Wild Bird Training Days – March, April, August & September

At Grouse Brook Kennels, we believe that wild bird contacts make a wild bird dog, and there’s no substitute for real-world training in natural cover. Our Wild Bird Training Days are designed to give both you and your dog the experience needed to develop into a polished upland team.

Just like our guided hunts, these training sessions take place in the PA Wilds, where ruffed grouse and woodcock thrive. However, instead of carrying shotguns, we’ll be armed with blank pistols, focusing entirely on dog performance, bird work, and handling skills.

Train the Trainer Model

This isn’t just a day in the woods it’s a learning experience for both dog and handler. Many times, an experienced trainer will see subtle cues that a new handler might miss. Our goal is to help you recognize those cues, interpret your dog’s behavior, and develop a training plan that works for your specific needs. Whether you’re working on:

✔ Reading your dog’s body language
✔ Improving steadiness on point
✔ Handling and managing range
✔ Refining tracking ability
✔ Building confidence on wild birds

We’ll work together to fine-tune your dog’s performance and set realistic training goals.

What to Expect

Your Wild Bird Training Day starts the night before at The King’s Roost Cabin, where we’ll go over training objectives, discuss dog work, and prepare for the morning’s hunt. At sunrise, we’ll hit the coverts and work your dog on wild birds, allowing them to learn through real contacts in their natural environment.

At midday, we’ll break for lunch, either a tailgate meal in the field or a warm meal back at the cabin. After a bit of rest, we’ll head out again for an afternoon session, reinforcing the morning’s lessons and making adjustments based on your dog’s progress.

What to Bring:

• Your dog & training collar (if used)

• Boot leather – You’ll be walking through thick cover.

• Blank pistol & loads (if you have them, we can also provide)

• Upland vest – Game pouch not needed, but storage for gear is helpful.

• Brush pants – Briars and rough cover are part of the process.

All other equipment, expert guidance, and access to prime wild bird habitat will be provided.

If you want a wild bird dog, there’s only one way to make it happen - exposure to wild birds. Join us this spring and fall to train smarter, hunt harder, and build the ultimate upland partner.

Book your Wild Bird Training Day today!