Dog Training at the Chapter

Dog training has long been part of the Chapter’s outdoor traditions, reflecting both our commitment to conservation and the role well-trained dogs play in responsible hunting and wildlife management. On designated fields, members and guests have the opportunity to work with their dogs in a safe, controlled environment that respects both the animals and the land. Training sessions often focus on basic obedience, retrieving, and field skills, helping dogs develop the discipline and responsiveness needed for upland game or waterfowl hunting.

The Chapter also provides a venue for organizations such as the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association (NAVHDA) Potomac Chapter, which holds training days and events on our grounds. These gatherings bring together experienced handlers, new dog owners, and a variety of breeds to practice everything from steadiness in the field to tracking and swimming exercises. For many, these days are as much about fellowship and learning from one another as they are about training the dogs themselves.

Beyond hunting applications, training at the Chapter emphasizes the bond between handler and dog. Working together outdoors builds trust, patience, and understanding, whether the goal is competition, hunting, or simply strengthening the relationship. Just walking your dog around the Chapter grounds, open fields, wooded edges, and ponds, provides a diverse training environment that is difficult to replicate elsewhere.

By offering space and structure for dog training, the Chapter connects traditions of hunting and conservation with modern practices of responsible ownership. It is yet another way our grounds serve as a living classroom, where people and animals alike can learn, grow, and enjoy the outdoors.