Welcome to Standing Stone Kennels! We have three dogs, Thunder, Doc, and Trix, running NAVHDA Utility Tests this season, and we're breaking down the exact training plan for each one over the next ten weeks.Thunder is a Utility Prize 1 dog qualified for this year's Invitational. His main issue is duck search confidence. He pops, checks in, and runs the shore instead of expanding independently. We're using lining drills, duck launchers, and heavy salting to build his independence before his September run.Doc has a similar confidence hang-up in the duck search. His prep mirrors Thunder's, with an emphasis on challenging field work and duck work twice a week. He's targeting a Prize 1 at the June test.Trix is a titled Master Hunter who has never run Utility, and for good reason. Her issue is unique: she finds ducks, but won't retrieve them independently when we can't influence her. The plan is high-volume marking drills with dead ducks to condition the same retrieve expectation she has with every other bird.We also cover: how to structure weekly training schedules, when to run mock test days, the "train hard, test easy" principle and where it gets misconstrued, why ducks and quail cause the most retrieving problems, and how much field work experienced dogs actually need.If you're prepping a dog for their first utility test or trying to requalify, this episode gives you a real-world blueprint.Chapters0:00 Intro — Three Dogs, One Test Season1:28 Meet Thunder, Doc, and Trix3:12 Thunder's Duck Search Hang-Up: Popping and Checking In7:48 How Thunder's Invitational Prep Affects His Utility Training12:31 Building Independent Duck Search Confidence15:21 Using Duck Launchers to Build Confidence in the Water17:42 Heavy Salting — What It Is and When to Use It19:21 Reviewing the Training Pond and Setup28:21 Thunder's Weekly Training Schedule Breakdown35:39 Field Work: Quality Over Quantity38:51 Train Hard, Test Easy — and Where It Gets Misconstrued43:29 Running Mock Test Days: How and When45:44 Doc — His Hang-Ups and Training Approach54:08 Doc's Plan: Similar Path, Slightly Different Wrinkles58:59 Trix — Her Story and the Duck Retrieve Problem1:00:06 Trix's Ten-Week Plan: High-Volume Duck Marking Drills1:05:15 Conditioning the Right Response When You Can't See Your Dog1:09:04 What Makes Trix Special in the Field1:11:56 Wrapping Up — Three Dogs, Three Plans, One GoalSend Us Mail5919 W Pleasant Valley RdPretty Prairie, KS 67570LinksStep-By-Step Dog Training Course: https://www.standingstonesupply.com/coursesJoin our Patreon Community - https://bit.ly/SSK-PatreonOur Store - https://bit.ly/SSK-StoreSocial MediaFacebook: www.facebook.com/StandingStoneKennelsInstagram: www.instagram.com/standingstonekennels/Website: www.standingstonekennels.comEthan and Kat Pippitt are the proud owners of Standing Stone Kennels. They breed German Shorthaired pointers and train all types of dogs for the hunt and the home. Their training strategies are easy to follow and are flexible to meet the needs of individual dogs. They are avid outdoorsmen and when they aren't training dogs they spend their free time hunting all kinds of game across the United States.We use affiliate links to help support the channel. If you would like to support Standing Stone content we appreciate you using the links in the description of this video.Subscribe to our channel here: http://bit.ly/2Dyy9DW

Welcome to Standing Stone Kennels! In this episode, we break down the most recent NAVHDA Utility Test held at Alta Soul Ranch, running three dogs (Doc, Thunder, and East) through every phase of the scorecard. East made history with a Utility Prize I and completed his Master Hunter title in Texas the same weekend. Thunder posted a near-perfect 200 Prize II with fours across the board, held back only by duck search. Doc had one of his most unusual testing days on record.We walk through the full utility scorecard structure, including duck search indexing, multipliers, field search, steadiness phases, remain by blind, drag, and water work, and we explain what each score means for prize eligibility. We also get into the practical training lessons: the marble theory of handling at tests, how time and distance erode control, why duck search independence is the hardest skill to build, and how handler decisions in the moment can be the difference between a Prize I and a Prize II.If you're training for NAVHDA Utility or just want to understand what it takes to compete at the highest level, this episode is packed with real field insight from a trainer who has put dogs over 200 points in Utility.Chapters0:00 Intro & East's Big Announcement1:40 Breaking Down the Utility Scorecard8:20 Doc's Test Recap — Duck Search Score & Weird Day29:00 Remain by Blind Explained & Doc's Handling Situation33:00 The Marble Theory — Time, Distance & Eroding Control45:00 Thunder's Test Recap — 200 Prize II With One Issue55:00 East's Test Recap — Utility Prize I & 201 Score57:00 Duck Retrieve Decision-Making in the Moment1:01:00 Training Plans Going Forward & Closing ThoughtsSend Us Mail5919 W Pleasant Valley RdPretty Prairie, KS 67570LinksStep-By-Step Dog Training Course: https://www.standingstonesupply.com/coursesJoin our Patreon Community - https://bit.ly/SSK-PatreonOur Store - https://bit.ly/SSK-StoreSocial MediaFacebook: www.facebook.com/StandingStoneKennelsInstagram: www.instagram.com/standingstonekennels/Website: www.standingstonekennels.comEthan and Kat Pippitt are the proud owners of Standing Stone Kennels. They breed German Shorthaired pointers and train all types of dogs for the hunt and the home. Their training strategies are easy to follow and are flexible to meet the needs of individual dogs. They are avid outdoorsmen and when they aren't training dogs they spend their free time hunting all kinds of game across the United States.We use affiliate links to help support the channel. If you would like to support Standing Stone content, we appreciate you using the links in the description of this video.Subscribe to our channel here: http://bit.ly/2Dyy9DW

Welcome to Standing Stone Kennels! We're sitting down with the El Tesoro crew for a full season recap. We're covering everything from wild quail numbers and dog performance to some genuinely wild stories from the field. We break down what the Cocker Spaniels and German Shorthairs did well, where they fell short, and what's on the training agenda heading into the off-season.Topics include:0:00 Intro & Season Overview1:17 How the Season Differed from Years Past2:50 Wild Quail Conditions and Bird Movement4:30 Cocker Spaniel Breakdown: Trip, Dorothy, Hatchet, Bella6:40 Retrieving Problems: Switching, Diversion Birds, and Shopping9:00 E-Collar Jump Settings for Multi-Dog Handling11:30 Field Handling and Heel Consistency Near Birds17:00 Steadiness and Chase Issues at the Ranch23:00 Breeding Discussion: Trip x Bella Cross28:00 Balance vs. Drive: What We're Looking For in a Litter32:00 Trip's Eye Injuries — A Wild Story from the Field39:30 Dog Goggles and Eye Protection (Rex Specs)44:00 Dorothy's Bird-in-a-Tree Moment47:00 Naming the New Cocker Puppy (Comment Below!)48:30 Short Hair Season Breakdown50:00 Flushing Anticipation and Steadiness Observations54:00 Vale's Improved Natural Backing55:30 Decompression Debate: Does It Help or Hurt?59:00 Wild Quail Numbers: 70 Coveys Moved1:03:00 Young Dog String vs. the Geriatric Crew1:06:00 Spring Training Goals: Hand Signals, Utility Prep, and Riot1:09:14 OutroWe also talk through a scary recurring eye injury with one of the Cockers, the debut of three new GSPs at the ranch, a Dorothy highlight reel moment, and what dogs are being prepped for utility testing and NAVHDA this spring.If you're training a versatile bird dog, a flushing spaniel, or building a breeding program, this one covers a lot of ground.Send Us Mail5919 W Pleasant Valley RdPretty Prairie, KS 67570LinksStep-By-Step Dog Training Course: https://www.standingstonesupply.com/coursesJoin our Patreon Community - https://bit.ly/SSK-PatreonOur Store - https://bit.ly/SSK-StoreSocial MediaFacebook: www.facebook.com/StandingStoneKennelsInstagram: www.instagram.com/standingstonekennels/Website: www.standingstonekennels.comEthan and Kat Pippitt are the proud owners of Standing Stone Kennels. They breed German Shorthaired pointers and train all types of dogs for the hunt and the home. Their training strategies are easy to follow and are flexible to meet the needs of individual dogs. They are avid outdoorsmen and when they aren't training dogs they spend their free time hunting all kinds of game across the United States.We use affiliate links to help support the channel. If you would like to support Standing Stone content we appreciate you using the links in the description of this video.Subscribe to our channel here: http://bit.ly/2Dyy9DW

Welcome to Standing Stone Kennels! In this episode of the Standing Stone Podcast, Ethan sits down with Tessa, the kennel's full-time trainer and puppy development specialist, to break down exactly what puppy development looks like from day one through six months old.Whether you're bringing home your first German Shorthaired Pointer or your fifth, this conversation is packed with real-world insight from someone who has raised and trained multiple puppies and works with dogs seven days a week.Topics covered in this episode:0:00 Introduction — Puppy Development with Tessa2:07 The 1-to-1 Ratio and Why It Matters for Puppy Raising4:13 Overnight Crate Training and Potty Training at Night7:02 How Long Does Potty Training Actually Take?11:41 Breaking Bad Habits vs. Building Good Ones13:54 When to Start Clicker Training (Day One)19:07 The 12–16 Week Developmental Shift22:30 Collar Conditioning and What Changes at 16 Weeks25:23 Adventures, Socialization, and Public Outings27:31 Tessa's #1 Pro Tip for Taking Puppies in Public29:03 It's Not Your Right to Pet Every Dog33:41 What Dogs Should Know Before Coming to the Kennel at 6 Months34:41 Puppy You Raised vs. New Dog at 6 Months — Compare and Contrast37:34 "Learning to Learn" — What It Means and Why It Matters43:26 Tethering as a Bonding and Settling Tool45:26 Does Raising from 8 Weeks Make a Difference?50:00 Wrap-Up and What's Coming Next for TessaIf you're working through puppy development at home and want step-by-step guidance, check out our Versatile Dog or Retriever online training courses, or join our dog training community on Patreon for personalized support.Send Us Mail5919 W Pleasant Valley RdPretty Prairie, KS 67570LinksStep-By-Step Dog Training Course: https://www.standingstonesupply.com/coursesJoin our Patreon Community - https://bit.ly/SSK-PatreonOur Store - https://bit.ly/SSK-StoreSocial MediaFacebook: www.facebook.com/StandingStoneKennelsInstagram: www.instagram.com/standingstonekennels/Website: www.standingstonekennels.comEthan and Kat Pippitt are the proud owners of Standing Stone Kennels. They breed German Shorthaired pointers and train all types of dogs for the hunt and the home. Their training strategies are easy to follow and are flexible to meet the needs of individual dogs. They are avid outdoorsmen and when they aren't training dogs they spend their free time hunting all kinds of game across the United States.We use affiliate links to help support the channel. If you would like to support Standing Stone content we appreciate you using the links in the description of this video.Subscribe to our channel here: http://bit.ly/2Dyy9DW

Welcome to Standing Stone Kennels! Rave just turned 16 weeks old, and in this episode, we break down everything that happened from the day she came home to right now, and why she's already ready for e-collar conditioning.We walk you through the exact training framework we use with every puppy: Obedience Goals, Developmental Goals, and Complementary Goals, the same structure built into our Step-By-Step Dog Training Course. You'll see how we applied it with Rave, where we modified it, and what real progress looks like week by week with a high-drive German Shorthaired Pointer.Chapters:00:00 Introduction & Rave's 16-Week Update01:04 How the Online Course Framework Works02:29 Three Training Goal Categories Explained04:13 Setting Up New Puppy Owners for Success05:58 Week 1: Charging the Clicker & Earning Resources07:44 Why Dogs Must Learn to Earn Everything10:07 Tough Love Approach & Healthy Puppies12:26 Proper Feeding for Large Breed Dogs13:01 Why Free Feeding Ruins Hunting Dogs on the Road17:38 How to Handle a Dog That Eats Too Fast18:31 Back to Rave: Working Through Week 119:44 Crate Training vs. Exercise Pens20:47 Car Rides as Developmental Training21:12 Overnight Crating & UTI Watch22:09 How Many Hours a Day Should a Puppy Be Crated?25:14 Weeks 2–3: Teaching Sit, Stand, Place & Targeting26:12 Why We Use a Clicker Instead of Verbal Praise28:24 Shaping Behaviors Before Adding a Cue31:54 Building Momentum: One Behavior at a Time33:17 Week 4: Cue Differentiation35:41 Nail Trims, Appropriate Play & Puppy Biting41:10 Tug of War for Bird Dogs — Why & How44:07 Weeks 5–8: Generalizing Behaviors in New Environments49:19 Appropriate Play With Adult Dogs53:24 Weeks 5–8 Continued: Collar Conditioning Prep54:11 Positive vs. Negative Reinforcement Explained Simply56:00 Vibrate vs. Stimulation: Which to Use First01:00:23 Rave's Progress at 16 Weeks01:03:45 Fast Developers vs. Slow Developers — Both Are Fine01:07:14 Is 16 Weeks Too Early for the E-Collar?01:11:19 Common E-Collar Conditioning Mistakes to Avoid01:13:26 What's Next: Recall or Place Training First?01:15:25 Wrap-Up & Course OverviewWhether you have a versatile hunting dog, retriever, or family pet, this breakdown gives you a real look at how to raise a well-trained dog from day one.Our Step-By-Step Dog Training Courses: standingstonekennels.comJoin our Patreon Dog Training Community: patreon.com/standingstonekennelsReach out for a 1-on-1 consulting call - https://calendly.com/standingstonekennels/trainingvideoconsultSend Us Mail5919 W Pleasant Valley RdPretty Prairie, KS 67570LinksStep-By-Step Dog Training Course: https://www.standingstonesupply.com/coursesJoin our Patreon Community - https://bit.ly/SSK-PatreonOur Store - https://bit.ly/SSK-StoreSocial MediaFacebook: www.facebook.com/StandingStoneKennelsInstagram: www.instagram.com/standingstonekennels/Website: www.standingstonekennels.comEthan and Kat Pippitt are the proud owners of Standing Stone Kennels. They breed German Shorthaired pointers and train all types of dogs for the hunt and the home. Their training strategies are easy to follow and are flexible to meet the needs of individual dogs. They are avid outdoorsmen and when they aren't training dogs they spend their free time hunting all kinds of game across the United States.We use affiliate links to help support the channel. If you would like to support Standing Stone content we appreciate you using the links in the description of this video.Subscribe to our channel here: http://bit.ly/2Dyy9DW

Reach out for a 1-on-1 consulting call - https://calendly.com/standingstonekennels/trainingvideoconsult

Welcome to Standing Stone Kennels! In this in-depth Q&A episode, Ethan answers real dog training questions covering puppy training mistakes, crate training problems, separation anxiety, bird dog development, trained retrieve, gunfire introduction, and hunting dog obedience.Learn why your dog may not truly understand commands like “place” or “kennel,” how to fix treat dependency, and how to properly generalize training for real-world reliability. We also break down crate training for anxious puppies, adult dogs peeing in crates, and how to transition dogs to independence step by step.For bird dog owners and upland hunters, this episode covers:Training a GSP around backyard chickensFixing chewing and poor delivery on birdsProperly introducing gunfirePreventing bad mouth habits from tennis ballsUsing tug correctly in retrieve developmentStopping rabbit chasing (off-game correction)Training older hunting dogsWhether you’re raising a German Shorthaired Pointer, Labrador Retriever, flushing dog, or versatile hunting dog, this episode delivers practical, proven training advice you can apply immediately.If you’re serious about building a reliable family companion and capable hunting partner, this is a must-watch.Send Us Mail5919 W Pleasant Valley RdPretty Prairie, KS 67570LinksStep-By-Step Dog Training Course: https://www.standingstonesupply.com/coursesJoin our Patreon Community - https://bit.ly/SSK-PatreonOur Store - https://bit.ly/SSK-StoreSocial MediaFacebook: www.facebook.com/StandingStoneKennelsInstagram: www.instagram.com/standingstonekennels/Website: www.standingstonekennels.comEthan and Kat Pippitt are the proud owners of Standing Stone Kennels. They breed German Shorthaired pointers and train all types of dogs for the hunt and the home. Their training strategies are easy to follow and are flexible to meet the needs of individual dogs. They are avid outdoorsmen and when they aren't training dogs they spend their free time hunting all kinds of game across the United States.We use affiliate links to help support the channel. If you would like to support Standing Stone content we appreciate you using the links in the description of this video.Subscribe to our channel here: http://bit.ly/2Dyy9DW

Welcome to Standing Stone Kennels! What does it really take to develop a young bird dog for high-level wild quail hunting?In this episode, we take a group of developing German Shorthaired Pointers to South Texas for real wild bobwhite quail exposure as part of the El Tesoro program. These young dogs have already hunted sharptail grouse, prairie chickens, and pheasants in the Dakotas; now it’s time to test them on quail in thick thorn country.Over three days, the dogs:- Navigate heavy brush, cactus, and roller-chopped terrain- Adjust from cold northern temps to warm Texas conditions- Hunt both on foot and from the quail rig- Learn to handle running coveys- Practice backing and steady behavior- Build independence without relying on older dogsWe break down each dog’s performance, total coveys found (20 in 3 days), conditioning, pad toughness, and which dogs are progressing toward steady to wing, shot, and fall expectations for 2026.If you're training a young hunting dog or developing a versatile hunting dog for wild birds, this episode explains how real-world exposure builds finished dogs.Send Us Mail5919 W Pleasant Valley RdPretty Prairie, KS 67570LinksStep-By-Step Dog Training Course: https://www.standingstonesupply.com/coursesJoin our Patreon Community - https://bit.ly/SSK-PatreonOur Store - https://bit.ly/SSK-StoreSocial MediaFacebook: www.facebook.com/StandingStoneKennelsInstagram: www.instagram.com/standingstonekennels/Website: www.standingstonekennels.comEthan and Kat Pippitt are the proud owners of Standing Stone Kennels. They breed German Shorthaired pointers and train all types of dogs for the hunt and the home. Their training strategies are easy to follow and are flexible to meet the needs of individual dogs. They are avid outdoorsmen and when they aren't training dogs they spend their free time hunting all kinds of game across the United States.We use affiliate links to help support the channel. If you would like to support Standing Stone content we appreciate you using the links in the description of this video.Subscribe to our channel here: http://bit.ly/2Dyy9DW

Welcome to Standing Stone Kennels! Struggling with puppy crate training, potty training accidents, or nighttime wakeups? In this Q&A episode, Kat answers real questions from puppy owners about crate training, retrieve drive, clicker training, breeding decisions, and whelping management.You’ll learn:- How often an 8-week-old puppy should go out at night- Why crate size matters for potty training- Whether using an older dog increases retrieve drive- How to build food motivation for clicker training- Best bottle feeding practices for newborn puppies- Whether mom dogs should eat placentas- Ideal check cord length for recall training- Where to place your puppy’s crate (quiet room vs. living area)If you’re raising a German Shorthaired Pointer, Labrador, versatile hunting dog, or any high-drive working breed, this episode will help you avoid common puppy training mistakes and build strong foundations early.Have a question? Drop it in the comments for a future Q&A episode.For more structured guidance, check out our online puppy training courses designed for hunting dogs and family companions. https://www.standingstonekennels.com/coursesSend Us Mail5919 W Pleasant Valley RdPretty Prairie, KS 67570LinksStep-By-Step Dog Training Course: https://www.standingstonesupply.com/coursesJoin our Patreon Community - https://bit.ly/SSK-PatreonOur Store - https://bit.ly/SSK-StoreSocial MediaFacebook: www.facebook.com/StandingStoneKennelsInstagram: www.instagram.com/standingstonekennels/Website: www.standingstonekennels.comEthan and Kat Pippitt are the proud owners of Standing Stone Kennels. They breed German Shorthaired pointers and train all types of dogs for the hunt and the home. Their training strategies are easy to follow and are flexible to meet the needs of individual dogs. They are avid outdoorsmen and when they aren't training dogs they spend their free time hunting all kinds of game across the United States.We use affiliate links to help support the channel. If you would like to support Standing Stone content we appreciate you using the links in the description of this video.Subscribe to our channel here: http://bit.ly/2Dyy9DW