Professional Gun Dog Training
Developing confident, capable hunting companions
Elite Gun Dog Training at Pheasant Bonanza
Pheasant Bonanza offers one of the highest levels of professional gun dog training available. Our all-inclusive programs are designed to take naturally talented puppies and develop them into confident, finished hunting dogs, while advanced training options are available for dogs with specific goals or experience levels.
Training takes place on our Orvis Endorsed property with access to dedicated training fields, birds, lakes, and rivers. Our trainers work with dogs across AKC, NAVHDA, and tournament hunting disciplines. Our passion in creating excellent hunting dogs that you will be proud of every time you leave the field or the blind.
Training Programs
Our professional trainers work with dogs of all ages, breeds, and experience levels.
Programs include:
Puppy development and foundation training
Gun dog training and field work
Advanced and customized training programs
AKC, NAVHDA, and tournament preparation
Each dog begins with a free evaluation so our trainers can assess natural ability, identify areas of focus, and align training with your goals.
Training Grounds and Kennel Facilities
Our kennel features 50 indoor and outdoor runs, two whelping areas, and a full grooming and bathing facility. Dogs train and board under the care of a year-round, full-time staff of professional trainers and handlers.
We work with a wide range of breeds and personalities, with particular expertise in German Shorthaired Pointers and Labrador Retrievers.
Led by Experienced Professionals
Training at Pheasant Bonanza is led by Jase Sorenson, Head Dog Trainer and 2023 Orvis Wingshooting Guide of the Year Finalist.
Jase brings patience, experience, and a deep passion for bird dogs to every training program. His approach focuses on building trust, natural ability, and consistency in the field, creating dogs that perform confidently while remaining enjoyable hunting companions.
Training Packages & Pricing
All programs are loosely based. We customize our training to every dog’s individual needs. Not everyone waterfowl hunts or upland hunts the same way so we will be training your pup to learn how you specifically hunt. If you’re in a duck boat, we’ll be training out of a duck boat. It you are field hunting, we are going to be training in field hunting spreads. If you’ll be upland hunting alone you’re going to want your dogs to cover big areas. If you hunt with multiple dogs, you’ll want the dog to be honoring your commands. We train for how you hunt.
Monthly Gun Dog Training Programs
Monthly training packages are $1,000/month (or $300/week) and include boarding
Each dog begins with an evaluation to ensure the appropriate program and training path.
JR. DUCK DOG PROGRAM
Length: 1 Month | Age: 6-8 mo
- 2-4 sessions: Introduction to birds
- 2-3 sessions: Upland work
- 2-4 sessions: Gun conditioning
- 1-2 sessions: Water introduction
- 4-7 sessions: Collar conditioning
- 7-10 sessions: Decoy conditioning &
introduction to field work - 7-10 sessions: Steadiness & field work
Remaining sessions focus on real-hunting scenarios
JR. FLUSHER PROGRAM
Length: 1 Month | Age: 6-9 mo
- 2-4 sessions: Introduction to birds
- 7-10 sessions: Field work
- 2-4 sessions: Gun conditioning
- 4-7 sessions: Collar conditioning
- 1-2 sessions: Water work
- Remaining sessions include live flyer work & real-hunting experiences
WHOA & OBEDIENCE
Package Length: 6-8 Weeks
- 25-30 whoa training sessions
- 10-15 whoa sessions in the field @ Heel | Whoa I Place
- Sit (when applicable)
CONDITION RETRIEVING & OBEDIENCE PACKAGE
$1,600
Length: 8 Weeks
Age: 8 mo - 2 yrs
- 30-50 sessions of condition retrieving
- Force to pile
- Whistle sits
- Heel work
JR. POINTER PROGRAM
Length: 6 Weeks | Age: 6-10 mo
- 1-4 sessions: Introduction to birds
- 10-14 sessions: Introduction to pointing & field work
- 1-4 sessions: Gun conditioning
- 4-7 sessions: Collar conditioning
- 1-2 sessions: Water introduction
- Remainder of program includes live flyer sets and real-hunting experiences
2-WEEK GUIDE DOG EXPERIENCE
Package Length: 6-8 Weeks
- Your dog will be placed on our guide string, gaining real-hunting experiences & working alongside professional dogs
- Dogs will see 100+ birds per week
- Available: September – December
- Requirement: Must have completed one of our training programs
ADVANCED DUCK DOG PROGRAM
LENGTH: 6-8 WEEKS
- Introduction to blind retrieves
- Hand signals
- Long marks
- Steady on heel
- Place and dog blind work
- Multiple bird sets
Puppies and Boarding Rates
Puppies
- Lab Puppies: $1200
- German Shorthaired
- Pointer Puppies: $1000
- English Cocker Spaniel Puppies: $1500
- Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Puppies: $1500
- Breeding rights are an additional $200
BOARDING
- Base Rate: $25/DAY
- Daily Walk: +$10/DAY
- Obedience: +$22/DAY
- Bird Work: +$29/DAY
- Bath: $35
Training Progression by Age and Development
Our training programs follow a structured progression designed to develop a well-rounded hunting dog over time. Each phase focuses on building confidence, reinforcing obedience, and strengthening field performance as your dog matures.
From early bird introductions and foundational obedience to advanced field scenarios and finished gun dog work, each stage prepares your dog for the next level of development while reinforcing the instincts and discipline needed for success in the field.
Month One: The Fly Way Program
Ages 4–12 months
This foundational program introduces young dogs to birds, gunfire, water, and obedience while building confidence and drive.
Program highlights include:
- Introduction to birds and gunfire using pistols and shotguns
- Multiple Fly Way sessions with birds and gunfire
- Decoy conditioning and water introduction with bird retrieves
- Collar conditioning with “Here” and “Kennel” commands
- Upland whistle work, daily trailer work, and tie-out training
- Final evaluation with owner including a one-hour training session
Months 2-3:
Junior Gun Dog Program
Ages 12 months and older
This stage builds consistency, obedience, and field performance, with training tailored by breed type.
Flushing Breeds
- Continued Fly Way program sessions
- Force fetch training
- Walking singles, marks, and field obedience
- Continuous heel and sit or stay work
Pointing Breeds
- Whoa training progression
- Field whoa sessions with birds
- Owner training session included
- Continuous heel and sit or stay obedience
Months 4-8:
Advanced Gun Dog School
Ages 18 months and older
Advanced training prepares dogs for finished field performance and real hunting scenarios.
Program highlights include:
- Hand signals and blind retrieves
- Long marks and remote sit using whistle commands
- Steady to flush, shot, and retrieve
- Steady to heel and blind
- Exposure to real-world hunting scenarios and off-property training locations
Dogs in this phase are trained to recognize field “pictures” that mirror actual guided upland hunts.
How Training Works
Training programs are customized based on each dog’s age, breed, and natural ability. Our trainers will work with you to determine the appropriate length of stay and progression path.
Start Your Dog’s Training Journey
Whether you are developing a young dog or advancing an experienced hunting companion, our professional training team is here to help.