OUR STORY
More Than Training.
It’s a Way of Life.
At Lonesome Willow Kennels, we’re dedicated to helping dogs and their owners build lasting partnerships through purposeful training, trusted care, and a shared love for the outdoors.
OUR BEGINNING
Where It All Began
Nikki began her dog journey when she was younger running beagles in field trials with her aunt and uncle. She fell in love with the connection you get with a working dog. She then fell ill with childhood ovarian cancer and was unable to continue with field trials. In her adult life she found out about Shorthairs from her Husband’s friend. She then got her first bird dog and heart dog Monroe. He is the reason for everything she strives to achieve. That fall started the first hunting season.
She built this business to offer honest, thoughtful training and top-notch care. She understand that every dog is different, and every handler has goals that matter. Her approach is personal, proven, and always rooted in respect.
When she’s not working with dogs, you’ll find her in the field or woods spending time with her own pack.
THE DOG THAT STARTED IT ALL
Meet Monroe
Every great journey starts somewhere. For Lonesome Willow Gundogs, it started with Monroe.
Monroe was my first birddog, and he challenged me in ways I never expected. He was stubborn, hard-headed, and determined to make me earn every bit of progress. Through the mistakes, the breakthroughs, and the moments when everything finally came together, he taught me patience, confidence, and the importance of understanding the dog in front of me.
Training Monroe changed the way I approached dogs. He showed me that successful training is not about forcing every dog into the same mold. It is about building trust, adapting to the individual dog, and developing a true partnership.
Monroe became the reason Lonesome Willow Gundogs began. What started as a journey with one dog grew into a passion for helping other dogs and owners discover what they are capable of together.
“Without Monroe, there would be no Lonesome Willow Gundogs”
OUR PHILOSOPHY
What We Believe
PARTNERSHIP
Every great dog begins with a strong relationship. We help dogs and owners learn together through trust and consistency.
CARE
Whether training, boarding, or daycare, every dog receives the same attention and respect we’d expect for our own.
PURPOSE
Every dog has different goals. We create training plans that fit the individual dog, not a one-size-fits-all program.
COMMUNITY
Through classes, events, and education, we’re building a community of owners who enjoy life with their dogs.
MEET THE PACK
The Dogs Behind Lonesome Willow
Every dog has played a unique role in shaping Lonesome Willow. From the field to the home, each one has helped define the philosophy, training, and care that guide everything we do.
WINSTON
The Family Companion
Not every great dog is a gundog. Winston represents the importance of obedience, manners, and everyday life with our dogs. He reminds us that a well-trained companion can be just as rewarding as a finished hunting partner, and that every dog deserves the opportunity to succeed.
MONROE
The Dog That Started It All
Monroe challenged me from day one. Stubborn, hard-headed, and unforgettable, he became the dog who taught me patience, confidence, and ultimately inspired the philosophy behind Lonesome Willow Gundogs.
ARCHER
Always Ready to Work
Archer never waits for the next adventure—he goes looking for it. His enthusiasm, athleticism, and eagerness to learn make him the kind of dog that's happiest with a job to do, whether it's training, hunting, or simply spending the day outdoors.
RAMSEY
All Heart. All Drive.
Ramsey reminds you what true determination looks like. Once he has a goal in mind, nothing distracts him. His intensity, grit, and relentless desire to work make him an incredible partner in both training and the field.
THE LONESOME WILLOW DIFFERENCE
Every dog and every owner have different goals. That's why we focus on building lasting relationships, creating individualized programs, and providing honest guidance every step of the way.
Whether you're raising a family companion or a dependable hunting partner, we're committed to helping you enjoy the journey together.
TESTIMONIALS
“Nikki is a very kind-hearted and patient trainer. I came to Nikki wanting to do basic command training followed into boundaries training. My coonhound was 3 years old when training started, and I was afraid that he might be too old to learn what he needed to. However, Nikki reassured me that we could train him. Nikki was very vigilant and stayed right on top of his training with me. She reassured me, checked in regularly, and answered all and any questions I had pertaining to him and his training. She connects well with pups, and they respond well to her!”
-Brinkley H (Copper’s Mom)
“If anyone is thinking about getting a birddog and wanting it to hunt I highly recommend Nicole Spencer the owner of Lonesome Willow Gundogs LLC. I’m very happy with the way my pup Moose turned out. Thanks again”
- Morgan F (Moose’s Dad)
“Lonesome willow was a great choice for me when I was looking to train my first birddog. It was an awesome experience watching my crazy energetic Athena turn into a bird hunting machine. Nikki did an awesome job and was very knowledgeable on the training routine she put together. I highly recommend”
- John G (Athena’s Dad)
“That dog is nothing short of impressive it was a great morning to be out and watch him work, I truly had a blast.”
— Brandon F
“Nikki is super patient. She is awesome with communicating with the dog and the owner.”
- Michelle F (Bailey’s Mom)
“We had a great experience working with Lonesome Willow Gundogs. Our shy timid little Walter came full circle to a bird chasing machine. Thanks so much for the help”
-Nick H (Walter’s Dad)
“After hunting over Archer & Ramsey the last two days I cannot believe how much progress they have show from last year! Big shout out to Nicole Spencer for training and raising such talented dogs, and Justin Spencer for the guide service. Thanks again both of you for letting me hunt over them and giving me the opportunity to watch them progress, and grow inter even better bird dogs!”
-Brandon F
“Nikki is a fantastic dog trainer. She is very knowledgeable and professional, and I am forever grateful for her expertise and patience in helping me (and my boys) train Buck as a first time GSP/gundog owner. She was very encouraging, honest, and positive with us, and her love of the dogs and the sport was very evident during our courses. I was amazed how far both Buck and I progressed from start to finish, and I am thankful each time we head into the field. ”
-Joel R (Buck’s Dad)
“From our very first training session to our last, Nicole was very welcoming and very easy to work with. I have never trained a gundog before, let alone gone pheasant hunting, and she was very knowledgeable and great at building not only my dogs confidence, but mine as well. We are all ready for our first Pheasant season thanks to Nicole at Lonesome Willow Gundogs!”
- Casey E (Higgins’s Mom)
“I am taking a few minutes to express my complete satisfaction at Lonesome Willow Gundogs. This dog is my second Brittany. The first Brit, Ranger crossed the rainbow bridge 2 years ago. After grieving a while, I found that not having a dog in my life was kind of empty. My new Brit, Rusty more than filled the niche. I had not had my previous Brit properly trained. I am very glad I found Lonesome Willow and Nikki Spencer. Somehow, Nikki realized that Rusty was more than a pet or hunting dog. He and I were pals and bonded. Nikki treated Rusty and I with warm professional care and interest. From the first session she showed me how to direct Rust, and correct Rusty and have Rusty like it. Nikki was generous with her time. She was generous with her chukar training birds. Some sessions were short because Rusty was distracted. Other sessions lasted a lit longer because she could see that Rusty was enthusiastic and “getting it”. Nikki taught me as well as training Rusty. Overall, it was a very positive experience. I strongly endorse Lonesome Willow Gundogs”
-Richard A (Rusty’s Dad)