Captains Kennels

Captains Kennels offers various training programs tailored to individual needs. Gundog training focuses on developing a dog’s desire for birds, exposure to gunfire, and cooperation in the field, using game birds rather than pigeons. This program also addresses specific issues like gun shyness, ranging, or bird shyness.

Obedience training is available for all breeds, aiming to produce well-mannered dogs, whether for hunting or as family pets. This training can be customized to address common behavioral issues such as barking, jumping, chewing, getting into garbage, digging, chasing, and leash pulling, focusing on core commands like “Heel,” “Sit,” “Stay,” “Whoa,” “Come,” and “Lay Down.”

For puppies, Captains Kennels implements early development protocols like “Bio sensor/Superdog” from 3 days to 2 weeks old, and the “Rule of 7’s” to ensure broad exposure and socialization by 8 weeks. This includes exposure to various surfaces, objects, locations, people, containers, and challenges, along with socialization with their personal pack and early bird exposure.

They also offer “Started Dogs,” which are dogs that have received basic obedience, developed a desire for birds, been exposed to gunfire, and are physically conditioned to hunt, point, and retrieve. Clients can choose a puppy from their litters and leave it at the kennel for this specialized training. Training can be structured as weekly or monthly board-and-train programs, which include handler training, or as private lessons for more personalized attention.

Pricing Summary

Pricing is available upon request by phone. Reduced rates are offered for boarding multiple dogs or for extended stays. A discount on the first month of training is provided for puppies purchased from Captains Kennels.

Captains Kennels specializes in German Wirehaired Pointers, offering comprehensive services in Western Wisconsin and the Twin Cities Metro Area. They provide gundog training for personal hunters and competition/hunt tests for pointing breeds, alongside obedience training for all breeds.

Beyond training, Captains Kennels offers boarding for all breeds, breeding services for German Wirehaired Pointers, including litters and puppies, and stud services. Their unique advantages include a deep passion for dogs, extensive experience, and a commitment to making each dog’s stay fun and stress-free, with no extra charges for medication administration, playtime, or walk time during boarding.

Their facilities feature heated/air-conditioned indoor kennels, satellite TV, indoor play areas with couches, and escape-proof and chew-proof kennels designed through their own experience. Don, the primary trainer, aims to ensure every dog he trains becomes the best dog an owner has ever had, reflecting his dedication to the breed and training.

Accomplishments

Don, the primary trainer at Captains Kennels, has extensive experience, having transitioned to full-time training after 1992. He has achieved numerous titles with both his personal dogs and client dogs in hunt tests for pointing breeds. The kennel’s history includes obtaining a show championship for their first German Wirehaired Pointer, Eli, “Ch Liebenwaids heartbreaker SH,” with assistance from Liz Dixon in the show ring. Greg Dixon also played a significant role in Don’s development as a trainer, sharing his knowledge and training tips.

How to Get Started!

To get started, clients should call Captains Kennels to inquire about rates and schedule training times. For information on available puppies, clients are advised to contact Don directly.