Gundog Nation #027: Standing Stone Kennels - Breeding and Training GSP's
Gundog Nation · Kenneth Witt
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Show Notes
What happens when a Geek Squad technician with an obsessive personality meets a college-educated bird hunter? For Ethan and Kat of Standing Stone Kennels, this unlikely combination sparked a remarkable journey from amateur dog owners to renowned German Shorthair Pointer breeders and trainers.
Their story begins with pure passion. After acquiring their first GSP in 2009, Ethan's meticulous nature took over—watching videos, reading books, working with dogs at every opportunity, even staying unpaid hours at a training facility just to absorb more knowledge. What started as curiosity evolved into opportunity when they moved to Kansas, intending for Ethan to manage grocery stores while training dogs as a hobby. Within months, demand for their training skills transformed their side gig into a thriving full-time business.
What truly sets Standing Stone Kennels apart is their crystal-clear vision: producing "family-oriented versatile hunting companions." Unlike traditional approaches where hunting dogs might be viewed primarily as tools kept in outdoor kennels, Standing Stone prioritizes dogs that excel in both field performance and home life. This philosophy shapes everything from their breeding selections to training methods, creating GSPs that can seamlessly transition from pointing birds to relaxing with family.
The conversation dives deep into the technical aspects of versatile gun dog training, exploring the significant differences between American-bred GSPs and German imports (DKs), socialization practices that create mentally stable dogs, and the critical balance needed between consistency and variety in training. Their insights reveal how thoughtful breeding and proper training create dogs with ideal temperament—high drive in the field with an "off switch" at home.
Ready to apply Standing Stone's methods with your own dog? Visit their YouTube channel for free training videos, check out their comprehensive online courses, or browse their curated selection of training equipment at standingstonesupply.com. Better yet, consider attending one of their in-person seminars to experience their balanced training approach firsthand. Your bird dog—and your family—will thank you.
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