Gun Dog Training Program – Texas Hunting Dog Specialists

At Cross Creek Kennels, we specialize in Texas hunting dog training with a strong focus on developing reliable retrievers for duck, dove, goose, and all types of migratory bird hunting.

Whether you’re preparing a dog for hunt tests or want a lifelong hunting partner, our goal is to lay a solid foundation that ensures long-term success in the field. Our Basic Gun Dog Program is open to dogs starting at 6 months of age and is structured into three key stages.

Stage 1 – Obedience & Field Introduction

The first stage focuses on building strong obedience skills, both at home and in the hunting field. Dogs are introduced to:

  • Basic commands: “Here” (a combination of “come” and “heel”), and “Sit”

  • E-collar conditioning for off-leash control

  • Exposure to birds, gunfire, water, and natural cover

  • Development of the retrieve drive

During this phase, we also introduce birds and field environments to build your dog’s confidence. Once your dog shows consistency, we reinforce obedience in field settings — ensuring they return and heel properly after retrieving. This stage typically takes around 2 months, but timing can vary by dog.

professional dove hunting trainer

Stage 2 – Mouth Work (Force Fetch)

This stage emphasizes proper retriever training — teaching dogs to retrieve and deliver birds cleanly, without chewing or playing.

  • Teach the “Hold” command using bumpers

  • Prevent dropping or mouthing the bird

  • Train full delivery to hand during retrieves

We begin with bumper work and gradually move to field applications, combining obedience and retrieve training. This phase takes approximately 6–8 weeks depending on your dog’s learning pace.

Stage 3 – Steadiness & Marking

In the final stage, we introduce marking drills and steadiness training, crucial for any serious gun dog.

  • Use of remote launchers to teach visual marking

  • Training steadiness: your dog waits to be sent after a shot

  • Combine all prior training into real-world field scenarios

This phase brings together obedience, retrieve, and bird drive to create a steady, responsive, and reliable hunting dog. Typically, this takes another 6–8 weeks, depending on your dog’s temperament and progress.

Breeds Trained

We train ALL retriever breeds (Such as Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers), German Shorthair Pointers, and Spaniel breeds.

Program Length & Pricing

Our Basic Gun Dog Program usually takes 5 to 6 months to complete. This includes all training phases, boarding, food, and birds used during retriever training.

  • Cost: $700/month
    (First and last month are prorated.)

Discounts Available

We’re proud to offer the following discounts on our training programs:

  • Puppy Program Discount
    If you purchase a puppy from us and return them for field or obedience training within their first year, you’ll receive a special discounted training rate. (Contact us for details.)

  • Early Payment Discount
    Pay between the 1st and 15th of the month using cash, check, or Venmo and receive $20 off your monthly training fee.
    Payments made after the 15th or by credit card are charged at the regular monthly rate.

  • Multi-Dog Discount
    Have more than one dog to train? We offer discounts for multi-dog training arrangements. Just ask us for more details!

Contact Us