Absolute Gun Dogs

Training is structured in progressive levels: started dogs learn basic obedience, quartering, wind work, and land/water retrieves; intermediate dogs build on this with longer retrieves, blind handling, and voice/whistle commands; finished dogs master advanced retrieves up to 100 yards, steadiness to wing and shot, and field etiquette. Field trial dogs are selected for natural ability and trained for competition, including honoring other dogs and precision handling. Puppy programs (Select and Super Puppy) focus on early socialization and foundational skills. All training uses positive reinforcement without electronic collars. Owners are trained to handle their dogs in field trials.

Pricing Summary

Training costs $1,200 per calendar month (increased to $1,500/month as of 11/1/2022), including boarding, food, birds, supplies, and one monthly vet visit. Additional fees apply for special dietary needs, injuries, or illness. Daily tune-up training is $60/day plus expenses. Field trial training includes travel expenses. Minimum commitment is two months.

Policies

Training requires a minimum two-month commitment. Additional fees apply for injuries or illness. Owners are responsible for special dietary needs, medications, or supplements. Boarding and training fees are non-refundable. Clients must email shot records for boarding inquiries.

Absolute Gun Dogs is a family-run dog training business operated by Dan and Jennifer Murray in Bismarck, North Dakota. They specialize in traditional positive reinforcement training for gun dogs, including British Labs, English Springer Spaniels, and English Cocker Spaniels, though they have trained all breeds. Their training programs include obedience, gun dog training, and field trial preparation, with a strong emphasis on developing biddable, confident dogs that work to please rather than out of fear. They do not use electronic collars at any stage of training, believing this preserves a dog’s natural abilities and genetic integrity for breeding. They offer board-and-train programs lasting a minimum of two months, with training fees including boarding, food, birds, supplies, and monthly veterinary care. Additional services include puppy socialization programs (Select Puppy and Super Puppy), boarding, doggie daycare, guided pheasant hunting, and gun dog breeding. Their training facility, Club Fido, provides outdoor space for field work and daily exercise. They also field a competitive Team Absolute that competes in field trials across the U.S. and Canada.

Clients praise the facility for its cleanliness, staff expertise, and the happiness of dogs upon return. Dogs are taken outside multiple times daily for exercise and socialization, and staff are noted for their breed awareness and personalized care.

Absolute Gun Dogs encourages owners to begin gun dog training between 6–9 months of age, with early introduction to lead, heel, and hup commands. They offer training for started, intermediate, finished, and field trial dogs, with progressive skill development in quartering, steadiness to wing and shot, blind retrieves, and water work. Field trial training includes handling instruction for owners and opportunities to participate in trials.

They also provide guided pheasant hunts and breeding services for dogs with proven field performance and genetic quality.

Accomplishments

Team Absolute competes in field trials across the U.S. and Canada and has earned field champion status. They breed dogs from champion bloodlines and emphasize genetic quality, natural ability, and performance. Dan Murray maintains a public journal documenting training insights and field trial experiences.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients should email [email protected] with details about their dog’s age, breed, and training goals. Alternatively, they may call 701-258-5001 for training inquiries. A commitment of at least two months is required for training programs.