---
title: Hunting Dog and Family Pet | Royal Gun Dogs
url: https://royalgundogs.com/faq/hunting-dog-and-family-pet/
business: Royal Gun Dogs
trainer: Richard Gebhart (professional gun dog trainer since 2002)
phone: (530) 341-4496
email: royalgundogs@yahoo.com
trains_at: Hastings Island Hunting Preserve, 7758 Hastings Island Rd, Rio Vista, CA 94571 (Solano County)
booking: call or text Richard directly
---

- [Home](https://royalgundogs.com/)
- [FAQ](https://royalgundogs.com/faq/)
- Can my dog hunt and still be a family pet?

# Can my dog hunt and still be a family pet?

Yes. Many gun dogs live in the house and hunt on weekends, and Richard has trained everything from top-level competition dogs to everyday hunting dogs and home companions. The key is a dog that is calm indoors and focused in the field.

A dog bred to work does not turn into a stranger at home. What helps is clear rules about when it is working and when it is relaxing, and training that teaches both.

## Two modes, one dog

A well-trained retriever learns that the line, the blind or the field means work and the living room means rest. Skills such as [line manners](https://royalgundogs.com/glossary/line-manners/) and steadiness help in both settings, because they teach the dog to wait for a cue.

Richard's philosophy is balance: encourage the hunting drive and desire, and add the team player attitude that makes an exceptional hunting partner. That attitude carries into the house.

## What owners can do

The [calm dog in the duck blind guide](https://royalgundogs.com/guides/calm-dog-in-the-duck-blind/) shows how calm is trained, not just hoped for.

- Give daily exercise so the dog settles indoors
- Keep cues consistent between family members
- Use the same release word for work and play
- Save retrieving games for set times

## Talk to Richard about your home

Tell him about kids, other pets and how often you hunt. He can suggest a plan that fits a pet that hunts as easily as a dog with competition goals.

### Sources (2)

- Hastings Island Hunting Preserve : [hihp.com/royal-gun-dogs-dog-training/](https://hihp.com/royal-gun-dogs-dog-training/) (checked October 27, 2026)
- Hastings Island Hunting Preserve : [hihp.com/dog-training/](https://hihp.com/dog-training/) (checked October 27, 2026)

### Your trainer

Richard Gebhart has trained dogs professionally since 2002, learned the Rex Carr method for Retriever Basics under Billy Sargenti, and has run and qualified at an AKC Master National.

[Meet Richard](https://royalgundogs.com/richard-gebhart/)

### Related

- [Training a duck dog to be calm in the blind](https://royalgundogs.com/guides/calm-dog-in-the-duck-blind/)
- [Basic Waterfowl Program](https://royalgundogs.com/programs/basic-waterfowl/)
- [Will I learn to handle my own dog?](https://royalgundogs.com/faq/owner-handler-training/)
- [Line manners](https://royalgundogs.com/glossary/line-manners/)

## Related questions

[All questions](https://royalgundogs.com/faq/)

### Will training make my dog less friendly?

Balanced training is meant to build a dog that works with you. Ask Richard how he approaches it.