The history, the trainer and his biography

Godfather Gundogs

To say we are serious about bird dogs is a major understatement

home biography services trial dogs puppy started dogs stud dogs FAQ apparatus photos

Professional Bird Dog Training, Breeder & Stud Service

Elizabeth, Colorado

303-549-5168 or 303-346-8155

Professional Biography

I was given my first hunting dog at the age of 14, it was a Labrador Retriever, undeniable the most popular hunting dogs of all time. However, as some of my first training efforts attest, success was not a immediate result but I did develop the love of working with dogs. During my college years, I was a member of Labrador Retriever Club of Southern California, I devoted my labor on weekends at the club functions, it's there I received my first formal guidance in hunting dog training. I had the opportunities working alongside of a few most talented amateur trainers of that era, with their help, I finished 6 Labrador Retrievers as AKC Master Hunter and they also faired at the regional level field trials but my growth was limited by the lack of disposable income, I can only afford and compete in the major trials when they came by the area. Since then, I’ve taking on dogs from all walks of life, I worked with the under privileged as well as those are naturally gifted, is through these direct associations that concur my belief not all dogs learn the same way or the same rate, the traditional harsh “cookie cutting” style is predictably distress many a dog simply because they are not born to fit the program but given the right opportunity they could develop into their fullest potential. I also realize to be successful as training professional, I have to be able to adapt to each dog and capable of delivering the training in multiple dimensions and continuously fine tune my skills to be a better trainer than I was yesterday. Before turning professional, I received coaching in apprenticeship programs offered by legendary trainers such as Bill West, Dave Walker and Rick Smith. Since, I've structured my techniques solely based on the silent training with my own path of gentle hands approach and of course, the practical experience I inhered over the years.

Personal Biography

With the success in my early profession in the high-tech industry, came the financial support needed to expand my passion for bird dogs. Ultimately, in 1997, Helen and I moved to Colorado and started Godfather Gundogs. In the spring of 1998 we came to the conclusion that developing, campaigning and breeding of pointing dogs is the definite of our focus. When we made that commitment, it also became our passion. That passion grew even stronger today; I've never been more alive and devoted as a trainer and breeder, because my love for the dogs, my responsibilities for them is not a chore, it’s a enjoyment. I grew up in Southern California, my love for quail hunting and the outdoors were firmly established in my teens .In the early years of my life I've worked as a lifeguard and gunsmith to support my leisure pursuit. I hold a bachelor degree in environmental science from California State University of Fullerton, since I’ve set my profession career as a sales executive, a dot-com founder and the board of director of Inc. 500 company and of course, professional trainer and handler. My wife Helen and I lived in Colorado since the spring of 1997. And yes, I am multilingual and I still retain a slight accent. My accomplishment as a professional dog handler including over 400 placements in both retriever and pointing breeds, I've achieved The Rocky Mountain NSTRA High Point Dog Award 5 times with 4 different dogs, I’m a NSTRA judge, a certified Purina canine nutrition specialist and a premier member of Tritronics Influential Team. I'm also an active member of American Brittany Club, I served 5 years as a board member of Rocky Mountain Region NSTRA. I collect side-by-side shotguns, European make specifically. My personal library feature many museum grade of firearms, which many I restored by myself. My name is Steve Chang, I live in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. click on picture for better view.

Words to live by

Invictus

Out of the night that covers me, black as the Pit from pole to pole, I thank whatever Gods may be for my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced nor cried aloud. Under the bludgeoning of chance my hear is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of warth and tears Loom but the horror of the shade, and yet the menace of the years Finds, and shall find, me unafraid

It matter not how straight the gate, how charged with punishment the scroll, I'm master of my fate, I'm captain of my soul