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Retriever Training

Effective, structured training for skilled, reliable hunting companions

Develop Your Dog’s Natural Instincts With Expert Guidance

Training a reliable hunting dog requires far more than instinct — it requires consistency, structure, and professional technique. Without the right guidance, even dogs with strong natural drive can struggle to progress. With over 65 years of retriever and gun dog experience, Sorenson Kennels helps dogs reach their full potential through our expert-led training designed specifically for hunting performance.

  • Strengthen retrieving skills & natural drive
  • Build confidence in real hunting environments
  • Teach reliable control, steadiness & off-leash obedience

What Retriever & Gun Dog Training Includes

Our training programs blend proven techniques, marker-based learning, and real-world hunting scenarios to create dependable, confident gun dogs. Each dog receives personalized instruction based on age, temperament, and field goals.

All training incorporates positive reinforcement and reward-based methods to ensure dogs enjoy the process and stay motivated.

Delivery to hand

Teach your dog to return the bird directly to you with a clean, consistent handoff

Steadiness to shot

Helps your dog remain calm and controlled until sent to retrieve

Long land and water retrieves

Builds confidence and reliability across different distances and environments

Introduction to birds, water, & gunfire

Creates positive early experiences with core hunting elements

Blind retrieves (advanced)

Trains your dog to retrieve birds they didn’t see fall using handler direction

Multiple mark retrieves (advanced)

Improves memory, marking ability, and precision during complex hunting scenarios

Collar conditioning for off-leash control

Ensures reliable obedience and responsiveness even at a distance

Realistic hunting setups

Prepares your dog for duck, upland, and customized field scenarios.

Distraction-proof obedience

Reinforce steadiness and focus even in high-energy field environments.

We Train the Dog... and Coach You Too

Owner involvement is key in hunting dog development. Throughout your program, we keep you updated on your dog’s progress and invite you to participate in hands-on sessions. You’ll learn how to handle your dog confidently in the field and reinforce training correctly at home — ensuring long-term reliability and performance.

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Four Training Tracks for Every Hunting Dog

Puppy Head Start Program

Build Confidence Early With Positive Introductions

Designed for young pups ages 16 weeks to 6 months, this program introduces essential elements of retriever work in a fun, age-appropriate way. Puppies learn foundational obedience while gaining exposure to birds, water, and controlled gunfire.

  • Gentle intro to retrieving
  • Exposure to birds, water, & new environments
  • Intro to gunfire in a controlled setting
  • Early obedience foundations
  • Builds confidence during key developmental stages

Basics / Gun Dog Program

Build the Foundation of a Dependable Hunting Dog

This 3-month program establishes all core retrieving, steadiness, and control skills needed for real hunting situations. Dogs learn to retrieve on land and water, deliver to hand, and remain steady under distraction.

  • Required 3-month board-and-train
  • Land & water marks
  • Steady to shot
  • Delivery to hand
  • Exposure to duck, upland, and custom hunting setups
  • Introductory off-leash control through collar conditioning

Transition / Advanced Training

For Dogs Ready for Hunt Tests or Advanced Field Work

For dogs who have completed the Basics/Gun Dog program, this level prepares them for high-level hunt tests or advanced field performance. Dogs learn more complex concepts and refine precision in challenging setups.

  • Blind retrieves
  • Multiple mark retrieves
  • More difficult terrain scenarios
  • Training for higher-level hunt tests
  • Advanced field concepts & problem solving

Pre-Season Tune-Up

Get Your Dog Ready for the Hunting Season

Ideal for returning dogs who need a refresher before hunting season. This 1-month program rebuilds confidence, sharpens obedience, and gets dogs in shape for the field.

  • Minimum 1-month program
  • Refresh core retrieving & obedience skills
  • Conditioning for stamina and endurance
  • Fine-tuning steadiness, response, and precision
  • Visitations welcome during training

Benefits of Retriever Training

Reliable Field Performance

Dogs learn the consistency and steadiness needed for safe, successful hunts.

Stronger Natural Ability

Professional guidance enhances your dog’s retrieving drive and confidence.

Clear Communication

Marker training ensures dogs understand exactly what’s expected.

A Legacy of Excellence in Retriever Training

Tom Sorenson spent more than 45 years shaping the standards of professional retriever training. With multiple AKC Field Champions, a National Retriever Championship win, and a place in the Retriever Hall of Fame, his legacy continues through our family-run program. Today, his grandson, Cody Sorenson, leads the hunting program with the same commitment to quality, integrity, and proven results.

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