Bird Dog & Sporting Dog Training Programs

Ready your dog for a strong season

Professional bird dog training for field trial competitors and hunting companions.

Hunting Dog Training Approach

We develop confident, composed, and well-mannered bird dogs.

Successfully training bird dogs for competition or hunting companionship takes significant field time, training resources, and a deep knowledge of what drives hunting dogs. It demands an all-in approach from the trainer over several weeks of daily, multi-environment exposure and bird contacts. In short, it requires a level of expertise and attention the average hunter or handler can’t give. 

That’s why we developed a proven training program for high-potential bird dogs—delivered through experienced and engaging on-site instruction. 

Our Outcomes

Our bird dog training sessions are structured to:

Build Confidence


We develop your dog’s ability to stay composed in exciting moments, whether they’re on the hunt, in the field, or at the vet.

Improve Steadiness


Through multi-environment exposure and daily socialization, we create mannerly dogs who remain responsive in a range of situations and scenarios.

Deepen Adaptability


We give dogs the trust and handler connection needed to go ahead, roam within their range, and excel in hunts or competitions.  

Our Training Specialties

We develop focus on the field

Our graduated bird dogs love people, excel in competitions or on hunts, and are eager to please—in the field and at home.


Upland Hunting Dog Training

Professionally trained bird dogs are safer and more effective in the field. They understand how to follow subtle cues and read their handler, instinctively supporting the hunt with calm field manners.

Our hunting dog training program gives young dogs and new hunting companions the control and skills they need to be efficient in the field and enjoyable at home. By elevating your dog’s natural prey drive, we teach them to align their instincts with your desired behaviors, developing high-performance dogs that work in easy partnership with you. 

Hunting dog training develops your dog’s bird abilities, handling cues, and field manners. It’s ideally suited to sporting breeds four months and older.

Field Trial Training

Field trial competition dogs must be confident, self-aware, and deeply focused. While they can learn a range of skills and behaviors, successful field trialling dogs must possess a level of natural ability which can be built on through targeted training. 

For dogs that show field trial potential, our field trial training program elevates their natural prey drive, improves command responsiveness, and develops the mindset needed for competition. We work on trust-building, agility, socialization, scenario exposure, and steadiness to build a competition-ready dog who is mentally equipped for the challenges of field trials and travel.

Field trial training produces confident, steady, and obedient dogs who thrive in high-energy competition environments. It’s ideally suited for young sporting breeds with competition potential.


Pointing Dog Training


Strong obedience is the starting point for almost every training goal. Before we focus on a single behavior, we build the trust, responsiveness, and self-control your dog needs to succeed in every setting.

Gun Dog Training


Every dog brings a different mix of breed instincts, temperament, drive, and personality. We evaluate each dog individually, then shape their training around who they are, what motivates them, and your goals for their development.

Young Hunting & Field Trial Prospects


Good training takes repetition, consistency, and continued follow-through after your dog goes home. We help build the foundation, then equip you to keep those skills sharp so your dog can enjoy the freedom and trust that come with good behavior.

  • Randy really has a good way with all animals. We have a pointer he trained, it came here full of love and you could tell he spends a lot of time with them. He’s been a joy to trial and hunt with. We love Lucky! I highly recommend Crosscountry Kennels for training.

    — Hope B.

  • Randy's knowledge of dogs is incredible, and his training skills are exceptional. His success in both breeding and field trials speaks volumes about his dedication. I wholeheartedly recommend Randy and Crosscounty Kennels to anyone looking for a skilled trainer.

    — Eric B.

  • Their expertise in training field trial dogs is top-notch. The trainers truly understand what it takes to develop a competitive field trial dog, and their attention to detail is unmatched. If you’re looking for a proven training program, this is the place to go.

    — Jeremy C.

Training Programs

Bird Dog & Sporting Dog TRAINING PROGRAMS

We work with the dog in front of us, developing a training program suited to your goals and built around your dog’s experience, instincts, temperament, and aptitude.

Our training structure and outcomes broadly fall into these categories:

The Process

Ready to enroll your bird dog?

We train a limited number of hunting dogs per year. Follow these steps to learn more about our available sessions and reserve your dog’s spot in an upcoming class.

1

Save a spot


Complete the Reservation Application below to tell us more about your dog and training goals. We’ll follow up by phone or email to talk about rates, trainer availability, and to book your dog’s training experience.


2

Board & Train


We’ll work with you to coordinate pickup or dropoff. Then, during your dog’s boarding and training stay, we’ll handle all care needs while developing their mindset and skills.


3

Lock In Learning


At the end of training, we invite every dog owner to our training facility for a handoff session where we’ll show you their new skills, teach you their commands, and give you a plan to maintain their sharpened skills in the field and at home. 


Start Your Reservation
We Believe

Great dogs are built from the ground up

I’ve been training championship bird dogs since 1980. Over the past 46 years, I’ve earned over 1,000 field trial placements, trained multiple champion dogs, won Dog of the Year honors, and had two dogs inducted into the Field Trial Hall of Fame. 

With each dog I train—champion and house dog alike—I start by getting to know their mindset, temperament, and motivations. I believe there’s no stronger training foundation than connecting with each dog’s innate instincts, building on what’s already in them to help the dog reach their maximum potential. It’s an approach that makes training natural, efficient, and enjoyable for the dog and owner. 

In the end, my goal is to develop excellent dogs their owners are proud to run with.

Reserve a Spot
Our Training Philosophy

Randy Anderson

Owner, Breeder, & Professional Dog Trainer