Hunt’em Up Kennels

Hunt’em Up Kennels offers three main training programs: the Foundation Program, the Finished Dog Program, and the Trained Retrieve Program. The Foundation Program is their most basic offering, designed to build a solid foundation for a dog to become a great family companion and successful bird dog. This program uses a balanced training approach, focusing on developing natural abilities, building confidence, and teaching basic obedience commands such as HERE, KENNEL, LOAD UP, HEEL, and WHOA. It also includes proper introductions to birds, gun fire, water, and natural retrieving, along with crate training.

The Finished Dog Program is for dogs that have completed the Foundation Program, applying polish and finishing touches. This program is tailored to the owner’s specific goals, whether for upper-level hunt tests, field trials, or simply a more polished hunting dog. It covers advanced heeling, advanced whoa training, advanced honoring, stop-to-flush training, and advanced steadiness training, including steady to wing, steady to wing and shot, or steady to wing, shot, fall and release. This program can also incorporate the Trained Retrieve program and specific waterfowl training if desired.

The Trained Retrieve Program focuses on developing a fast, clean, dependable, and polished retrieve. It teaches the FETCH command, emphasizing a quick, straight-line retrieve, a prompt pick-up, a straight return, and a controlled delivery. Owners are expected to spend a couple of hours at the kennel learning to handle their dog upon pickup, and are also welcome to visit their dog during the training process by appointment.

Hunt’em Up Kennels is a premier destination specializing in exceptional German Shorthaired Pointers (GSPs) and comprehensive gun dog services. Owned and operated by Kaj Larson, the kennel is renowned for breeding and training champion gun dogs that possess a desirable “off-switch,” making them excellent family companions while retaining their exceptional hunting abilities.

The business offers well-bred and proven GSPs, with a commitment to supporting customers long after the sale by being available for questions and concerns. Hunt’em Up Kennels also provides gun dog boarding and training services, focusing on developing a dog’s natural abilities, building confidence, and teaching essential obedience skills to create both an exceptional family companion and a successful bird dog.

Their training includes proper introduction to birds, development of natural pointing instinct and prey drive, and positive experiences with gun fire. They also focus on field handling, water introductions, and natural retrieving ability development. Additionally, Hunt’em Up Kennels sells various dog-related products, including bird dog supplements, all-natural chews, and branded merchandise.

Accomplishments

Kaj Larson, the owner of Hunt’em Up Kennels, is a renowned dog trainer celebrated for producing champion gun dogs with an “off-switch.” His dogs have achieved significant recognition, including winning the prestigious GSPCA Field Dam of the Year in 2021.

The kennel’s dogs have also earned titles as Field Trial Champions, AKC Champions, and UKC Champions. Hunt’em Up Kennels played a pivotal role in breaking the “glass ceiling” for black GSPs, leading to their recognition by the AKC. The business was established in 2011.

How to Get Started!

To begin the journey with Hunt’em Up Kennels, prospective clients are encouraged to contact Kaj Larson directly via phone at (785) 820-6451 or email at kaj@huntemupkennels.com for inquiries. For those interested in acquiring a puppy, the first step is to fill out their puppy application. The kennel is currently accepting deposits for upcoming litters.