Formal Gun Dog Training for pointing dogs

Pointing dogs follow their own path at Royal Gun Dogs. After a pup's Puppy Camp, Richard likes owners to take the dog hunting until it is over a year old, then bring it back for formal whoa work once its bird-finding ability is a little more solid. Formal Gun Dog Training is that second visit.

The program at a glance

Richard's own figures, as of October 2026.

Whoa work, founded on obedience

Whoa is the command that stops a pointing dog and holds it there, and Richard's formal whoa work is founded on obedience. The program includes obedience, e-collar conditioning and whoa work.

Richard has trained pointers and other upland breeds since 2013, when he worked under Steve Klassen at Blue Ridge Kennels, and he is an avid upland hunter himself.

Why wait until the dog is over a year old

Richard's advice is to let a young pointer hunt first. After Puppy Camp, he likes owners to take the dog hunting until it is over a year old, then bring it back for formal whoa work once its bird-finding ability is a little more solid.

Birds and booking

The rate is $325 a week plus birds. Drop-off Wednesday to Saturday is preferred, and Richard likes dogs on the books a month out, with six weeks recommended. See the board-and-train page for how stays work, and lessons if you want to learn the commands your dog is learning. The training birds guide explains California's general rules on pen-raised birds.