Private and group training for pointing dog owners in North Carolina.
Whether you want to introduce your young dog to birds and gunfire, prepare for a hunt test or field trial, or get your dog steady, I’ll help you develop the skills you need. I don’t train your dog for you—I teach you how to train and handle your dog.
I’ve trained and competed with my Vizslas at the highest levels in AKC hunt tests, field trials, and NAVHDA, and I’m an AKC hunt test judge. My goal is to make the process approachable for amateur handlers who want to do more with their dogs. I remember what it was like to be new. :)
Book Training
More detailed information about each option further down the page.
Not sure where to start?
Bird Dog Foundations
3-session beginner program — $400
For young or inexperienced pointing dogs who’ve had little to no bird exposure.
Want one-on-one training?
Private Training
One hour – $85
For individualized training and troubleshooting.
Want to train with others?
Group Training
8am–12pm – $75 per dog
Small group sessions with up to four dogs.
Bird Dog Foundations Package
Bird Dog Foundations Package
New to the bird dog world and want to start proper bird and gun exposure with your dog?
This 3-lesson package is designed to introduce your dog to birds, hunting, and field work in a positive, structured way while also teaching you how to work with your dog in the field. Lessons should be completed within 2–3 months. Training will include bird introductions, pigeons and electronic launchers, pointing development, beginning hunting skills, field handling, and gunfire acclimation.
The first session will be one hour in length. The following two sessions will each be 90 minutes long.
By the end of the program, most dogs will be comfortably hunting and pointing birds with a positive association to gunfire, though additional lessons may be recommended depending on the dog. Location will be the Sandhills Pointing Breeds Club in Jackson Springs, NC but I am willing to travel if you have access to another suitable location.
Every session includes:
- Personalized follow-up: After each lesson, you’ll receive a follow-up email summarizing what we worked on.
- Training videos: I’ll take videos during your session and send them to you afterward. Who doesn’t want a video of their dog’s first point?!
- Individualized guidance: When appropriate, I’ll provide additional resources, training recommendations, and homework based on your dog’s progress.
Cost is $400
Private Training
Private Training
Each lesson is a one-hour private session for you and your dog. They are designed to give you clear guidance, hands-on support, and a plan you can continue at home. Locations will vary – I will get in touch with you and we’ll discuss what is best. Sessions with live birds will take place at the Sandhills Pointing Breeds Club in Jackson Springs, NC. Sessions without live birds may take place in the Raleigh, North Carolina area.
Every session includes:
- Personalized follow-up: After each lesson, you’ll receive a follow-up email summarizing what we worked on.
- Training videos: I’ll take videos during your session and send them afterward.
- Individualized guidance: When appropriate, I’ll provide additional resources, training recommendations, and homework based on your dog’s progress.
Cost is $85 per one-hour lesson.
Group Training
Group Training
Group lessons will be held monthly in a supportive, newbie-friendly environment. We will have a max of four dogs. Each dog will be rotated throughout the morning and worked individually. The small group format will allow you to get personalized attention and feedback and also learn from others. My goal is to build camaraderie in the group so you can meet other local owners and potentially train together at other times. If you have more than one dog, please register for one spot for each dog. These are drop-in lessons – you don’t have to come every month.
Location
Sandhills Pointing Breeds Club
3280 Jackson Springs Rd
Jackson Springs, NC 27281
Group Lesson Dates
Sunday, October 18 (3 spots left)
Sunday, November 22
December: TBD
Cost: $75 per dog per session
FAQ
Where do you train?
My primary training location is the Sandhills Pointing Breeds Club, a 100-acre private bird dog training club in Jackson Springs, NC. You may attend up to three lessons as my guest. After three visits, you will need to join the club if you’d like to continue. More information about membership can be found on their website. Training sessions without live birds may take place in the Raleigh, NC area.
What breeds do you train?
I work with all pointing breeds (Vizslas, Setters, Weimaraners, German Shorthaired Pointers, Braccos, etc). If you have a retriever breed, such as a spaniel or Lab, email me for recommendations on other reputable local trainers.
Are birds included in the lessons?
The club has live pigeons which can be used for many dogs. If we use quail for your dog, they will be an additional cost of $5/each, payable the day of the lesson via Venmo or cash.
What do I need to bring?
Bring your dog, some high-value treats, and lots of water for you and your dog. I’ll let you know if anything else specific is needed. If you’re coming to a group lesson, you’ll need a way to contain your dog when they’re not working, like a crate in the car.
What if I have more questions?
Email me at terryann@accidentalbirddog.com or book a short free call to discuss what you are looking for.
My Training Philosophy
My approach to training has been shaped by more than a decade of hands-on experience, continuous learning, and, most importantly, my first bird dog—Zara.
Zara, my 12-year-old Vizsla, started out as a pet. Over time, she became a Master Hunter, a NAVHDA Versatile Champion, and earned multiple placements and wins in AKC field trials. That journey wasn’t straightforward. When I was getting started, I struggled to find clear, effective resources—and I made plenty of mistakes along the way. That experience is exactly why I’m so passionate about helping others navigate the process with more clarity and confidence.
At the core of my philosophy is this: dogs learn best when they understand what’s being asked of them.
I prioritize teaching and shaping behaviors using positive reinforcement first. This allows the dog to truly understand the task without confusion or unnecessary pressure. While this approach can take more time upfront, it builds a strong foundation and results in a dog that is confident, engaged, and genuinely happy to work.
Once a behavior is well understood and the dog is fluent, I may introduce appropriate pressure—such as low-level e-collar stimulation or leash pressure—to reinforce expectations and provide clarity. At that stage, pressure isn’t used to teach, but to communicate and maintain standards the dog already understands.
Much of how I train bird dogs today has been heavily influenced by the Perfection Kennel method, at least in regards to steadiness training. What I value most about this approach is its incremental nature. Skills are introduced step-by-step, ensuring the dog is never asked to make a leap in understanding that they’re not prepared for. A helpful way to think about this is through a school analogy: if a dog is at a “fifth-grade” level in their training, we shouldn’t expect them to perform “college-level” concepts like full steadiness to wing, shot, and fall. Yet this is a common mistake—taking dogs into advanced hunting scenarios before they truly understand foundational behaviors like “whoa.” I have personal experience with that, because it’s exactly how I initially tried to steady Zara, and it didn’t work well.
In addition to Perfection Kennel, I’ve incorporated elements from other respected methods, including aspects of the West/Gibbons/Lindley approach. More recently, I attended a seminar with Nate Czarnota of Iron Oak Dog Company, where I was introduced to the NePoPo system. This method blends reward-based training with clear, consistent pressure, and I’ve found it to be a valuable addition—especially in maintaining motivation and clarity throughout more advanced stages of training.
I’m not set on following one system. I try to understand the dog in front of me and applying thoughtful, fair, and effective training that sets them up for success.
If you ever have questions about how or why I train the way I do, I’m always happy to talk through it.
–Terry Ann