directory/hunting
Blue Collar Bird Dogs
MT
•Blue Collar Bird Dogs operates outside Great Falls in Cascade County, North Central Montana. Alan brings over a decade of hands-on experience training hunting dogs at two of Oregon's most prestigious hunting lodges. Carri's background as a vet tech and horse ranch upbringing gives the operation the ...
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Blue Collar Bird Dogs operates outside Great Falls in Cascade County, North Central Montana. Alan brings over a decade of hands-on experience training hunting dogs at two of Oregon's most prestigious hunting lodges. Carri's background as a vet tech and horse ranch upbringing gives the operation the knowledge base to handle individual animal needs—especially the special cases and behavioral issues that require real skill.
They started the business in 2020 and expanded in 2023 when Alan and Carri partnered up. The combination worked: they now run a full training facility plus boarding operation across 34 acres.
They don't accept unlimited dogs each season. That's intentional. Real development takes time and attention, and they limit intake to give every dog what it actually needs.
- •Live birds and open fields. That's their foundation. The dogs train in the environment they'll hunt in—not in a yard.
| Program | Length | Monthly Cost | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Hunting | ~4 weeks | $1,500 | General obedience, bird introduction, gunfire (pups 5+ months) |
| Pointing Program | 3-4 months | $1,500 | E-collar conditioning, pointing, retrieving, steady to shot, quartering |
| Flushing Program | 3-4 months | $1,500 | Whistle quartering, retrieving, hand signals, sit to flush |
| Conditioning | 1 month | $1,500 | Off-season fitness and skill review before hunting season |
Each program focuses on what the dog needs to do. Introduction to Hunting is for pups over 5 months or adult dogs new to hunting. Pointing Program produces finished pointers that work the gun properly. Flushing Program develops flushing dogs with whistle control and reliable retrieves. Conditioning keeps trained dogs sharp between seasons.
Payment: First month due at drop-off. Subsequent months due the first of each month. You deliver and pick up your dog, though they can arrange transport in the Great Falls area (50-mile radius, $50 each way).
"He's really a bundle of energy and responding very well to his training, much more so than I would have expected. Thank you again for all you did." — Joe S.
They specialize in English Pointers and Cocker Spaniels—two of the most effective bird dog breeds. They frequently have: - New pups from top pedigrees - Starter yearlings (young dogs with foundation training) - Experienced, fully trained adult dogs ready to hunt
Contact Alan at (406) 403-9422 for availability and details on available dogs.
34 acres. Insulated kennels. Large fenced outdoor runs. Fresh air and space for actual exercise—not just penning. They board all breeds but prefer mid-size to large dogs.
| Option | Price |
|---|---|
| Short-term boarding | $50/night per dog |
| Two dogs, shared kennel | $75/night |
| Long-term monthly | $1,500/dog |
| Two dogs monthly | $2,000 |
| Local pickup/drop-off | $50 each way (within 50 miles) |
They'll work with local vets if your dog needs medical care. All dogs must show proof of current vaccinations (Parvo, Bordetella, Rabies) before boarding.
"I don't like to leave my dogs when I take trips, but Carri was great! She responded quickly and was very accommodating. We received photos and updates so we knew how the dogs were doing which was very comforting." — Amanda L
During training, they give regular progress reports. During boarding, you get updates and photos. They treat every dog like it's their own—which is why special needs and behavior issues aren't problems, they're just part of the work.
Contact: - Training inquiries: Alan at (406) 403-9422 - Boarding inquiries: Carri at (574) 999-0241 - Email: [email protected] - Location: Great Falls, Montana (Cascade County)