Expert Hunting Dog Training Services
in Scottsdale, AZ with LunaRita Outfitters
We offer dog training for Hunting/Sporting dogs as well as family pets throughout March till September.
If you’re in the Scottsdale area and looking for top-tier gun dog training services, LunaRita Outfitters brings decades of upland hunting and training expertise right to your doorstep. Whether you’re raising a young pup, refining obedience, or preparing for quail hunts, our comprehensive training programs offer flexible options to get your dog hunt-ready.
Why Scottsdale + LunaRita Outfitters is a Great Fit
Convenient access from metro Phoenix/Scottsdale — Though LRO’s headquarters and principal field operations are in Southern Arizona, their dog training services are available broadly, making Scottsdale a practical base or meeting point for dog owners in Central Arizona.
Proven expertise and heritage — The founder and lead trainer has over 25 years of Arizona hunting experience; the company built its reputation through wild-bird hunts, training gun dogs, and mastering Arizona upland country.
Flexible training formats — Whether you want to train at your own pace or through structured, intensive programs, LRO offers multiple paths including day-training, board & train, wild-bird exposure, and member-access preserves.
What Training Services LRO Offers
On the “Hunting Dog Training” page, LRO describes four main program types:
- Day Training — One-on-one sessions tailored to refine obedience or field skills. Great if you prefer hands-on progress while keeping your dog at home.
Board & Train — Your dog stays at LRO’s facility and undergoes 4 days/week field & obedience training; includes conditioning, bird exposure, socialization with other dogs. Ideal for busy owners who want intensive training without dedicating their own time daily.
Wild Bird Exposure Program — After basic training, you can opt to have your dog trained on real wild birds (quail, etc.), working with experienced guides and seasoned hunting dogs. This is key for converting obedience or field-trial dogs into practical upland hunters.
DIY Training Preserve Memberships — For owners who prefer hands-on involvement: gain access to a private preserve with habitat-like terrain, training gear, and live birds. Use launchers, check cords, blind setups — all provided by LRO; you just need to bring your shotgun and ammunitions.
LunaRita accepts many gun- and sport-dog breeds: pointers (German Shorthair, English, wires, setters, Brittanies), retrievers (Labrador, Chesapeake Bay, Golden), spaniels (Springer, Boykin), and versatile / continental pointing breeds (Vizsla, Weimaraner, Griffon, Deutsch Kurzhaar, etc.)
What Training Services LRO Offers
On the “Hunting Dog Training” page, LRO describes four main program types:
Day Training — One-on-one sessions tailored to refine obedience or field skills. Great if you prefer hands-on progress while keeping your dog at home.
Board & Train — Your dog stays at LRO’s facility and undergoes 4 days/week field & obedience training; includes conditioning, bird exposure, socialization with other dogs. Ideal for busy owners who want intensive training without dedicating their own time daily.
Wild Bird Exposure Program — After basic training, you can opt to have your dog trained on real wild birds (quail, etc.), working with experienced guides and seasoned hunting dogs. This is key for converting obedience or field-trial dogs into practical upland hunters.
DIY Training Preserve Memberships — For owners who prefer hands-on involvement: gain access to a private preserve with habitat-like terrain, training gear, and live birds. Use launchers, check cords, blind setups — all provided by LRO; you just need to bring your shotgun and ammunitions. LunaRita Outfitters+1
LunaRita accepts many gun- and sport-dog breeds: pointers (German Shorthair, English, wires, setters, Brittanies), retrievers (Labrador, Chesapeake Bay, Golden), spaniels (Springer, Boykin), and versatile / continental pointing breeds (Vizsla, Weimaraner, Griffon, Deutsch Kurzhaar, etc.)
What Makes LRO’s Training Stand Out
Behavior-based, flexible training methods — LRO uses both operant and classical conditioning; depending on handler preference and dog needs, training can involve reward-based clicker work, slip or pinch collars, or e-collars. This flexibility allows customizing approach based on temperament and desired outcomes.
Real-world conditions, not trial-only work — The preserve training grounds are designed to mimic natural upland habitat: mixes of open grassland, brushy washes, and wooded draws similar to quail country. This prepares dogs for real hunting, not just controlled drills.
Live-bird and retrieve work available — LRO offers live birds (homing pigeons, feral pigeons, bobwhite quail, chukar) for realistic training. They also supply necessary gear: launchers, check cords, blank pistols, and more.
Small-group attention and limited enrollment — For example, board & train accepts only up to 6 dogs per session. This ensures quality training, individualized attention, and avoids overcrowded kennels.
Off-season availability (March–September) — Perfect for dog owners who want to prepare their gun dogs before hunting seasons begin.
Who This Is Good For
New dog owners — Just acquired a pointing or retrieving pup and want to build a strong foundation of obedience, exposure, and hunting prep before the first season.
Busy professionals — If you don’t have time for daily training, board & train offers immersive, structured development without demanding your schedule.
Hunters prepping for the field — Want a hunting-ready dog with wild-bird exposure (quail, chukar, etc.) to hunt over reliably — this is one of the best ways to get there.
Experienced handlers wanting specialized training — From basic obedience refresh, to advanced field work, to exposure on live birds, LRO gives handlers full control over program intensity and pacing.
Who This Is Good For
New dog owners — Just acquired a pointing or retrieving pup and want to build a strong foundation of obedience, exposure, and hunting prep before the first season.
Busy professionals — If you don’t have time for daily training, board & train offers immersive, structured development without demanding your schedule.
Hunters prepping for the field — Want a hunting-ready dog with wild-bird exposure (quail, chukar, etc.) to hunt over reliably — this is one of the best ways to get there.
Experienced handlers wanting specialized training — From basic obedience refresh, to advanced field work, to exposure on live birds, LRO gives handlers full control over program intensity and pacing.
How to Get Started from Scottsdale
Reach out to LRO — Call (520) 235-9095 or email via their contact page to discuss your dog’s breed, age, current training level, and what you want to achieve.
Schedule an evaluation — LRO assesses your dog and handler, and together you design a training plan tailored to your goals (obedience, field work, exposure, etc.)
Choose your program — Day training, board & train, wild-bird exposure, or preserve membership — whichever fits your lifestyle and hunting plans.
Prepare necessary gear — For preserve or field training: shotgun (if using birds), ammo, and basic gear (boots, license if shooting birds, etc.). If unsure, LRO can advise what’s required.
Get ready for results — With consistent training, your dog will build obedience, hunting instincts, and confidence. Over time, they’ll be ready to perform in real upland hunts — not just field-trial drills.
Rates
Rates for the 2024 training season are $80.00 per session plus birds for basic gun dog training. Training sessions average 2-4 hours in length.
Private 1 on 1 obedience and handler training can be scheduled on a case by case at your home. Rates for private sessions are $150.00 per session plus a travel fee for over 30 miles.
Board and train rates are currently $1500.00 per month with all food and birds included.