Q: Wildrose Kennels is known for training the

Q: Wildrose Kennels is known for training the “Gentlemen’s Gundog” - tell us more about that?
A: “Gentlemen’s Gundog” is a proprietary term I coined in the 1990’s that depicts the type of dog Wildrose Kennels turns out for the market. It
combines gamefinding abilities with compatibility. It’s a lifestyle dog rather than just a sporting dog — a wingshooting destination companion that
is as compatible in the field as in the home.
Q: You often refer to dogs you train as “Dogs of Duality” - How would you best define that phrase?
A: This is a newer term that means a dog with dual purpose —one that has two different wingshooting disciplines. It’s a dog that retrieves and
fetches quail, strikes and flushes pheasant and ducks and doves, but also is cross-trained to do other types of sporting activities (fly fishing, kayaking, mountain biking). A dog of duality is prepared to go anywhere, any time for any type of wingshooting or outside adventure.
Q: What dog breeds are most suited for the training that will take place at Gusto Gundog Field Days?
A: Gundogs/sporting dogs that have superior compatibility with a quiet temperament and a strong identity with their owner and family. German
Short Hairs, Spaniels, English Setters, Retrievers and Labs are good candidates. Dogs that are strictly high-end pointing breeds with no compatibility will not be effective at this event.The perfect dog is one that points, backs, retrieves and hangs out with the family.
Q: What is the age range for dogs that would benefit most from this training?
A: We plan to be very flexible at this event with enough trainers to take care of the owner’s needs.We will customize our training curriculum to
meet the needs of each dog while keeping the owner’s expectations in mind.Wildrose covers Basic (7 to 8 months old), Advanced, Obedience
Course, and Pre-Season Tune Up conditioning.
Q: What level of training, if any, should my dog have for this event?
A: We plan to be flexible, but greater return will be for those dogs that already have basic obedience skills in place — like “sit” and “stay.” Retrievers,
for example, should have a good feel for their retrieving skills and pointers should have an understanding of birds.
Q: What are some of the most common behavioral
challenges gundog owners face or request help
with that you will address at Gusto Gundog
Field Days?
A: The most important element is steadiness. No matter the
breed of dog, steadiness is key — steady to flush, steady to
shot, steady to other working dogs.We will focus a great
deal on obedience and steadiness refinement.
Q: How will the training at Gusto Gundog Field Days benefit the sportsman who is looking
to sharpen their dogs skills for duck and dove hunting?
A: We will sharpen their retrieving skills, delivery to hand, and gamefinding abilities. It’s a matter of balanced training methods, which utilize positive habit formation to strengthen essential behaviors such as ease of handling,
gamefinding ability and compatibility.
Q: How will the training benefit the sportsman who is looking to sharpen their dogs flushing skills
for upland game birds?
A: Wildrose Kennels trainers are gamefinders so we will show successful techniques to find birds.We will discuss in
great detail about set, wind and components of flushing retrievers.
Q: Is a flushing dog the same as a strike dog in upland bird hunting?
A: Yes, a strike dog is a flusher.The strike dog is steady on flush and also works as a retriever. So he basically backs the
supporter dog and pushes the bird out in front of the pointers; that’s a flush.
Q: Is this training well suited for sportsmen who want to sharpen their dogs pointing and/or backing skills?
A: Yes, if we have pointers in the group, we we will focus on and enhance those skills.
Q: Will this training have benefit to gundog owners who participate in hunt tests?
A: Our focus will be on game dogs rather than competition dogs. However, individuals with competition dogs will benefit because they will come
out with a steadier, more controlled dog due to our emphasis on steadiness and obedience.
Q: How will the training benefit the sportsman who wants their dog to ride on wagons/quail buggies and/or walk along
with them or the hunt guide?
A: It is all about the essential behaviors designed to make your dog a socialized, well-mannered part of your family.We will focus on positive reinforcement, obedient behavior and gentle repetition to the point of habit formation. All of these elements relate to how well a dog rides and/or
walks with their owner, guests, and other dogs.
Q: What if I have a puppy that is not quite ready for this type of intense training?
A: This course is perfect for you! Just talk to us in advance.You can bring your pup for the initial obedience behavior training, and Wildrose Ken-
nels can provide you with a loaner dog to complete the hands-on training experience. And, if you are on the hunt for a new dog and not sure
what kind best suits your family, train with a variety of our loaner dogs and by the time you leave this event you may have a whole new perspective on the breed you want.
Q: Any other key messages that you recommend we share about the training that will resonate with gundog owners?
A: Key focus will be on 7 basic skills you as an owner will have to complete to get a wingshooting, destination, gamefinding, sporting dog.
The best thing about this program in particular is THERE IS NOTHING ELSE LIKE IT; no other course out there for duality.You also
receive 2 DVDs and a 265-page book as a reference and follow up upon departure. And there is no better training than one-on-one,
hands-on instruction from professionals.