Training Membership
A Season long experience for bird dog owners.
Owning a great bird dog starts with great training—and that takes time, consistency, and a thoughtful plan. Our season long membership program is designed for bird dog owners who want to bond with their dog and wander beautiful natural places together. At Annapolis Pointing Dog Co., your dog receives full-spectrum training, field exposure, and hands-on development over the course of a season—all with personalized support and mentorship for you, the owner.
1. In-Home & Behavioral Training
Every great bird dog starts with structure at home. We focus on foundational obedience and developing enjoyable dogs in daily life. Dogs learn how to settle in the home, ride calmly in a vehicle, and respond consistently to voice and gesture cues.
We guide owners through decisions around feeding routines, equipment selection, and household integration—ensuring your dog’s development aligns with your lifestyle from the very beginning. Training sessions are conducted both at our grounds and in the client’s home or field settings, building a dog that’s adaptable and steady in any environment.
To keep the process smooth, we can coordinate flexible pick up and drop off times, schedule and deliver the dog to routine veterinarian appointments, and work with you "when life happens" so your focus stays on bonding and progress, not logistics.
2. Field Training & Conditioning
Our fieldwork is where instincts are sharpened and true hunting potential takes form. Dogs are exposed to wild birds—especially grouse and woodcock—across varied terrain and conditions, developing a nose for upland game and a calm, confident presence in the field.
We run dogs off-leash using GPS collars to build endurance, responsiveness, and handling at a distance. These conditioning runs allow dogs to learn how to cover ground effectively, stay connected to their owner, and develop a natural hunting rhythm.
Bird manners are a top priority, we reinforce these skills through controlled pigeon work and through the pursuit of wild game birds. This isn’t just training—it’s preparation for a lifetime of success on wild birds.
3. owner Coaching & Hunt Prep
Our program isn’t just about the dog—it’s about building a capable, confident owner alongside them. We provide personalized coaching that covers everything from upland hunting strategy to gear prep, so you’re equipped to lead your dog in the field with skill and clarity.
Shotgunning instruction is available for those looking to sharpen their shooting or step into the upland world for the first time. We also help plan and prepare for destination hunts, guiding you through logistics, lodging, and what to expect across different regions and terrain types.
There are no guide fees here—just real-world experience, shared in partnership. Our owner sessions are designed to be flexible, working around your schedule and pace of learning. Whether you want to be hands-on every step of the way or check in at key moments, we tailor the journey to fit you.
This is about building a team—one that thrives in the field, at home, and everywhere in between.
“No one can fully understand the meaning of love unless he's owned a dog. A dog can show you more honest affection with a flick of his tail than a man can gather through a lifetime of handshakes.”
Gene Hill
Training Philosophy:
The goal is to develop dogs that are not just hunters but enjoyable companions in the home.
Training begins as early as 9 weeks to start building foundational skills and exposure to the worlds.
APDC guides the process from the very beginning of a dog’s journey.
Training Format:
Training sessions are held in the client’s home and in a variety of environments to support real-world socialization and adaptability.
The program focuses on building well-rounded dogs who are loving companions in the home and confident in the field.
“Expect more wild bird contacts in this one season than most dogs see in their lifetime.”
Membership Dues
A Small Investment for A Million Dollar Dog.
This is a bespoke, all-inclusive program designed to give your dog a true dream season—one that builds a capable bird dog and a trusted companion. For $1,200/month, this journey includes full-spectrum training in the home and in the field, travel-based wild bird experiences, and one-on-one mentorship for the owner. APDC prefers to source dogs for clients but will consider dogs brought in by owners. From upland conditioning runs to fall hunting destinations, every step is guided with purpose.
The Annapolis Pointing Dog Co. 2025-2026 Training Schedule
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The season begins with onboarding and initial assessments. Early training emphasizes foundation work—obedience, household manners, handling, and controlled bird exposure. As dogs settle into the routine, we begin introducing them to equipment, structure, and short trips that simulate real hunting scenarios.
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With dogs growing stronger and more focused, training intensifies. We work locally and regionally, refining field manners and expanding each dog’s confidence. Travel prep begins during this time, both for the dogs and their owners. Conditioning runs, bird drills, and planning for the fall take priority as the heat sets in.
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As birds start to move, so do we. This is when the real upland experience begins. Dogs are introduced to new terrain, wild bird contact increases, and travel becomes a key component of the journey. Select destination hunts and scouting trips take place throughout the early fall window.
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With woodcock and grouse seasons in full swing, the schedule includes both local and out-of-state travel. We focus on reinforcing steadiness, refining teamwork between dog and owner, and capturing critical field experience before winter sets in.
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As conditions allow, we continue to pursue birds in the south and mid-Atlantic. Off-season drills and home conditioning keep dogs sharp. This phase often includes reflective training moments and targeted work based on the dog’s unique needs.
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The season closes with the return of migrating birds and a final opportunity to apply everything learned. By mid-March, training slows down in respect for nesting seasons. At this point, the journey concludes—and your bird dog steps into the role they were bred and built for.
MEET YOUR Trainer
Ira Strouse
Annapolis Pointing Dog Co. Trainer
Trainer. Guide. Veteran. Dog-Lover for Life.
Ira Strouse is the founder of Annapolis Pointing Dog Company—a business shaped by a lifetime spent in wild places, with good dogs and good people. His journey through the uplands, service as a veteran, and mentorship under renowned trainers has led to a bespoke program rooted in patience, purpose, and presence.
At APDC, Ira doesn’t just train dogs—he partners with families to raise bird dogs the right way. His patient approach blends structure at home with adventure in the field, preparing dogs to become both reliable companions and driven hunters. Owners are invited to walk alongside the process, gaining skills, insight, and memories along the way.
With certifications as a Registered Maine Guide, New York State Guide, and a German Jagdschein holder, Ira brings deep expertise to every training day. But more than that, he brings a mindset: this isn’t just about producing a polished dog—it’s about honoring the bond between dog and owner, and the journey they share.