Windsong Kennel LLC

Windsong Kennel offers intensive training programs where dogs typically stay for an average of two months for full training, particularly for retrievers and Upland work. They also offer partial training for a few weeks, allowing owners to continue at home and return for further training as needed.

Each week’s stay includes two individual 20-minute training sessions per day for 5 days, daily socializing and playground visits with other dogs, and video recordings of each training session sent to the customer. Feeding is provided based on customer instructions, and weekend visits are welcomed.

A typical day involves morning routines, kennel cleaning, and feeding. Training dogs begin their lessons after morning routines, with obedience training often starting in a large fenced-in yard. Sessions last about 20 minutes, utilizing the Gentle Leader, and focus on commands like HERE, HEEL, SIT, and WHOA for pointing dogs. Field-trained dogs spend time individually and in groups learning to seek birds, acclimate to gun noise, and retrieve, with steps sequenced based on the dog’s readiness.

Pricing Summary

Training, boarding, and feeding are included at a rate of $490 per week. The average stay for a fully trained retriever or for Upland training is approximately two months. Additional charges include a one-time $25 fee for the Gentle Leader and a nominal charge for purchased birds used in gun training. The duration of training is based on the dog’s ability to comprehend the methods and the extent of the customer’s training goals.

Windsong Kennel LLC, founded by John Faigh, is a dog training business located in Elkhart, IN, specializing in behavioral and field training for dogs. John, with over 30 years of experience, focuses on training hunting dogs for Upland and Retriever work, as well as general obedience.

The kennel offers a unique training environment, including a 60-acre space with a small pond for field training, located five minutes from the main facility. They limit training to 4 dogs per month to ensure adequate individual attention and one-on-one care.

Training sessions are videoed and sent to customers, allowing them to track their dog’s progress and learning style. Windsong Kennel also provides boarding services and previously offered grooming and dog breeding. They emphasize a gentle positive reinforcement method in their training approach.

Accomplishments

John Faigh has over 30 years of experience owning and training dogs, including English Setters, Pointers, Brittanys, and Labradors. He was mentored by his uncle and other local dog trainers from a young age.

John competed in AKC Hunt tests for retrievers and pointing breeds, which furthered his training education through seminars with professionals. He also attended a Dog Behavior Seminar at Cornell University and pursued additional courses and readings on dog behavior. Windsong Dog Training is recognized as one of the top facilities in the Mid West for training hunting dogs.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients are encouraged to contact John to discuss their dog and training goals. Contact can be made via email or phone.