Willow Creek Kennels & Hunting

Willow Creek Kennels & Hunting operates a progressive dog training facility established in 2000 by Chad Hines and his wife Tracy. Located at 22545 195th Avenue, Little Falls, MN, the kennel sits on 266 acres featuring ruffed grouse and pheasant habitat ideal for developing hunting dogs.

The property combines young aspen tree lines, agricultural fields, and multiple small ponds and streams—creating the exact terrain conditions your dog will encounter in the field.

Develop whoa, here, heel, and kennel commands using positive reinforcement, collar conditioning, and proven methods. Trainers work dogs through intensive bird exposure to build bird sense and honoring.

Exposure to high numbers of quality birds develops bird sense quickly. Dogs learn range through positive reinforcement and collar conditioning, understanding how to work cover efficiently.

Live winged mallards are released into small ponds on the property. Dogs develop prey drive, learn to track wounded game in cattails, and understand how ducks behave in water.

Willow Creek breeds German Shorthairs selected for: - Early development and intelligence - Natural bird drive and bird sense - Prey drive and natural retrieve ability - Natural honor and calm temperament - Cooperative nature ideal for families

All breeding dogs are proven through extensive training, guiding, and wild bird hunting before selection. Puppies are fully guaranteed and excel at both upland and waterfowl hunting.

• •All prices include: Food, boarding, birds, tick preventative, heartworm preventative.

• •Expert trainers with thousands of dogs trained and 60+ Master Hunter titles earned
• •Year-round operation with staff on-site caring for dogs every day of the week
• •Abundant bird availability through intensive land management—grouse, woodcock, pheasant, quail, Hungarian partridge, pigeons, and ducks
• •Positive reinforcement focus creates higher cooperation from dogs
• •Efficient processes allow trainers to advance dogs faster than competitors
• •Knowledge transfer included—trainers teach you how to handle and continue training
• •Biosecure kennels provide safe rest areas during intensive training

Willow Creek produces training videos covering: - Basic puppy obedience and crate training - Target training and clicker training with positive reinforcement - Teaching "whoa" and steadiness - Bumper work and retrieving drills - Water retrieves from blinds - Gunfire conditioning and introduction - Hunt test preparation

These serve as reference materials after your dog returns home, allowing owners to replicate trainers' methods and body movements.

Chad maintains a small beagle pack for rabbit hunting. Past litters available from documented bloodlines (Branko's genetics from Canada). Currently not accepting deposits for future litters.

• •From Minneapolis/St. Cloud: 2-3 hours south via Highway 10 and Highway 371

• •From Brainerd: Approximately 20 miles north on Highway 371

• •Address: 22545 195th Avenue, Little Falls, MN

Detailed turn-by-turn directions available from north (Highway 371), north (Highway 10), or south routes.

Willow Creek focuses on innovative and positive training methods while breeding versatile German Shorthairs that excel on land and water. The operation prioritizes positive reinforcement, wellness, environmental management, and integrity in all operations.

"We want to provide the very best value for dogs and their people. Through a constant search for talented German Shorthairs, the most efficient dog training methods, and the intensive management of our fields and water, we provide a quality experience for you and your dog."