Hunting Field LibraryRanch & backcountry reference

Dogs & training

Dog Training Guide

A progressive field program, drills and personal training logs.

Revision 2 · Updated 2026-09-29 · One file for offline use

What changed & offline use

Unified library design, mobile layout and download controls. Original research dates remain in the guide.

Research dates are retained in the guide. This revision does not imply every fact has been rechecked.

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Dog Program week Session

Find / point → Hold → Handler flushes → Wing → Shot → Release → Follow-up / retrieve

Your contract

Target: no self-flush; no movement on wing or shot; promptly follow “fetch” / release after the shot. We are not requiring steadiness to fall.

Quick field score

Record each actual bird contact, including misses and birds that leave before a shot.

Encounters Held through shot Self-flush / chase

Observation

Go / no-go

Six months, one gate at a time

Choose a week to load its four ten-minute sessions. The calendar suggests what to practice; the gate decides whether a dog advances.

Huckleberry starts at his demonstrated level after a baseline, rather than spending weeks relearning to point. Shasta starts with a diagnostic after veterinary clearance. Each dog can remain on a week independently.

Week 1 begins Sep 27. Week 26 begins Mar 21. Dates orient the hunting season; do not promote on a date alone.

Weekly map

Exact drill cards

Short reps; finish after a clean success. Build the behavior without a bird, then prove it with a controlled bird. A cue should mean the same thing in yard and field.

Field playbook

Choose terrain by bird, not by one generic “upland” setting. The aim is to preserve the dog’s point, reach a safe shooting position, and make the release useful for a wounded bird.

Preserve block · 45–90 minutes plus travel

Book a trainer or launcher operator. State the exact target: handler flushes, dog holds wing and shot, release immediately afterward.
Start one dog at a time, one planted bird at a time; use good flying birds, variable locations, and wind. Ask for a no-shot rep before a live-fire rep.
Work on a well-fitted check cord when needed; keep hands clear of loops and keep the launcher away from the dog’s face. Do not shoot an unsafe bird.
Log every bird contact, including early flushes. Stop after a high-quality rep or after two deteriorating contacts.
For a running pheasant: hold, read direction, reposition yourself, then release a controlled relocate only if needed. Reestablish point before the flush.

The ten-minute budget describes daily active practice. A preserve visit and hunt are separate commitments.

Hunt-day rules

During a transition, do not reward a self-flush with a shot. If the dog breaks, pass on the bird and log it. Make room for recovery of genuinely wounded game, under safe gun handling. Hunt dogs separately until each meets the gate; add brace work later.

Check current FWP rules, access, dates, and safe shooting lanes before each hunt. Watch heat, water, pads, and steep terrain. Avoid shots that would send a dog over a hazardous drop.

Dog settings

Veterinary clearance to train (selected dog)

Shasta is paused by default due to her current illness. Only change this after her veterinarian advises resumption and household infection precautions.

Current training week

Select the stage earned by performance. The calendar week on the home screen is only a viewing control.

Baseline / constraints

Gate tracker

Our working thresholds are training criteria, not a published scientific success rate: five clean cue reps across two places; then at least 4/5 controlled bird contacts holding through wing and shot with a prompt release; then 8/10 across two habitats or hunt days without a self-flush.

An accidental flush without a shot scores for wing control only; it cannot count as a “held through shot” rep. A no-shot controlled flush tests wing separately.

Encounter history

Records stay in this browser on this device. Export regularly; opening the file elsewhere will not automatically carry your records. Avoid private browsing for sustained tracking.

Method, boundaries & sources

This is a custom field plan informed by published training concepts, not an official Standing Stone Kennels curriculum. The exact 26-week progression and numeric gates are practical design choices to revise from each dog's observations.

Standing Stone Kennels · training philosophy — tailor training to the individual dog.
Standing Stone · course outline — formal whoa, pointing and launchers, bracework and running birds; their advanced field steadiness course is listed as forthcoming, so this tool does not claim to reproduce it.
NAVHDA · July 2024 judges guidance — distinct scoring for flush, wing, shot and fall.
NAVHDA · Versatile Hunting Dog, Feb 2024 — steadiness around birds differs from a yard whoa; controlled setup, variable approach, scent and running bird work.
Montana FWP · 2026 upland species and seasons — check full regulations and local details before hunting. Mountain grouse season generally begins Sep 1; pheasant Oct 10.

Collar policy: hardware available is not evidence of conditioning. Use a collar only for a previously taught cue with an established, humane conditioning plan; never as a shortcut for bird anxiety, gun sensitivity, or a dog that does not understand whoa. A check cord and controlled setup are the default. If a dog flags, avoids the bird, loses intensity, or appears stressed, reduce pressure and ask an experienced trainer to observe.

Gun sequence: train the shot in a controlled, lawful setting with a helper and established gun confidence. The dog remains still while the gun is fired, then the handler gives a distinct release cue for follow-up. Never use a gun during a drill without a safe direction, a clear line, appropriate permissions, and a trained helper when needed.

Offline reading edition

Montana Upland Dog Training Lab

This reading edition keeps the plan available when JavaScript is disabled. It does not save progress or provide interactive controls. The original plan is unchanged.

Training target: handler flushes; dog holds through wing and shot; dog follows up on release. Do not require steadiness to fall. Keep Shasta paused pending veterinary clearance.

Progress gates

Foundation · Weeks 1–6

Five clean whoa/release reps on each of two days in two locations; no stress or displacement.

Wing · Weeks 7–8

At least 4 of 5 controlled flying bird contacts held through wing; hunter flushes; no self-flush.

Shot · Weeks 9–11

At least 4 of 5 controlled contacts held through shot, followed by prompt release; no unsafe or startled response.

Terrain · Weeks 12–20

At least 8 of 10 bird contacts in two settings held through shot, with no self-flush and prompt follow-up.

Maintenance · Weeks 21–26

Repeat 8/10 in two habitats or hunt days; after a break, return to the last clean setup.

26-week roadmap and session schedule

Week	Focus	Objective	Four sessions
Week 1 · Foundation	Baseline & vocabulary	Observe five bird opportunities; define hold, whoa, release and retrieve separately.	A: Whoa · stand until released B: Walk around the held dog C: Shot-to-release distinction D: Here and controlled return
Week 2 · Foundation	Stationary whoa	Quiet standing position; handler changes angle; no bird.	A: Whoa · stand until released B: Walk around the held dog C: Here and controlled return D: Shot-to-release distinction
Week 3 · Foundation	Movement around dog	Handler moves past shoulder and in front without drawing dog forward.	A: Walk around the held dog B: Whoa · stand until released C: Shot-to-release distinction D: Here and controlled return
Week 4 · Foundation	Flying object	Dog holds as a bumper moves; release retrieves only after marker.	A: Walk around the held dog B: Shot-to-release distinction C: Retrieve after permission D: Point, hold, handler approaches
Week 5 · Foundation	Gun-neutral hold	Dry/safe setup: raise empty gun or make non-gun sound only.	A: Whoa · stand until released B: Walk around the held dog C: Shot-to-release distinction D: Point, hold, handler approaches
Week 6 · Foundation	Distance & angle	Increase handler distance one variable at a time.	A: Walk around the held dog B: Retrieve after permission C: Surprise flush · stop, do not chase D: Point, hold, handler approaches
Week 7 · Wing	First controlled launch	At preserve, one flying bird; handler flushes; no shot.	A: Point, hold, handler approaches B: Walk around the held dog C: Flying bird · hold through wing D: Surprise flush · stop, do not chase
Week 8 · Wing	Repeat wing hold	Variable approach to point and launch, no shot.	A: Point, hold, handler approaches B: Flying bird · hold through wing C: Surprise flush · stop, do not chase D: Shot-to-release distinction
Week 9 · Shot	Shot separation	Confident dog, helper, safe distant shot; no self-release.	A: Shot-to-release distinction B: Wing → shot → release C: Flying bird · hold through wing D: Retrieve after permission
Week 10 · Shot	Shot then release	Hold through shot; cue immediate follow-up.	A: Wing → shot → release B: Shot-to-release distinction C: Retrieve after permission D: Point, hold, handler approaches
Week 11 · Shot	Wind & scent	Variable wind and launch location; no stale launch pattern.	A: Wing → shot → release B: Flying bird · hold through wing C: Retrieve after permission D: Surprise flush · stop, do not chase
Week 12 · Terrain	Running bird setup	Handler-directed relocate only; stop before flush.	A: Running pheasant · controlled relocate B: Walk around the held dog C: Point, hold, handler approaches D: Flying bird · hold through wing
Week 13 · Terrain	Pheasant entry	Edge cover / ditches / heavy grass; preserve rehearsal.	A: Pheasant ditch & heavy cover B: Running pheasant · controlled relocate C: Wing → shot → release D: Retrieve after permission
Week 14 · Terrain	Mountain entry	Timber seams and aspen; slope and visibility constraints.	A: Mountain seam & visual contact B: Walk around the held dog C: Surprise flush · stop, do not chase D: Wing → shot → release
Week 15 · Terrain	Transfer day 1	New ground: whoa and launcher or wild bird, easier criteria.	A: Point, hold, handler approaches B: Mountain seam & visual contact C: Wing → shot → release D: Retrieve after permission
Week 16 · Terrain	Transfer day 2	Second habitat, shot/release if prior reps clean.	A: Point, hold, handler approaches B: Pheasant ditch & heavy cover C: Wing → shot → release D: Running pheasant · controlled relocate
Week 17 · Terrain	Blind side approach	Handler approaches point from different safe angles.	A: Walk around the held dog B: Point, hold, handler approaches C: Flying bird · hold through wing D: Wing → shot → release
Week 18 · Terrain	Multiple birds	One bird moves while another holds; no chase.	A: Flying bird · hold through wing B: Surprise flush · stop, do not chase C: Wing → shot → release D: Retrieve after permission
Week 19 · Terrain	Fast follow-up	Release promptly after shot; direct to fall or track.	A: Shot-to-release distinction B: Retrieve after permission C: Wing → shot → release D: Wounded-bird follow-up
Week 20 · Terrain	Wounded runner	Controlled track and retrieve after release.	A: Running pheasant · controlled relocate B: Wounded-bird follow-up C: Wing → shot → release D: Pheasant ditch & heavy cover
Week 21 · Maintenance	Quiet handling	Fewer cues, more independence before point.	A: Point, hold, handler approaches B: Walk around the held dog C: Shot-to-release distinction D: Mountain seam & visual contact
Week 22 · Maintenance	Brace foundation	One dog observes the other on cord; no point stealing.	A: Honor without stealing point B: Point, hold, handler approaches C: Surprise flush · stop, do not chase D: Retrieve after permission
Week 23 · Maintenance	Mixed habitat	Alternate mountain and pheasant simulations.	A: Mountain seam & visual contact B: Pheasant ditch & heavy cover C: Wing → shot → release D: Wounded-bird follow-up
Week 24 · Maintenance	Hunt conversion	Track 10 real contacts, separate wing/shot/release.	A: Wing → shot → release B: Running pheasant · controlled relocate C: Retrieve after permission D: Surprise flush · stop, do not chase
Week 25 · Maintenance	Regression repair	Rebuild weakest link with simpler controlled reps.	A: Point, hold, handler approaches B: Flying bird · hold through wing C: Shot-to-release distinction D: Wounded-bird follow-up
Week 26 · Maintenance	Final field audit	Two habitats, clean bird contacts, next-season plan.	A: Mountain seam & visual contact B: Pheasant ditch & heavy cover C: Wing → shot → release D: Honor without stealing point

Complete drill cards

Whoa · stand until released · Lead or cord, non-slip ground, reward

On level ground, lead dog into a stand. Say “whoa” once; stay within arm’s reach.
Pause 2 seconds; reward while feet stay planted. Say “free” to end the position.
Repeat 4–6 times, gradually to 10–20 seconds. Reset calmly if a foot moves.

Pass: At least 5/5 first-cue holds of 10 seconds without stepping.

If it fails: Shorten hold to 2 seconds. Do not repeat “whoa” over a moving dog.

Walk around the held dog · Cord; calm yard

Ask for a 5-second whoa. Move a single step sideways, then back; reward in position.
Next rep, pass behind; later move a few steps in front, as if approaching a bird.
Only add one distraction at a time. Finish with explicit “free.”

Pass: 5/5 motion reps with all feet stationary.

If it fails: Return to a half-step and shorter hold. Keep handler motion quiet.

Shot-to-release distinction · Bumper, helper optional; no firearm initially

Put dog on whoa. Helper tosses a bumper, or you roll one away from dog.
Pause after it lands; say the distinct retrieve cue “fetch” only when you want movement.
On return, receive calmly; repeat 3–5 times. Add a safely simulated shot cue only after the throw no longer causes a break.

Pass: 5/5 still through thrown object and sound; leaves promptly on release.

If it fails: Move object farther away and remove sound; do not reward an anticipatory retrieve.

Here and controlled return · Long line, open safe area

In low cover, give a single “here” cue while dog is already turning toward you.
Reward arrival; release again to search. Add mild distraction gradually.
Practice a separate 5-second whoa before release to hunt.

Pass: 5/5 prompt turns and returns on first cue.

If it fails: Shorten distance; keep line safe and loose; avoid calling when the dog cannot succeed.

Point, hold, handler approaches · Preserve bird, cord and helper / launcher

Cross wind into scent from a variable approach. Let dog establish its own point.
Stop. Walk ahead at an angle, remaining outside bird/launcher danger zone. Do not command a flush.
If dog creeps or crowds, bird goes up from the launcher before the dog gets to it; let the bird leave.

Pass: 4/5 points stay planted during approach and handler flush.

If it fails: Increase bird distance; shorten approach; return to yard walk-around. No shot on self-flush.

Flying bird · hold through wing · Preserve bird, remote launcher, helper, check cord

Before the dog runs, check wind, launch path, and cord route. Condition launcher noise away from bird if needed.
Dog points; handler takes two steps toward bird; helper launches for handler flush, or launches immediately if dog advances.
Keep dog still as bird leaves. No shot on first reps. After flight, release away from the bird.

Pass: At least 4/5 controlled bird contacts with no self-flush or chase.

If it fails: One easier bird next time. Change approach and review launcher sensitivity.

Surprise flush · stop, do not chase · Cord and controlled bird; preserve

Allow a controlled bird to flush while dog is hunting, with safe distance from the launch.
Give one known whoa cue; cord prevents a chase without jerking the dog.
Wait for dog to settle; then release away from the flown bird.

Pass: 4/5 stops without sustained chase.

If it fails: Practice motion distractions and a more predictable launcher setup. Score separately from pointed bird contacts.

Wing → shot → release · Preserve bird, safe gunner, cord, launcher

Confirm gun confidence. Gunner and dog handler agree on safe lanes and no-shot signals.
Dog points; handler flushes. Dog stays still as bird flies; gunner fires only on a legal safe opportunity.
Immediately after the shot, give “fetch” for follow-up. If no shot occurs, hold briefly then give a distinct non-retrieve release.

Pass: 4/5 still through shot and responsive to release; no startled or avoidance behavior.

If it fails: Return to no-shot flying bird and lower gun distraction; obtain an experienced trainer if confidence changes.

Retrieve after permission · Bumper or appropriate bird, safe cover

Place dog on whoa; toss a visible bumper. Wait 1–3 seconds after landing.
Send with “fetch.” Encourage direct return and calm delivery; keep the session upbeat.
Progress to a hidden bumper in light cover; use a separate “hunt dead” cue for the search.

Pass: 4/5 waits for release, searches and returns object within reach.

If it fails: Shorten distance and use visible bumper; do not mix obedience correction with a new retrieve task.

Running pheasant · controlled relocate · Preserve running bird with experienced operator; cord

When dog points moving scent, stop with dog instead of letting it crowd.
Read the bird’s line; move to a safe blocking / shooting position.
Cue a brief controlled relocate; stop dog again when scent strengthens. Handler completes flush; dog holds through shot before release.

Pass: 3 clean sequences without the dog independently forcing a flush.

If it fails: Remove bird speed or reduce distance. If bird runs off, let it go rather than rehearse a chase.

Mountain seam & visual contact · Timber edge / aspen pocket; bell or GPS if used

Approach a cover seam into usable wind; let dog work scent without repeated direction.
When dog points out of sight, close the distance quietly; require hold while you reach safe footing.
Flush only where safe for gun and dog; if bird flies toward a cliff, road, or unsafe slope, pass the shot.

Pass: Dog waits for handler on 3 contacts and remains controllable after an unshot flush.

If it fails: Work more open timber edge or shorter range. Do not punish a missed bird in heavy cover.

Pheasant ditch & heavy cover · Cover edge / preserve

Search across the edge so wind carries scent; pause when dog tightens on running scent.
Use a controlled relocate only if directed; handler moves to block the likely escape.
Flush in a safe lane. Dog holds through shot and releases promptly for a fallen or wounded bird.

Pass: 3 contacts with no dog-driven flush and prompt release.

If it fails: Start in lighter cover. Separate inability to locate bird from inability to hold.

Wounded-bird follow-up · Scented drag or professionally run preserve scenario

Set a short curved drag ending with a retrievable bumper or dead bird; hide the end.
After a simulated shot and stationary hold, send promptly on “fetch” / “hunt dead.”
Let the dog work scent and return the find; build complexity before real wounded runners.

Pass: 3/3 prompt sends and persistent scent work with a return.

If it fails: Shorten track and allow visible endpoint; maintain speed of release.

Honor without stealing point · Two handlers, two dogs, cord

Work only after both dogs hold independently. One dog points a controlled bird; keep observer on cord at distance.
Reward observer for pausing and holding; handler of pointing dog manages the flush.
Release each dog separately; no uncontrolled race to a shot bird.

Pass: 3 consecutive observation reps with no point theft or chase.

If it fails: Increase distance and work dogs separately next session.

Field species

Ruffed grouse

Terrain: Aspen, alder and mixed deciduous creek seams

Close contact in dense cover; wait for a tight point while you choose a safe opening. A quick flush may provide only a no-shot wing rep.

Dusky grouse

Terrain: Open conifer slopes, edges and mountain terrain

Allow more lateral search but require a hold while you gain footing; never send after a bird over dangerous terrain.

Spruce / Franklin’s grouse

Terrain: Dense high conifers

Quiet search in tight visibility. Check exact species, legal area and opportunities before any shot.

Pheasant

Terrain: Grass, cattail and river-bottom edges

Running scent: stop; reposition; cue a short relocate; stop again. Do not let Huckleberry perform his old self-flush routine.

Sharp-tailed grouse

Terrain: Open prairie and shrub / grass mosaics

Longer visual distance and covey temptation; work into wind; count multiple flushes individually.

Gray partridge / Huns

Terrain: Open agricultural edges and sage/grass

A covey may leave as a unit. Prevent chase; do not demand a retrieve after a no-shot flush.

Sage grouse

Terrain: Broad sage landscapes where lawful

Wide search with visual check-ins, distance judgment and species identification; dates and permit rules vary.

Chukar / prairie chicken

Terrain: Localized opportunities; verify local distribution and legal status

Use terrain and species identification first; do not assume every Montana upland outing offers these birds.

Field safety and preserve practice

Book a trainer or launcher operator and state the target: handler flushes, dog holds wing and shot, then releases.
Start one dog and one planted bird at a time. Ask for no-shot reps before live-fire reps.
Use a well-fitted check cord when needed; keep hands clear of loops and the launcher away from the dog’s face.
Log all bird contacts; stop after a high-quality rep or two deteriorating contacts.
For running pheasants, hold, read direction, reposition, and use a controlled relocate only if needed. Reestablish point before the flush.
Follow current regulations, access rules, and safe shooting lanes. Watch heat, water, pads, steep terrain, roads, and hazards.

Daily active practice is ten minutes per dog. Preserve visits and hunts are separate commitments. These criteria are custom working thresholds, not published success rates.