Save these dates:
2023 Training Days at Cobb Lake will be March 25th, April 29th, May 27th, June 24th, and July 29th. Registration info will come out later in the year.
Surefire Kennels Training Nights: “Break the Barriers….Train for 5’s”, Feb 10, Feb 24, Mar 10, Mar 24, Apr 21, May 5, and July 14 from 6-8pm.
Jackson Creek Kennels: Natural Ability Field and Track, May 6, June 3rd, and Aug 5th from 8am-12pm.
You must be a paid RMC-NAVHDA and NAVHDA International member to register and attend training days. Please register for membership first, as an account for the website will need to be created in order to register for a training day.
We are excited to announce some upcoming training opportunities for the chapter. Please read through all of the guidelines that are outlined. It is important that we stay safe as we begin training in larger groups again.
- For all sessions, we require all puppies to have received all of their puppy vaccinations (recommend 4 month+ of age) prior to attending this training night.
- No youth at the Surefire Kennel or Jackson Creek Kennel training days. If youth attend the Saturday training days at Cobb SWA, they must stay with their parent the whole day. Unfortunately, children can not remain unsupervised in the parking lot.
- There will be structured events for youth at the Cobb Lake training days. Please note that there is a separate registration link for youth to participate in the youth events.
- Masks are at each handler’s discretion. We are going to highly advise everyone to be cognizant of the 6-foot social distancing guideline and set up your training plans in your group accordingly.
- Training at both Surefire and Jackson Creek Kennels will be conducted in a clinic style format. Our goal is to educate handlers so they can work on these components in their individual training and have an understanding of how to address issues and challenges the dog presents them with. All dogs will be asked to remain in vehicles until we are ready for them. Please bring adequate means to contain and keep your dog cool (crate, fan, open window ventilation, water etc.) Sessions are open to all handlers regardless of the level of your dog.
- Saturday Training Days at Cobb will be open for all levels of dogs and handlers.
Surefire Kennels Training Nights
Break the Barriers….Train for 5’s
Feb 10, Feb 24, Mar 10, Mar 24, Apr 21, May 5, and July 14 from 6-8pm
In order to achieve greatness, the foundation must be strong. These 4 stand-alone training nights will delve into some key fundamental skill sets needed in a versatile hunting companion. Puppies learning new tasks for the first time, intermediate-level dogs looking to advance these skills, or dogs at the most advanced level looking to challenge and deepen the teamwork relationship. We will discuss troubleshooting and common mistakes at each stage of teaching. Whether you have been coming to Surefire training nights since the beginning or haven’t brought your puppy home yet, there is knowledge to be gained at every level.
Training nights will be held indoors. Please plan to dress warmly and bring a folding chair. February and March training nights will be conducted in a clinic-style format. Sessions are open to all handlers regardless of the level of your dog. All attendees will be required to sign a liability waiver prior to attending. Additionally, we require all puppies to have received all of their puppy vaccinations (recommend 4 month+ of age) prior to attending these events. All dogs will be asked to remain in vehicles until we are ready for them. Dogs must remain on leash at all times.
For more information, please contact Sara Heesacker or Pete Corso.
What to bring:
Training days will be held rain or shine, so come prepared with appropriate clothing, bug spray, sunscreen, drinks, snacks, etc. The fields can be wet, so consider bringing waterproof boots and rain gear. Folding chairs, and a tarp or pop-up shelter are good additions to provide shade for you and your dog.
Bring plenty of water for your dog, along with whatever training gear you use. You’ll need a leash, check cord, e-collar, whistle, bird bag, and a bird crate (if you want/need to bring birds home). The Chapter has some equipment available like retrieving bumpers, training table, blinds and decoys, heeling stakes, duck wingers, and bird launchers. A crate or stake-out is recommended to keep your dog quiet and comfortable while waiting for its turn in the field. Check out the new Hunting Dog Essentials guide to help you find or recognize the items you will need for training your dog.
For more information, please contact Pete Corso.
For a map and directions to Cobb Lake SWA, click on the map below:
Registration for training events will only be available for 1 week . Registration opens at 1:00am on the Wednesday of the week prior and closes at 8:00pm of the Wednesday immediately preceding the training day. For example, if the training event is scheduled for Feb. 12th, registration will open on Wednesday, 2/3 at 1:00am and will close on Wednesday, 2/10 at 8:00pm. Only 1 month at a time will be shown below for registrations. Please do not show up without registering first.
If you sign up for an event that requires payment for bird purchases and you do not show up at the event, no refund will be given. There is significant time and energy put into preparing for these events and last minute no shows will be considered a donation to the chapter. The spot you registered for could have gone to a chapter member that was available to come so please be considerate.
Please use the links below to register for the next upcoming training event. You must be logged in to register. Also, be aware that some events, such as Cobb SWA and Jackson Creek Kennel, have very limited registrations.
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