Gun Dog Training Suggestions

Upland Training for Spaniels

Todd and Lil hunting wild pheasants in Kansas.

How can I train my spaniel for bird hunting?

Training a spaniel for bird hunting starts long before you ever step foot in a field. The best hunting dogs aren’t created through a single drill or shortcut—they’re developed through consistent foundations, confidence-building, and real bird exposure. At Craney Hill Kennel, we follow a proven progression that works for spaniels of all ages and natural abilities.

1. Build a solid relationship first

A spaniel that trusts you will hunt with you.

Before any fieldwork, focus on:

Daily engagement and calm handling
Basic obedience (come, sit/stay, heel)
Consistency at home and in the yard

This relationship becomes the backbone of everything you’ll do in the field.

2. Develop natural abilities the right way

Good spaniels already have the desire—your job is to shape it.
Early development should include:

Introduction to different cover
Controlled freedom so the dog learns to use its nose
Short, successful retrieves on land and water

You’re not “teaching drive”—you’re teaching them how to use it.

3. Introduce birds properly

Real birds make real bird dogs.
Start with:

Live or freshly killed birds (quail, pigeons, pheasants or chukar)
Short sessions to keep confidence high
Letting the dog learn scent, movement, and flush pressure

This is where hunting instincts turn into hunting skills.

4. Condition the flush, shot, and retrieve

A dependable spaniel must:

Hunt within gun range
Flush with intensity
Sit to the flush/shot
Mark and retrieve cleanly

These skills come from structured, progressive drills—not rushing steps or skipping foundations.

5. Add gun conditioning slowly

Gun-shyness is preventable.
We pair gunfire with:

High excitement
Birds in the air
Proper distance and timing

The dog should associate the gun with success, not fear.

6. Transition to real hunting environments

Field training becomes true bird hunting when you expose the dog to:

Wild birds
Variable weather
Different types of cover
Changing scent conditions

Spaniels excel when they’re given opportunities to think and adapt.

Do I need professional training?

Many owners start foundational work at home, but a seasoned trainer can dramatically improve timing, handling, and steadiness—especially with a high-drive spaniel. At Craney Hill Kennel, we train both dogs and owners so you can confidently hunt together for years.

Bottom Line

A great hunting spaniel isn’t rushed—it’s developed. With patience, the right progression, and the proper exposure to birds, your dog can become a reliable partner in the field anywhere in the U.S.

"Train the dog, build the bond, trust the process."

👉 Fix the mistakes. Build a better hunting dog.

Consistency beats intensity. Even light training a few times a week will keep your dog sharp and progressing toward your goals. Hunting season is never long enough enough—what you do now matters.

We help build the dog you can trust in the field.

Shaping a Spaniel That Hunts With You, Not Just for You!

A trained dog is only as ready as the human behind the leash. Go prepared.