Big Sioux Kennels, LLC

Training is facility-based and intensive, with a minimum 1-month commitment for started dogs (6+ months) and 2 months for advanced dogs (1+ year). Programs include daily 15–60 minute sessions 5 days/week, focused on bird introduction, gunfire, water, pointing, e-collar, tracking, and field steadiness. Weekly nail trims, ear cleaning, coat stripping, and anal gland expression are included. Socialization occurs daily in the yard and 3–4 days per week in the field. Clients receive weekly progress reports and are invited to schedule pick-up reviews with demonstrations. All training equipment is provided; no toys or bedding allowed.

Pricing Summary

Training costs $750 per month, with the first month paid in advance. Birds are included in the fee. Puppies are priced separately and require deposits for future litters. A $150–$200 NAVHDA Natural Ability test entry fee is reimbursed if the dog passes. Boarding fees apply for puppies not picked up after 9 weeks.

Policies

All dogs must be current on rabies, Bordatella, and DHPPV/DA2PPV vaccines before training. No toys or bedding allowed during boarding. Puppies not picked up after 9 weeks incur a boarding fee. Visits to the facility require scheduling. Training begins with a scheduled intake appointment to document goals. No cancellation or rescheduling policy is explicitly stated for training programs.

Big Sioux Kennels, LLC is a family-owned business in Hudson, South Dakota, specializing in breeding and training German Wirehaired Pointers for hunting in the field and marsh. They offer structured training services for dogs 6 months and older, including obedience, started dog programs, and advanced training focused on bird work, gunfire exposure, water retrieval, e-collar use, tracking, and field steadiness. Training is conducted on-site in a facility setting with a minimum 1-month commitment for started dogs and 2 months for advanced programs. They provide weekly status reports, daily socialization, and hands-on pick-up sessions to ensure owners understand their dog’s progress. Puppies are raised with early neurological stimulation, noise and bird exposure, and NAVHDA preparation, with reimbursement for passing the Natural Ability test. All training equipment is provided, and dogs are fed Inukshuk Professional Dry Dog Food unless owners supply their own. The trainers, David and Deborah Lyon, are experienced breeders and handlers who prioritize performance, health certifications, and client communication.

They accept deposits for 2025 and 2026 litters and encourage participation in NAVHDA or VHDF testing. Their foundation dogs have earned NAVHDA Versatile Champion and AKC Master Hunter titles, demonstrating their commitment to high-performance hunting lines.

They do not offer grooming, boarding, walking, or daycare as standalone services, but training includes daily care and maintenance such as nail trimming, ear cleaning, and coat stripping.

All dogs must be current on rabies, Bordatella, and DHPPV/DA2PPV vaccines before training.

Visits to the facility are welcome by appointment only.

They do not offer in-home, group, video, or day-training services outside their facility-based board-and-train model.

Accomplishments

Foundation dog Eva earned NAVHDA Versatile Champion, AKC Master Hunter, and CHIC certification. Emmaline and Marissa have earned NAVHDA UT and NA titles, CGC, and clear genetic testing. All breeding dogs are PennHIP, CAER, thyroid, and Embark tested clear. The kennel reimburses NAVHDA Natural Ability test fees for passing dogs.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients should contact Dave or Deb Lyon by phone or email to discuss training goals, schedule an intake appointment, and confirm availability. Deposits are accepted for future litters. All dogs must have current vaccinations before training begins. In-person pickup is encouraged to meet the mother and observe training conditions.