Spring is right around the corner, and if it hasn't hit your area yet, it will soon. That means now is the perfect time to get back into training and polish up the skills that may have slipped during hunting season. It's also the ideal time to work on those areas where you noticed your dog needed improvement. Even though fall might seem far away, preparing now while the weather is cool will set you and your dog up for success when hunting season rolls back around.
After a long season of hunting, the worst thing you can do is park your dog in the kennel or let their training fall by the wayside. Keeping your dog engaged and in shape will make a world of difference when you hit the field again. Plus, with many local clubs still holding leftover birds, you have the opportunity to work with live birds and reinforce your dog's instincts.
The Importance of a Proven Training Method
One of the most critical aspects of successful dog training is having a structured, proven method. Whether you're following a book, a video series, or working with a professional trainer, consistency is key. Too often, we see people using a mix of different approaches, picking tips from various sources, and ultimately confusing their dogs. Dog training isn't something you can successfully wing. It requires discipline, patience, and a structured plan..
Incredibly, in 2025, we still see people making fundamental mistakes, like using baby chicks from the local farm store to introduce their dogs to birds or taking their untrained dogs to shooting ranges to desensitize them to gunfire. If you've followed our podcast, you know that improper gun introduction is one of the fastest ways to ruin a bird dog. These mistakes are completely avoidable if you follow a proven training method.
Find a Community, Follow a Method
If you take away just one piece of advice today, let it be this: Find a method that resonates with you and stick with it. Training a bird dog isn't a weekend project. It takes months, sometimes years, to develop a well-trained, reliable hunting partner. Jumping between different training methods or trying to take shortcuts will only set you and your dog back.
One of the best ways to ensure success is to join a community of like-minded trainers. Whether that's through an online group, a professional trainer, or a course, having access to support, feedback, and guidance makes all the difference. At Best Gun Dogs, we offer an online training course designed to take you step by step through the process, with direct access to me and our community. You can post videos, ask questions, and get real-time feedback on your progress.
No Shortcuts in Dog Training
Every season, we hear from people struggling with their training, and one of the first questions I ask is, "What method are you using?" More often than not, the response is a mix of trial and error, random YouTube videos, and well-intentioned but inconsistent training. Unfortunately, this shotgun approach simply doesn't work.
If you're struggling with training this spring, it's time to take a step back and recommit to a structured program. Whether it's our Best Gun Dogs online training course or another well-established method, find one that fits your style, immerse yourself in it, and follow it through to completion. The best bird dogs aren't made overnight. They are built through consistent, thoughtful training over time.
Get Started Today
Now is the time to put in the work. Whether you're fine-tuning your dog's skills or starting from scratch, training in the spring will set you up for success when fall arrives. If you need guidance, check out our online training course at BestGunDogs.com. Engage with our community, ask questions, and get personalized support to help you train your dog the right way.
There are no shortcuts, no quick fixes. Just dedication, consistency, and a well-structured method. Get after it, put in the work, and enjoy the rewards of a well-trained bird dog in the field this fall.
Happy training!