More shed hunting enthusiasts are learning the value of using shed hunting dogs to help them in their search for record book sheds. Our shed antler detection course uses some of the same proven training techniques used in other types of K9 detection work. The course teaches the dog to respond to directed searches in the field, locate shed antlers with a passive or active response, and teaches the handler good field handling techniques for more productive searches. At the completion of this course the handler and dog are a highly effective team at locating sheds antlers. This course carries the dog and handler beyond the amateur level of training and teaches professional training techniques used to produce field trial-type dogs with strong hunt drive. It is comprehensive training designed to produce a focused controlled working dog, not a pet that sometimes finds sheds. You can purchase a trained dog ready for field use, we can train your dog, or teach you how to train your dog.

If you are presently considering purchasing a dog for shed dog training then choosing the right dog is very important. View this article for helpful tips on how to choose a good candidate.

Choose the course package below that best fits your needs and budget:

Purchase Of Trained Dog-
This package is for the serious shed hunter who doesn't have the time or ability to train and wants to own a super performing shed hunting partner. Must be able to spend 3-5 days at our training grounds for handler instruction. Package includes:

• One to three year old male or female with suitable drives and health guarantee. This may be one of several sporting or working breeds that are suited for shed detection.


• Off leash obedience training including commands of Heel, Sit, Down, Stay, Recall. Dog will respond to both verbal commands and hand signals.


• Dog will respond to directed control for conducting effective search patterns.


• Dog will have developed specific odor capability for shed antlers.


• Dog will exhibit either passive or active alert response.


• Dog will possess well developed hunt drive and retrieve drive.


• 8 hrs. classroom instruction for owner. Instruction includes understanding scent, environmental influences on scent detection, canine olfactory system, canine scenting capabilities, developing specific odor capability, scent thresholds, reading the dog, effective search patterns, effective handling techniques, proper reward techniques, maintenance training, and much more.


• Field instruction includes obedience exercises with dog, search exercises with dog, proper handling and storage of training aids, proofing techniques, setting up training scenarios on various terrains, and actual searches on training hides.


• Lodging is included for 1-2 people during handler training. (See Facilities)

Price includes dog, 12 month health guarantee, vet health check, training equipment, class room materials, handler instruction, and lodging during handler training. Price is $7500.

Boarding And Training Course-
This course is designed for the owner who doesn't have the time or ability to train but has a dog with suitable drives and wants to own a serious shed detection dog. There is a pre-training suitability testing and evaluation period of two weeks. During this period we evaluate the dog to determine if the dog has drives suitable for shed detection training. Training time is 10-12 weeks. Owner must be able to spend 3-5 days at our training grounds for handler training. Course includes:

• Boarding and training at our facility.


• Off leash obedience training including commands of Heel, Sit, Down, Stay, and Recall. Dog will be trained to respond to verbal commands as well as hand signals.


• Directed control training for conducting effective search patterns.


• Developing specific odor capability for shed antlers.


• Developing either passive or active alert response.


• Developing hunt drive and retrieve drive.


• 8 hrs. classroom instruction for owner. Instruction includes understanding scent, environmental influences on scent detection, canine olfactory system, canine scenting capabilities, developing specific odor capability, scent thresholds, reading the dog, effective search patterns, effective handling techniques, proper reward techniques, maintenance training, and much more.
  
• Field instruction includes obedience exercises with dog, search exercises with dog, proper handling and storage of training aids, proofing techniques, setting up training scenarios on various terrains, and actual searches on training hides.
  
• Lodging is included for 1-2 people during handler training. (See Facilities)

Price includes all boarding and training, training equipment, handler instruction, class room materials, and lodging during handler training. Price is $5500.00.

Shed Detection Seminar-
This 3-day seminar is designed to teach you the fundamental training techniques we use in our shed detection training. With the information you will be given during this class you will be able to train your dog or find a suitable dog that you can train. This is a limited enrollment seminar and is normally scheduled over a weekend from Friday-Sunday. Some of the topics taught in both classroom and field instruction are :

Training Syllabus includes:

• Composition of scent


• Scent and how environmental influences affect it.


• Canine olfactory system and canine scenting capabilities.


• Testing and evaluating your dog to determine if you have a suitable shed hunting prospect.


• Identifying suitable and unsuitable drives in training prospects.


• Understanding different training approaches to training a shed dog.


• Specific odor capability and the importance of scent proofing.


• Plan and set up effective search patterns.


• Proper handling techniques in the field.


• Proper handling and storage of training aids.


• Maintenance training to keep your dog sharp.
  

  Price for the seminar includes all classroom and field instruction, training materials, training aids, and lodging for 3 nights. Price is $595.

Online Shed Detection Training Seminar-
Our newest training format, webcast training, is now offered to teach you how to train your own shed hunting dog. The training syllabus is identical to our 3-day seminar (see above) training session but without the field work. You will learn everything you need to know to select and train a shed detection dog with professional methods.

How It Works

All you need is a computer and telephone to participate in this dynamic learning experience! Our online K9 training seminar is an interactive web cast with audio that allows the attendee to participate in a classroom-like setting with the instructor. During the seminar you will view on your computer, in real time, the training presentation including videos, slides, charts, etc. just as you would in a classroom seminar. The visual presentation is accompanied by the audio of a live presentation of the training materials by an instructor via your telephone. The interaction between the attendees and the instructor is live, allowing you to participate with questions and discussion of the training just as in a class-room setting.

After registering for the seminar you will receive, via email, a seminar syllabus that you can print out for note-taking during the seminar.

Seminar will be held two hours each night March 21-23, at 9pm Eastern Standard Time.

How To Register

To  register click on Registration Form, then return to this page and click on Payment and submit credit card information for payment.

Seminar Fee- $295