What are Wildrose Mississippi’s Basic and Advanced Handler’s Workshops?
The courses are a hands-on experience to learn the balanced techniques of sporting dog training, “The Wildrose Way.” Both seminars are a combination of classroom and field work.
Basic Handlers covers handling dogs from obedience to hand signals. Session topics include: delivery, whistle commands, lining, steadiness, and handling.
Advanced Handlers covers more specific hunting scenarios in realistic field conditions: walk up hunts, water drills, and blinds.
When are the Workshops?
The Courses are typically Thursday - Sunday of the second weekend of Ole Miss’ Spring Break Week, with Thursday - Friday being Basic Handler’s and Saturday - Sunday being Advanced Handler’s. Check out the Ole Miss Registrar Calendar for the Spring Break dates for this year!
Courses typically start around 8:00 am CT each day and end around 5:00 pm CT, but this varies each year depending on the drills done, number of participants, and overall group speed. Plan on spending a full two days at the Kennel for each event.
What is and is not included in the event sign up fee?
Included: One-on-one attention from the trainers of Wildrose Kennels, all training drills throughout the event, live birds (if the drills call for them), lunch for the participant, loaner dog if needed, and water for the dogs and people.
Not Included: Meals for non-participating guest (there is an extra cost for these meals, which can be added on at Workshop Guest Meals, but must be done no later than one week prior to Basic Handler’s), required or recommended gear, snacks, and end of day libations.
What event should I attend?
It depends! The events are geared to teach you, not your dog, so it depends on how well versed you are in The Wildrose Way and how much you want to learn. Basic Handler’s is great for first time gun dog owners and those looking for a basic skills refresh, especially those with young dogs. Advanced Handler’s is great for those that have the basic skills down and experienced dogs. Many people do both events and it is never too early to learn though! We do offer loaner dogs if you want to work on skills that may be too advanced for your dog or if you don’t have a dog yet! We just ask you notify us prior to the event if you are planning on needing a loaner.
Where should I stay?
We are located about 20 minutes outside of Oxford, Mississippi proper. We typically recommend staying in Oxford, but there are some rental homes available that are closer. There are sometimes baseball games and tournaments in town during the events, so we suggest booking as soon as possible. When you sign up, you will receive an email with all event information, which includes recommended, dog friendly hotels. Some of the hotels offer discounts when available if you mention Wildrose when booking.
There are many dog friendly restaurants in town. Most places that offer a patio/outside seating will allow dogs. For indoor seating, Moe’s Penny Bar (only the downstairs bar, not upstairs of Moe’s BBQ) and Funky’s on the Square allow dogs inside. Most of the local coffee shops in town also allow dogs inside. Please check with each restarting prior to arriving to confirm.
What do I need to bring?
You will need to bring some training items with you for the event, whether you bring your own dog or use a loaner. Visit our Event Supply Page to purchase some of our required and recommended gear ahead of the event. A full, detailed list is in the email you receive after sign up with all the required and recommended training items and gear. Gear is available to purchase on site during the event at Wildrose Trading Company! Please note any special store hours for the event.
You will also need to bring a complete and updated vaccine list from your vet for all dogs being brought on property, even those not participating. A required vaccine list will be in the email you receive. We use Animal Clinic of Oxford as our vet if you need a local vet for any of the vaccines.
We also suggest warm layers and rain gear! Mississippi spring weather is unpredictable, so we suggest brining clothing for any type of weather.
What should I do if I have a medical restriction, including allergies/intolerances?
While we will try to accommodate everyone, the Workshops require transversing our ~157 acre property, which includes tall grass, wooded areas, unpaved trails, hills, and ponds. You will also need to be able to throw bumpers/dokkens, do hand signals, and blow a whistle.
We will be outside in Mississippi in the spring time and there will most likely be pollen in the air. Please come prepared for that.
If you have a food allergy, intolerance, or other medical dietary restriction for you or any non-participating guest signed up for meals, please let us know as soon as possible, but no later than one week prior to the event. We will reach out to you once we have our catering in place to arrange an alternate meal for you. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee alternate meals for personal preferences or restrictions, though we will try to accommodate you within reason.
Still have questions?
Email us at retail@uklabs.com or call us at (662) 234-5788.