Training
Pipestar Kennels proudly supports the do-it-yourself tradition at the heart of NAVHDA. We encourage handlers to engage fully with local chapter training days, clinics, and tests to build skills in search, pointing, tracking, obedience, steadiness, retrieving, and more.
We encourage this hands-on approach because it builds a deeper bond between you and your dog while developing the skills needed for successful hunting and testing. Whether you're working on Natural Ability basics like pointing and tracking, advancing toward Utility steadiness and blind retrieves, or simply refining everyday obedience and field manners, chapter involvement provides invaluable real-world practice, mentorship, and exposure to a diverse range of birds, terrain, and scenarios.
For additional tips for a successful NAVHDA experience, click here.
Our programs can serve as a valuable supplement—providing expert guidance, focused sessions on challenging areas, and handler involvement—so you can make the most of your chapter community while advancing your versatile hunting dog efficiently and enjoyably.
Whether you choose the DIY approach or just want someone to help with any aspect of your hunting dog’s development, check out our training options below.
Flexible Training Options
Pipestar Kennels offers flexible training options designed to fit your schedule, location, and goals for developing a top-tier versatile hunting dog.
One-on-One Training
Scheduled sessions with you as the active handler, perfect for building your skills together while addressing obedience, pointing, tracking, steadiness, or test preparation.
Sessions are tailored to meet you and your dog’s needs and typically last from 45 to 90 minutes and include discussions about next steps and coaching.
Small Group Training
For those working on similar skills, we can combine groups for a more cost conscious option. Typically groups of 2-5 at a time are ideal depending on what we are working on.
Sessions are tailored to meet the group’s needs and typically last from 1.5 to 2.5 hours and include discussions about next steps and coaching.
Drop & Train Program
Depending on our kennel occupancy, we will take on some short-term training assignments that could include half day or short term boarding to get some intensive training objectives completed.
Board & Train Program
Consistent daily training that accelerates progress through repetition and focused field work in diverse conditions.
Boarding
Depending on kennel occupancy, we will take on short-term boarding. Dogs will get daily interaction and exercise while you are away.
NAVHDA Testing
Pipestar Kennels is equipped to handle and prepare dogs at every level of NAVHDA testing. From young NA prospects learning their first points and tracks, to dogs polishing for the Utility Test, and even advanced dogs aiming for higher honors—we provide the structured training, realistic test simulations, and handling needed for success.
NAVHDA-Hunting Focused Training
At Pipestar Kennels, our training program's primary focus is to develop versatile hunting dogs for HUNTING. Even if not preparing for NAVHDA Testing, we use the principles of the NAVHDA Testing system as it was created to measure the development of complete hunting dogs. We will tailor our training program to your goals, which may or may not include the following:
Young Natural Ability (NA) Development:
Pointing instinct, bold independent search, tracking, nose work, and early bird exposure.General Obedience:
Heel/whoa/here off-leash, sit/stay, down/stay, recall, crate manners, and collar-conditioned responses.Obedience-Based Utility Training:
Steadiness to wing and shot, trained retrieve (formerly called force fetch), marked and blind retrieves (land & water), advanced tracking, water work, and full cooperation under pressure.