Hank the Tank: From the Michigan Woods to Minnesota
Hank the Tank: Gun Dog Training
A few years ago, Hank arrived at Craney Hill for gun dog training just as we were preparing to head north to Michigan for grouse and woodcock season. His timing couldn’t have been better.
There is something special about getting to know a dog in the woods. The foundation laid in training meets the demands of wild birds, and you begin to see how the dog puts those lessons to work.
Hank made that trip a memorable one. He was a lot of fun to hunt behind, and his approach to thick cover soon earned him a name that stuck. Todd and I started calling him “Hank the Tank” because of the way he busted through everything in the woods. It suited him then, and it still does.
**A note from Minnesota**
Recently, Hank’s owner Chris sent us an update:
“I had a great time hunting in Minnesota with Hank. I just wish my shooting skills were better! Thanks again for all the help with this guy. He loves to go hunting.”
It made us smile. We remember that enthusiasm well.
When a dog comes to us for training, we’re thinking beyond his time here. We’re preparing him for the days he’ll spend with his owner—the work they’ll do together, the understanding they’ll build, and the pleasure of having a hunting companion they know and trust.
That is why we enjoy hearing from owners years later. We get to see where the training has taken them and hear about the days they’re sharing with their dogs.
Thank you for the update, Chris. Todd and I have fond memories of Hank in the Michigan woods. Knowing you’re making more of your own with him in Minnesota means a great deal to us.
To learn more about how we prepare dogs and their owners for the field, explore our Gun Dog Training program.
Training Updates With Purpose
Sending your dog away for training is a commitment, and we believe you should understand how that training is progressing.
Throughout the program, we provide thoughtful, honest updates about the foundation being built, the skills taking shape, the areas that still need time and what comes next in your dog’s development.
Some of the most important progress happens quietly—through repetition, timing, patience and learning to make better choices. We do not rush a dog for the sake of an update or stage training for the camera. We share what the dog is showing us and explain why we are making the decisions we make.
As your dog advances, we also begin preparing you for your part in the process. Private training days and owner instruction help you understand how to handle your dog, maintain the standards and continue the work at home.
**We train the dog, then we train you.**
