enjoy the outdoors again - together
Hunting Buddies
A Predation Substitute Training Course
Does your dog’s prey drive make being outdoors stressful or even unsafe? This is the program for you! Dogs naturally love to hunt - it’s what we bred them to do for hundreds of years!
If you’ve tried suppressing their urge to hunt or distracting them with less appealing activities, there’s a reason these options aren’t our dogs’ first choice.
Taught by a certified Predation Substitute Training instructor, Hunting Buddies is a holistic program that teaches you about why your dog loves to hunt so much and how you can teach them to love hunting with you, rather than leaving you in the dust to chase a bunny. Become your dog’s favorite hunting buddy and explore nature safely - together!
What is Predation Substitute Training?
Predation Substitute Training (PST) is a method designed to show your dog that paying attention to you when wildlife is near doesn’t end the fun! Through effective management, training games, and understanding your dog’s behaviors, you can help them learn not to chase and instead look to you to continue exploring together.
Training formats for every schedule
Group Class
Want to learn to call off the chase in a fun, social environment? Check out our group class option!
COST: Six week series for $180
Just like our other group classes, these groups are limited to a maximum of six participants so we can answer questions and give individualized help.
PLEASE NOTE: This may not be the best option for dogs experiencing reactivity, anxiety, or other behavior issues. Please see below for our one-on-one option or meet with our behavior consultant to create a training plan to address other concerns.
Private Lesson Package
If you’re juggling schedules and/or managing a dog who also is fearful of new spaces or other dogs, we have a private training package to fit your needs.
COST: A package of five private training sessions for a one time fee of $600, to be used within 6 months of purchase.
This training method is holistic - our certified predation substitute training instructor will evaluate each dog’s individual history, breed characteristics, daily routines, and individual motivators to design a program tailored to your dog & your life.
This is not a hands-off service in which the trainer can teach the dog all the necessary skills without you involved - you will learn which methods to use in which circumstances, and build a relationship with your dog to help them make safer choices around wildlife. Successful application of this technique requires your understanding, commitment, and continued practice.
RANGE: Travel is included for in-person sessions within a 20 mile radius of our North Madison office. Contact us if you are outside of this range as we can often meet somewhere within the range.
Refresher Course
Both of these options - group classes & private training packages - can be supplemented once completed with our “tune up” package if you feel like you need a little refresher at any point!
COST: One time fee of $250 to be used within four months of purchase
Our Tune-Up package is 2 in-person (within range, see above) private sessions focused on your individual goals for you and your dog.
Practice the skills you’ve worked on with the instructor for active feedback to improve your handling and application of this method.
Field Trips
Once you’ve completed a group class or private training, it can help to just get out and practice your skills with others who have the same goals and support each other along the way. These outings are structured ways to practice with your dog in the real world.
Info & schedule is forthcoming. Check back soon!
*As with any of our training services, behavior is fluid and we cannot guarantee results. This structure is the general outline for this service but just like us, every dog is an individual and has their own challenges. We will work towards the goal of dogs putting less stress on wildlife, but that will look different for every dog & human team.
Emma Cross,
Predation Substitute Training - Certified Instructor
With an undergraduate degree in conservation and environmental studies, a lifelong love of the outdoors, and a love of hounds and sporting breed dogs, Predation Substitute Training is the nexus of all of Emma’s interests. Let her share with you her passion for getting outside with your high-drive dog and meeting their needs all while respecting nature and wildlife.
With a German Shorthaired Pointer and Coonhound/Mountain Cur mix at home, Emma has been where you are! Predation Substitute Training isn’t about suppressing your dog’s natural talents, it’s about harnessing them and working together.
Calmer, safer walks in nature are possible - let us help!
