
