How to Build a Better Gun Dog From Day One | Dan Ihrke

Professional dog trainer Dan Ihrke of Gun Dog Success joins the Upduck Podcast to talk puppy training, Puppy Foundations, steadiness, positive reinforcement, pressure, and building a better gun dog.

Dan breaks down common mistakes amateur trainers make with young retrievers, why success and confidence matter, and how to simplify training when things fall apart. He also explains who the Puppy Foundations program is built for and how it helps prepare duck dogs, upland dogs, and hunt test retrievers for formal training, hunting season, and life in the field.

Whether you’re bringing home your first puppy or trying to do things better with your next gun dog, this episode is packed with practical retriever training advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices