Puppy Head Start Program

We know that the early experiences in a puppy’s life are essential to its future training. Our Deep Fork Retrievers’ Puppy Head Start Program is designed to help a puppy form a willing temperament, increase its memory, and build a bond with its owner that will become the foundation for future teamwork.

In this nine lesson program, your hunting retriever puppy will learn verbal commands and whistle and hand signals. We also systematically introduce your pup to all the tools of the trade, ensuring momentum, desire and trainability. Our developmental program ensures a puppy that is ready to be trained.

Lesson One:      Introducing fetch games; 3 basic working words; how to handle pup correctly

Lesson Two:      Marking off birdboy; initiating different marking patterns

Lesson Three:   Plate drill for blind retrieves

Lesson Four:     Bird introduction to marking patterns

Lesson Five:      Start introduction to water; gun fire

Lesson Six:        Hand signal drills

Lesson Seven:   Water marks

Lesson Eight:    Negotiating terrain features

Lesson Nine:     School blinds

We recommend that the Puppy Head Start Program be initiated at 10 weeks of age. Private lessons are conducted at our training facilities. They are scheduled individually to ensure your pup’s complete understanding of the lesson before the next concept is presented. One-hour lessons are $50. More intensive sessions can be arranged for out-of-state clients – call for travel arrangement assistance.

Whatever the age of your puppy (or dog), Deep Fork Retrievers Puppy Head Start Program is the place to begin.

Contact us to schedule lessons.