Joe McCarl specializes in the development and training of English Setters, Pointers, German Shorthair Pointers, Brittanies and other breeds of pointing dogs for both field trialing and upland bird hunting. Throughout the year, he trains field trial dogs and personal gun dogs on his grounds in westen Pennsylvania.

Hard Driving Kennels takes only a limited number of dogs so each receives the individual attention and time needed to produce the desired results. Joe is experienced at every level of training from starting the steadying process of youngsters to conditioning and sharpening the skills of veteran dogs who will be trialed or hunted. His dogs come through the breaking process maintaining their style and confidence, essential for winning field trials and making every gun dog owner proud. He specializes in the training of grouse and woodcock dogs.

He is also available to work with owners on a one-on-one basis to be sure the dog continues to make progress when it goes home. Consistency is the key to every dog’s training success.

Hard Driving Kennels maintain clean, sanitary kennel facilities. Kennel runs are power-washed twice daily. Dogs are fed Purina Pro Plan Performance and kept at their proper weight. Only healthy dogs can fully benefit from their training. Joe has good relations with local veterinarians should your dog require veterinary care.

If you would like to send your dog to the Canadian prairies later this summer for training on sharptail grouse and Hungarian partridge, please contact Joe for information.

2010 Summer Training Schedule

May through July
Young dogs recieve yard training to develop the necessary foundation that all later training is dependant on. Then comes handling response, whoa breaking and collar conditioning. Dogs are worked on pigeons to begin the steadying process. When the dog shows it’s readiness to be broke, Joe will patiently begin that process on liberated quail.

For novice trainers, one-on-one sessions are available to be sure the dog’s progress continues when it goes back home. It is essential that the owner maintain consistency in handling the dog.

August on Wild Birds
The August training schedule this year includes two weeks in northern New Hampshire to work dogs on grouse and woodcock. For those that are ready, Joe will begin breaking them. If it is their first exposure to wild birds, young dogs benefit from this exposure and a season of hunting grouse and woodcock may be recommended before they are fully broke. Every dog is different. Breaking them prematurely on wild birds can hamper their ability to learn to get birds accurately located and can cause dogs to have numerous unproductive points.

Each individual dog is worked with the objective of bringing it to it’s full potential whether as your personal hunting dog or future field trial champion!

September...More Birds & Conditioning
September training continues work on liberated birds, grouse and woodcock, handling response — all specific to your dogs’ needs. For those getting ready for the October hunting season or field trials, Joe will pay special attention to their conditioning to be sure they are fit, strong and ready to hunt and win!

Training Fees

$500 - (training/boarding) per month (May through July)
$750 - August wild bird training in northern New Hampshire
$50 /per session - One-On-One Training

Please contact Joe to schedule your bird dog's summer training.