Welcome to Magma Bird Dogs

Summer camp relocation postponed until July due to the Wallow Fire. READ MORE...

Bird Dog Training

Whether you are interested in starting your dog in training, getting your hunting companion ready for the upcoming season or simply improving your dog’s retrieving skills, Magma Bird Dogs can help. Established in 1973, Magma Bird Dogs has prepared all varieties of pointing breeds for hunting and field trial competition for more than thirty years.

Training is available year-round, with winter sessions offered in the low desert near Phoenix and summer sessions in the White Mountains of Eastern Arizona. Dogs at both locations are handled by Bill Gibbons, a leading trainer of hunting breeds who is known for his ability to recognize the cause of, and overcome, trainability problems. He will apply the same standard of training to both hunting and field trial dogs, resulting in an obedient, polished dog.

Message From Bill...

This is the first summer in almost 40 years that I have actually stayed at home in Phoenix to train dogs. Tamra and I are have been working on the house in Cottonwood that we inherited when my Mother passed away in March, and, it has been quite a challenge. For the last 20 years there has not been much done with the place, which is 7 acres on the Verde River. A flood in the 90's took out the fields along the river, and except for the barn and a very large cottonwood tree which disappeared, the buildings were safe, but they have not aged well.

We have put our kennel in Phoenix up for sale, and plan to continue training out of the Cottonwood area, which is a great place to work dogs. There has not been much activity in selling the kennel, but hope to be moved out in another year. We split our week between the two places, and are lucky that we employee very competent and loyal people who make this possible.
I did not take more than ten dogs for this summer's training, but that seems to be working well. I have been able to utilize a great group of guys who are willing to meet me at the crack of dawn and get the dogs worked before it gets too hot. Although hot, it has been manageable.

Contrary to rumors I am not quitting, I am just slowing down. I have a steady stream of dog for training, and have several seminars lined up for this fall, one in Washington state, and the other in Texas. I am still taking dogs for training, and doing the snakebreaking.

I still enjoy the training of the dogs, but don't like to be away from home for too long. I want to thank my very loyal customers for supporting me thru this transition.

I will be attending a few of the local field trials this coming year, and hope to be helping with putting on the Arizona Championship and the Region 12 Amateur Championship in Kingman.
I am still available by phone for any questions that you may have.

Rattle Snake Proofing Your Dog

Living in the desert of Phoenix or the mountain regions of Arizona, your dog is going to encounter snakes whether it is a hunting dog or a family pet, whether it is large or small. Rattle snake proofing your dog is essential for its safety, and may prove to be a safety measure for your children and family. Rattlesnakes live in all areas of Arizona, and some residents have even encountered them on their own front porch!

Rattlesnake proofing is effective with all breeds and all ages of dogs. This training will help your dog overcome its natural curiosity and learn to flee from potential danger. Our professional training program is backed by our years of experience with dogs and with Arizona wildlife, and we know that your dog will be safer when the rattle snake proofing is complete.

Visit our snake proofing page for schedules and pricing.

Explore our website to learn more about the services we offer. You can find information on hunting dog training, force retrieving, snake avoidance training, and boarding services, as well as photos of past and current dogs and our summer training facilities.