---
title: Started Dog (Gun Dog Term) | Royal Gun Dogs
url: https://royalgundogs.com/glossary/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/)
- [Glossary](https://royalgundogs.com/glossary/)
- Started dog

# Started dog

A started dog knows its basic commands and has retrieved birds on land and water. It is ready to hunt with its owner and keep learning, though it is not yet a finished dog.

The word is common in ads and conversations, yet no governing body defines it. Always ask what the trainer or seller means by it.

## What it usually includes

Most trainers mean a dog with obedience, delivery to hand, simple marks and some comfort around gunfire. It may be learning steadiness and the first handling cues. The details vary, so ask for a list of skills in writing or on video.

## Why it matters for California hunters

Hunters with limited time often prefer to begin with a dog that already has its foundation. A started dog can hunt in its first season and keep developing in the field. The [started dog or puppy](https://royalgundogs.com/guides/started-dog-or-puppy/) guide compares the two routes.

## Started dogs and hunt tests

A started dog is often a good candidate for the Junior level, which the AKC describes as testing a dog's hunting potential. Junior asks for single marks on land and water, and handlers may lightly hold the dog at the line. See [finished dog](https://royalgundogs.com/glossary/finished-dog/) for the end of the path.

### Sources (3)

- American Kennel Club : [akc.org/sports/retrievers/hunting-tests/history/](https://www.akc.org/sports/retrievers/hunting-tests/history/) (checked October 27, 2026)
- American Kennel Club : [akc.org/sports/retrievers/hunting-tests/](https://www.akc.org/sports/retrievers/hunting-tests/) (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

- [Finished dog](https://royalgundogs.com/glossary/finished-dog/)
- [What is a started dog?](https://royalgundogs.com/faq/what-is-a-started-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/)

## Questions owners ask

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

### Is a started dog guaranteed to hunt well?

No dog comes with a guarantee. Ask for a demonstration.