About Pine Shadows Inc

Springer spaniels and gun dog training in Brainerd

Pine Shadows is a dog training, boarding, grooming and hunting business in the Brainerd Lakes Area, owned by Mark and Sophie Haglin. Its breeding program has aimed since 1976 to produce top quality English Springer Spaniels that are both gun dogs and household companions, and it also offers started dogs and Daybreak, its Dakota pheasant hunting estate for groups and corporate retreats.

The team

Mark began training his first Springer in 1975, taught school for 31 years, and has handed the training mantle to his son Morgan, the head trainer. Morgan holds an animal science degree from the University of Minnesota and is described as a nationally recognized trainer with success competing with English Springer Spaniels and Cocker Spaniels while training all breeds. He is also a firearms safety instructor. Assistant trainer Nadine Kohn, on the team since 2018, focuses on young dog development, and Jill Cronquist works on puppy imprinting and starting young dogs. Sophie leads the breeding program.

Training approach

What sets Morgan apart is his openness to train the handler: he works extensively with owners to build a cohesive team along with a trained dog.

What to ask

Ask about gun dog training programs, pricing and boarding availability.