Fowl Water Retrievers

When a dog enters the training program, Fowl Water Outdoors starts by evaluating their current knowledge to determine the starting point. All dogs begin with basics unless they have completed a similar program. Basics include lead work, learning to walk at heel, and obeying simple commands. This phase also covers collar conditioning, teaching the dog to work with an e-collar and understand how to avoid pressure.

Once obedience is established, training transitions to force fetch, where dogs learn to hold a bumper and fetch on command. Alongside basics, fieldwork is introduced, exposing dogs to gunfire, birds, dog blinds, bumpers, decoys, duck and goose calls, and water. This comprehensive program prepares dogs for a successful first year of hunting.

After mastering basics, the program advances to pushing development in the field with simulated hunting scenarios, throwing marks in various terrains (land and water) to build confidence, and repeating training to prepare for hunting. Training progresses at the dog’s pace, never faster than their ability. The next stage is transition work, building on basics to teach remote sitting on the whistle and taking directions via hand signals, known as running blinds and handling. This phase is time-intensive and patient, involving more complex fieldwork and teaching dogs to mark multiple birds at increased distances and difficulty. Dogs completing this stage are typically for serious hunters desiring a well-rounded dog capable of retrieving all birds, even unseen ones.

Training is divided into drill work and fieldwork. Drill work involves repetitive training for command mastery, with three formal phases: obedience, collar conditioning, and force-fetch. Fieldwork takes place on training grounds with various setups and has two formal phases: introductions to hunting and marking. Fieldwork teaches dogs to apply learned skills in real-life hunting scenarios, such as retrieving ducks and geese, swimming, and being comfortable with gunfire and in blinds.

Fowl Water Outdoors is a dog training business specializing in waterfowl retriever training, led by owner Brodie Wubben. They aim to train consistent and dependable duck hunting dogs, believing hunting is a way of life rather than just a hobby.

Their training approach provides individual attention tailored to each dog’s personality, strengths, and weaknesses, focusing on real-life hunting scenarios. They also offer hunting leases and 1-day hunt passes, where their professionally trained retrievers can accompany hunters.

A key advantage is their full-service retriever training kennel facility, which features individual 10-foot runs, anti-fight panels for aggressive dogs, and indoor kennel areas to protect dogs from extreme temperatures. They prioritize cleanliness and welcome prospective clients to visit and observe training sessions.

Brodie Wubben, while now focusing on business development and dog placement with other kennels, still operates Fowl Water Outdoors. He leverages his network to help clients find suitable trainers for various dog needs, including high-powered or stubborn dogs. The business also selectively breeds Labrador Retrievers.

Accomplishments

Brodie Wubben, the owner of Fowl Water Outdoors, is described as an entrepreneur with a passion for retrievers and hunting. He has expanded his skill set into real estate, establishing the Land & Development Group under RE/MAX Precision, specializing in hunting and recreational land.

While Brodie is now out of direct training, he maintains a network of dog trainers and kennels, enabling him to place advanced dogs and advise clients on suitable trainers for specific needs. Fowl Water Outdoors states it has trained dogs for all scenarios, including field trial, hunt test, and real-life hunting.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients are encouraged to contact Fowl Water Outdoors by filling out a form to request more information on pricing and dates. They highly recommend talking to the dog trainer and spending a day observing a typical waterfowl training session. This allows owners to understand the business’s methods and helps the trainers determine if the dog owner and their dog are a good fit for the kennel.