KENNEL & DOG TRAINING
At Horse Swamp Kennels, we began with a love for hunting dogs and a belief that all dogs thrive on structure. My journey started as a dog behaviorist, focusing on helping dogs and owners connect through clear communication.
At Horse Swamp Kennels, we began with a love for hunting dogs and a belief that all dogs thrive on structure. My journey started as a dog behaviorist, focusing on helping dogs and owners connect through clear communication.
At Horse Swamp Kennels, we began with a love for hunting dogs and a belief that all dogs thrive on structure. My journey started as a dog behaviorist, focusing on helping dogs and owners connect through clear communication. Today, we operate a small, 12-run outdoor training facility, welcoming dogs of all breeds and ages. Though we specialize in gun dog and retriever training—whether upland or retrieving—we still offer obedience and behavior modification training as part of our core. We’re in the process of funding a future indoor facility and expanding into boarding and daycare. At heart, we translate “human” to “dog,” making every step of training easy for them to understand—and thrive.
Duration: 6 Weeks
Our basic obedience training program is all about building a clear line of communication between you and your dog. Whether you’re starting with a puppy or refining an adult dog’s manners, we focus on practical skills: reliable recall, loose-leash walking, polite greetings, and general responsiveness. We tailor the training to your dog’s needs, using positive methods to instill structure and confidence. Our goal is a well-mannered companion who listens to basic commands!
Duration: Weekly
Our advanced obedience program is all about real-world freedom and control. Through thoughtful e-collar training, we teach reliable off-leash recall and responsiveness, ensuring your dog listens in public spaces, parks, or wherever you venture. By the end of the program, you and your dog will have the confidence to enjoy off-leash adventures—walking, hiking, or just relaxing together—with control and calm, no matter the setting.
Duration: 2hrs/lesson
We offer private lessons tailored to you and your dog’s environment. I typically recommend starting with in-home sessions to establish a foundation, then transitioning to public spaces like parks for real-world practice. This ensures we build lasting skills, whether at home or out in the world together. We suggest booking a minimum of five lessons, or ideally ten, to achieve the best possible outcomes and lasting benefits. For continuity and progress, we recommend spacing lessons no more than two weeks apart, ensuring consistent growth for you and your dog.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Experience our exclusive bird dog training hunts at Horse Swamp Hunting Preserve. Each session includes 12 birds, allowing you and your dog to sharpen pointing and field skills in a real-world setting. You’ll have access to our training equipment, including bird launchers and traps, ensuring a dynamic experience. With one-on-one guidance from our expert trainer, you’ll elevate your dog’s performance while creating a memorable hunt-focused experience. You may bring one friend to shoot your birds!
Duration: 4+ month Minimum for Basic, 8+ months for advanced
(Offered November - August)
Our retriever training program is designed to harness a dog’s natural drive and channel it into reliable performance—whether for waterfowl or fieldwork. We build solid foundations in obedience, steadiness, and marking ability, ensuring your retriever is confident and responsive both in the water and on land. Our methods emphasize clear communication, building trust between handler and dog, so that your retriever performs with precision, enthusiasm, and a love for the work.
Duration: 3+ month Minimum for Basic, 6+ months for advanced
(Offered November - August)
Our bird dog training focuses on unlocking the instincts of pointing and flushing breeds, shaping them into reliable partners in the field. We emphasize steadiness, quartering, and working with the handler as a team. From developing a strong point or flush to ensuring reliable recall and responsiveness, we tailor training to your dog’s natural strengths. We build confidence, control, and a true working partnership.
Exciting things are on the way! We’re currently working on expanding Horse Swamp Kennels to offer a full boarding and daycare facility. Soon, you’ll be able to leave your dog with us for structured care, play, and peace of mind—whether for the day or overnight. Stay tuned as we build this new chapter—bringing even more care and expertise to you and your dog!