Who We Are

Lockhard Bird Dog Training Center is a training center for bird hunters and their dogs. We train all breeds of retrievers and pointers.

We are located in Sullivan, Ohio and are open for business! We are not boarding dogs for training, but we offer "Train the Trainer" sessions where we train you to train your dog. Visit us on-site for a personal training session with trainer Gary. He'll demonstrate how to turn your bird dog into a hunting fool. You can email or call us for more info: 419-512-3745.

Training Philosophy

We help to bring out your dog's natural instinct to hunt, the natural desire in your dog to hunt birds, and teach you to control your dog at the right time. With your dog under control, you and those around you will have better enjjoyment of your hunting outings.

Understanding that dogs mature at different rates, we introduce skills when they're ready for them. We also believe in bringing out the natural style of each dog, rather than making them conform to a certain standard.

We believe in non-stressful situations. Each training session ends on a positive note. E-collars are used for reinforcement of commands, not punishment, and as an extension of the leash. We use gentle discipline in a non-harsh environment.

Training your dog without an e-collar is optional and by request, however, training will take a bit longer, so plan accordingly.

Obedience + Desire

We help to bring out the natural desire in your dog, and then instill the obedience needed to control your dog in intense situations. We teach basic field and whistle commands, introduce the e-collar, and expose them to lots of birds. Every dog matures at a different rate. Your dog's level of excitement and desire will set the pace of learning.

Our GSPs

our 4 GSPs are often used as training examples when you visit us for on-site training. Click for big and more (3 photos)

We have 4 German Shorthaired Pointers of our own: Buster (Lockhard's namesake, Sir Buster Lockhard) is 10, Miss Millie is 8, Miss Maude is 4 and our newest and most rambunctious addition, Lockhard's Ohio Buckeye, is 2.

Bird Dog Heaven

We miss Toby! His last hunt made his Daddy proud! Click for big and more (6 photos).

419-512-3745

Interested in Training?

Train the Trainer sessions are by appointment only. Please email or call us at 419-512-3745 to set up a convenient time for you.

Located in beautiful Northeast Ohio on 15 acres with an acre pond, we have pasture with long grass for your dog and groomed paths for you. Sullivan, Ohio is 58 miles southwest of Cleveland, 96 miles northeast of Columbus, and 40 miles west of Akron.

Trainer Gary

Gary Stampfli learned to appreciate the instinct, desire, and discipline of bird dogs when he was 10, living in Susanville, CA, and hunting with his Dad. He has always had a dog for upland and waterfowl hunting. Working with pointers and retrievers over the past 9 years has taught him to listen and trust their instincts to help them become awesome bird dogs.

There's no better way to spend the day than with man's best friend. Click for big and more (6 photos).