Started Dogs
From time to time, we will either have dogs from our breeding or from a partnership with other Breeders. The goal at Pipestar Kennels for a started versatile hunting dog is to create one that has progressed beyond basic puppy obedience and is reliably performing the core field skills expected of an all-purpose gun dog in realistic hunting scenarios. "Started" typically means the dog is 8–18 months old, has 3–6 months of consistent field training, and can be trusted off-leash in the field with minimal handler input. Below is a breakdown of what constitutes a started Versatile Hunting Dog. If you are interested in available started dogs, please click here for details.
Core Pointing
Instinct & Birdiness
(Upland Game)
Bold, independent search: Covers ground efficiently in a 50–100 yard casting pattern, adjusts range to cover/terrain, and hunts objectives (edges, objectives, birdy cover).
Solid point: Locks up on wild or planted birds at 5–30 yards, holds point until handler arrives (30–90+ seconds), even with bird movement or flushing attempts.
Steady to wing: Remains on point through flush (Some started dogs are only steady to wing; full steady-to-fall is a bonus and may be achieved depending on temperament.)
Relocation: Will move forward to re-establish point if bird runs, without breaking.
Waterfowl Retrieve
(Versatile Requirement)
Marked retrieves on land and water: Retrieves thrown or shot ducks/pigeons to shore from 30–75 yards, including swimming retrieves through decoys or light cover.
Delivery to a reasonable distance: Brings bird directly to close proximity of the handler, withing a few steps. (Some started dogs will be trained for delivery to hand if experience and temperament allow. We typically would prefer a season of hunting prior to a full trained retrieve)
Introduction to gun-fire over water: Accepts shotgun blast while swimming or waiting in a blind.
Obedience
& Manners
in the Field
Heel/Here/Whoa off-leash: Responds to voice or whistle commands in distracting environments (birds, gunfire, other dogs).
Quartering on command: Turns on whistle to hunt back toward handler.
Collar-conditioned: Understands e-collar for reinforcement of known commands (not used as a crutch).
Crates quietly, rides in dog box, ignores livestock, and handles multi-dog situations.
Tracking
Basic wounded game recovery: Follows wounded game for short distances (50–100 yards)
Diligent tracking: Works scent line methodically, not just air-scenting.
Exposure & Socialization
Multiple hunting environments: Upland fields, marshes, duck blinds, boat work.
Live gunfire association: No gun-shyness; associates bangs with birds falling.
Waterfowl on water: Introduced to live ducks and will chase a wounded duck on water after a sighted fall.
Wild birds preferred: Has pointed/backed on wild pheasants, quail, or grouse (planted birds alone are insufficient for a true "started" label).
What a Started Versatile Hunting Dog is NOT Yet
Skill
Steady to fall/shot
Honor/back another dog’s point
Blind retrieves (waterfowl)
Force-fetch (formal)
Hunt test titles (NAVHDA UT, AKC JH)
Started
Often not
Developing
Rarely
Sometimes
Possible, not required
Finished
Required
Instant
Expected
Usually
Expected
Upland field: Handler walks 10-acre CRP field. Dog quarters, points 2 planted quail, holds through flush, and goes directly to a shot bird retrieves it to within a few steps.
Water retrieve: Dog sits in blind or at heel, marks thrown duck 50 yards across pond, retrieves through decoys to the shore near the Handler.
Tracking: Follows 75-yard pheasant drag with wing, finds bird in cover.
Search Behind Hobbled Duck: A live duck is rendered flightless and tossed into water near cover and of swimming depth where the dog can see it. The dog should willingly pursue the duck and make an attempt to find it with its nose.
Obedience demo: Heel off-leash, stop on whistle at 40 yards, return on command.
Example Field Test for a Started Dog
If the dog performs all of the above with 80–90% reliability in front of a stranger (trainer/judge), it’s legitimately started.
Breaks point prior to flush
Refuses water or gun-shy
Won’t pick up a shot bird and retrieve to Handler proximity
Requires constant handler direction
Only works planted pen-raised birds
Red Flags (Not Started)
A started Versatile Hunting Dog is a confident, bird-obsessed partner that can hunt with you for a half-day of wild birds tomorrow—finding, pointing, and retrieving—without embarrassing you in front of hunting buddies.
It’s not a finished dog, but it’s well past "puppy with potential." Think of it as a dog ready for NAVHDA Gun Dog Test (GDT) or AKC Senior Hunter with just polishing needed.