Keith Hickam has been training dogs professionally since September 1999. Keith has been an avid hunter for over a quarter century and began his apprenticeship working his dad's German Shorthair Pointers and German Wirehair Pointers.

In 1990, he began working for Gene Mahoney, where he learned all the basic principles of working dogs. Gene's tutelage included assisting Gene train Ace's Whiskey Lady, 1992 NSTRA Dog of the Year, and I'm Dick Too, 1994 NSTRA Dog of the Year.

Here at Bootleather Gun Dogs, we provide professional training for field trial, Hunt test and hunting dogs. Our step by step approach to training produces a polished dog you can be proud of.

Keith has trained all pointing breeds, as well as some retrievers and flushing spaniels.  He has finished 2 NSTRA champions and has titled several AKC Senior and Junior hunters, and competed at the Master Hunter Level.   Additionally dogs he has trained have placed in AKC and American Field trials. Keith has also trained several versatile hunting dogs that have gotten a prize two or better in the NAVHDA testing.

Ch. Shoeleather Tanner, a Llewellin setter owned and handled by Keith, competed and won the MLSDC Shooting Dog Championship In 2005.

Artie's Royal Mac Owned by Randy Herman and Handled by Keith won the MLSDC Shooting Dog Championship In 2007

No matter what you want in your hunting dog, whether it is for field trialling, hunt testing or just having a companion to hunt with we can help you to get the dog that you need.

Keith was born in Washington and spent much of his autumn chasing Pheasants, Grouse, Hungarian Partridges, chukar and quail.  He believes the only difference between a hunting dog and trial dog is desire.

The training is the same, and no matter what your goals, Keith can tailor a training program to fit you and your dog's unique needs.