Sarahsetter Kennels

Mark Fulmer offers the S.P.E.N.D. program for puppies, an intensive 12-week developmental training program beginning at birth. It includes prenatal care, early neurological stimulation, clicker training starting at 7 weeks, field exposure to live quail, lead walking, and command acquisition. For adult dogs, training is individualized, daily, and focused on hunting performance, obedience, and behavior rehabilitation. Training is conducted at the facility with hands-on owner involvement.

Pricing Summary

Pricing details are not publicly listed; clients are encouraged to contact Mark directly for custom training packages based on program intensity and duration.

Policies

No specific cancellation or rescheduling policies are stated on the website.

Sarahsetter Kennels, founded by Mark Fulmer in 1991, is a specialized dog training facility focused on raising and training high-performance bird dogs using positive reinforcement and behavioral science. Mark uses clicker training, which he has employed since 1985, and advanced methods involving Tri-Tronics collars as teaching tools—not punishment devices. His signature S.P.E.N.D. (Sarahsetter’s Progressive Early Natural Development) program begins with prenatal care for the mother, early neurological stimulation for newborns, and intensive socialization and training from 7 to 12 weeks of age. Puppies learn commands like “here,” “kennel,” “place” (whoa), and heel, and are exposed to live quail in the field by 12 weeks. Mark limits the number of dogs he trains to ensure individualized daily training and steady progress. He also breeds and sells puppies with this program, emphasizing genetic potential identified early in life. His approach is tailored for sporting breeds, especially pointing dogs and Boykins, and he works with dogs that have been abused or require rehabilitation.

Mark offers hands-on training for dog owners, guiding them in hunting techniques, quail management, controlled burning, and plant identification. He is known for his calm, patient, and positive demeanor, and his methods are especially effective for sensitive breeds like Bracchi Italiani that respond poorly to harsh corrections. His training is conducted at his facility in Aiken, SC, and he emphasizes natural, science-backed methods rooted in canine behavior and development.

In addition to training, Sarahsetter Kennels breeds and sells puppies, provides boarding, and operates as a kennel. Mark’s work has earned him long-term client relationships and deep respect in the sporting dog community.

Accomplishments

Mark Fulmer pioneered the use of clicker training in pointing dog kennels since 1985 and developed the S.P.E.N.D. program, which is recognized as unparalleled in the sporting dog world. He has trained dogs for over 30 years and is known for identifying innate hunting ability in puppies as young as 12 weeks, enabling selective breeding for consistent high-performance offspring.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients should contact Mark Fulmer directly via phone or email to schedule an evaluation, discuss training goals, and inquire about puppy availability or training slots. Training is by appointment only and limited to a small number of dogs to ensure individual attention.