---
title: What Is a Started Dog? | Royal Gun Dogs
url: https://royalgundogs.com/faq/what-is-a-started-dog/
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/)
- What is a started dog?

# What is a started dog?

A started dog has completed its foundation training and basic field work but still needs polish before it is a finished hunting partner. Trainers use the term loosely, so ask Richard what it means for your dog.

No official body defines a started dog, so the label varies from trainer to trainer. Think of it as the middle step between a puppy learning the basics and a dog that handles complex hunting situations.

## Typical skills

That list is a general picture, not Richard's program. His own [Basic Waterfowl Program](https://royalgundogs.com/programs/basic-waterfowl/) is described on its page, and he sets the specifics for each dog.

- Sit, stay, come and heel on command
- Retrieving marks to hand, on land and water
- Comfort around gunfire and birds
- The beginnings of steadiness and basic handling

## Started versus finished

A [finished dog](https://royalgundogs.com/glossary/finished-dog/) handles blind retrieves, multiple marks and difficult conditions with polish. The AKC describes its Master level as being for the truly finished and experienced hunting companion. A started dog is partway there, with the foundation in place and the polish still ahead.

Trainers, breeders and sellers all use the word a little differently, which is why a written or filmed list of what the dog can do beats the label alone.

## Which to choose

If you want to hunt this season with a dog that has a foundation, a started dog fits. The guide on [started dog or puppy](https://royalgundogs.com/guides/started-dog-or-puppy/) weighs the two choices.

### Sources (2)

- American Kennel Club : [akc.org/sports/retrievers/hunting-tests/history/](https://www.akc.org/sports/retrievers/hunting-tests/history/) (checked October 27, 2026)
- Hastings Island Hunting Preserve : [hihp.com/royal-gun-dogs-dog-training/](https://hihp.com/royal-gun-dogs-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

- [Started dog](https://royalgundogs.com/glossary/started-dog/)
- [Finished dog](https://royalgundogs.com/glossary/finished-dog/)
- [Basic Waterfowl Program](https://royalgundogs.com/programs/basic-waterfowl/)
- [Started dog or puppy: which fits you?](https://royalgundogs.com/guides/started-dog-or-puppy/)

## Related questions

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

### Does a started dog need more training?

Usually yes. Practice and hunting experience polish it. Richard can advise on next steps.

### Is a started dog the same as a trained dog?

Not quite. Ask what a seller or trainer includes.