Steady On Point

Steady On Point offers intensive, custom training programs for hunting dogs, starting with young puppies learning to manage birds by triggering natural pointing instincts. Training progresses to steadiness to flush and shot, controlled retrieves, and honoring other dogs’ points. Programs include 2–4 week board-and-train options, with optional owner participation through hands-on seminars. Seminars cover advanced techniques like electronic collar use, force-fetching, and field navigation. All training is personally conducted by Alan Ott, with ongoing video and photo updates provided to owners.

Pricing Summary

Pricing is not publicly listed; clients are encouraged to contact directly for custom program quotes based on dog type, training goals, and duration. Board-and-train programs include bi-weekly updates and 24/7 access to the trainer.

Policies

Training is limited to a small number of dogs per month to ensure individual attention. Owners have 24/7 phone access to the trainer. No explicit cancellation or rescheduling policy is stated, but communication is emphasized as a core value.

Steady On Point is a professional dog training business based in Woodstock, IL, specializing in hunting dog training for all breeds, with a focus on bird dogs such as Pointers, Setters, Brittanys, and Labs. They use custom training programs tailored to each dog’s personality, drive, and temperament, emphasizing natural instincts and low-pressure methods to build confidence. Their signature approach, described as “putting a steering wheel on them,” involves using hand signals, electronic collars, and minimal voice commands to teach birds to point, stay steady to flush and shot, and retrieve. They offer board-and-train services, hands-on training seminars for owners, and puppy placement with a rigorous home-matching process. Alan Ott personally trains every dog, provides 24/7 owner access, and sends bi-weekly video and photo updates. They also raise and sell AKC-registered Brittany puppies and started dogs from their own line-bred stock. Their facility includes indoor heated training spaces and outdoor kennels, ensuring year-round training regardless of weather.

They encourage owner involvement through seminars that teach communication, range control, steadiness to gunshots, honoring points, and force-fetching. Their training philosophy rejects one-size-fits-all methods, prioritizing individualized attention with limited dogs trained per month to ensure quality. They also provide 24/7 veterinary support and field first-aid guidance for hunting partners.

In addition to training, they offer puppy applications, video references from past clients, and educational blog posts on topics like Lyme prevention and early puppy development.

Accomplishments

Alan Ott has been training bird dogs for 12 years and raises AKC-registered Brittany puppies with line-bred traits for drive, temperament, and trainability. Their dogs have earned AKC Junior and Senior Hunt Test titles. They provide video references and testimonials from clients whose dogs have successfully completed NAVHDA Natural Ability Tests and hunting outings.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients should contact Steady On Point via phone or email to discuss their dog’s needs. For puppy purchases, a detailed application must be completed and submitted. For training, an initial consultation is arranged to assess the dog’s temperament and goals before designing a custom program.