Developing dogs for hunt and home.

"If a man’s life is not long enough, a dog’s is even shorter, and anything you can do to make that fuller is worthwhile.”

—Tom Bowman

Dog training, puppy training, pointer, retriever, versatile hunting dog training for NAVHDA and JGV, aggression rehab, behavior modification, NePoPo®, and obedience training available in Baltimore, York, Timonium, Gettysburg, Hanover, Mt. Airy, Frederick, Central Maryland, and South Central Pennsylvania.

Who We Are

Nate and Gretchen have over two decades of combined dog training experience. They have handled and titled dogs in JGHV and NAVHDA hunt tests, as well as AKC and UKC obedience. Their passion is developing dogs to reach their full potential and helping clients develop better working relationships with their companions through improved communication and understanding.

They travel cross country with their dogs, and client dogs, for hunting and hunt tests multiple times every year. This gives them unique experience and insight into the skills required for a comfortable, safe, and hassle free companion. They believe that, through training, dogs can have increased safety and responsibility which are required for more freedom and inclusion.

Unlike most training outfits, Nate and Gretchen do all of the training, from start to finish, themselves. This ensures each dog is getting the most out of their time at Iron Oak. More importantly, they spend a significant amount of time helping owners understand how to be solid coaches and leaders for their dogs and maintain their training at home. Iron Oak Dog Co. looks forward to working with you and your dog!

In addition to training, they breed Kleiner Münsterländer, a type of German versatile hunting dog designed to hunt furred and feathered game as well as blood track. In addition to being very capable hunters, they are fantastic companions. The KlM is the ideal companion for people who want a dog that excels on the hunt and in the home.

What We Do

Board & Train - Your dog stays in our home, not a kennel, alongside our personal dogs and is immersed in a training culture.
In Home Lessons - We come to your preferred location for lessons that fit your schedule and lifestyle.
Private Lessons - Meet us at any of our public training locations for bespoke training.
Virtual Lessons - Our five star rated dog training is now available online!
Behavior Modification - We provide relief from issues such as aggression, reactivity, resource guarding, anxiety and fear.
On and Off Leash Obedience - Manners and Obedience that meet the AKC Family Dog standards for a companion you can include in more of your life and take anywhere.
Hunt Test Preparation - AKC, UKC, NAVHDA, and JGHV hunt test preparation.
Shed Hunting - Supplement your hiking or hunting by teaching your dog to find shed antlers.
Hunting Dog Training - Training for pointers, retrievers, flushers, and versatile dogs.
Blood Tracking - Tracking wounded game
Sport Search & Rescue - Combining obedience, agility, and scent work for all breeds.