The AHDC is unique in providing a training program and support for the hunting dog owner. Membership is open to owners of all hunting dog breeds. Each element of basic training is broken into units that can be controlled, so that success can be assured and praise lavished on the dog. Each unit of work is taught thoroughly so that it can be used to prevent mistakes in the next step of difficulty. All basic work and some intermediate work are conducted on a training table, which is about 2 feet wide by 8 feet long, with ramps at both ends.
Height is adjusted so that the dog's head is just below waist level.
Use of the table helps to concentrate the attention of the dog on the trainer. Intermediate training expands the conditions under which the dog works. The fetch command is expanded to include marked retrieves on land and water and retrieves from a drag trail on which the dog is started. This manual is 324 pages with more than 100 explicit training pictures. The Basic Instincts test is for dogs under 16 months of age.