Gun Dog Breeder Reviews for Kick Em Up Gun Dogs - where bird dogs are born
Testimonials (32) | Back to Kick Em Up Gun Dogs - where bird dogs are born
Submitted by: Anne H on Oct 19, 2022
Our one year old from this breeder has exceeded our expectations as a lovely smart and athletic companion. Highly recommend Kick ‘Em Up Gundogs.
Submitted by: Haman Corrie on Oct 30, 2021
MAX - Best dog, hunting partner, and house pet I have ever had.
Submitted by: Kate Klavon on Aug 05, 2021
Steve is a great breeder and we got such a good dog from him. Our vizsla is healthy and is trained up and ready to hunt. He also has the standard vizsla look. He is a "pretty" dog. Steve was a little hard to get ahold of at times which worried us when we first were getting a puppy from him, but when we met him he was personable and gave us great training tips for the puppy. Steve is the only breeder we will go back to now after getting such a great dog. He also really cares for the dogs. He made clear that if we ever can't keep our dog, we can bring him back and he'll find him a good home.
Submitted by: Andi Bryant on Apr 18, 2021
My heart dog, Morgan, came home from the Zobel's 13 years ago. She has taken us on such a ride! While we never did hunt her, she has always exhibited extraordinary drive and is the birdiest dog we have. As my husband just didn't have the time to train her when she was young, I grabbed her and she became my "everything" dog - she has AKC titles in obedience, rally and agility and is a Grand Champion in conformation. We raised one litter of eight pups with our beautiful girl, and she produced 2 AKC conformation champions and 1 Master Agility Champion (MACH). Her pups have also excelled in obedience, rally and scent work - one has attained the Elite title from the National Association of Canine Scent Work! What more can I say about a breeder that produces a dog that can do it all and pass it on to it's progeny! We will always feel honored that we had the opportunity to add Morgan to our home and are truly blessed that she is still here making us smile at 13 years of age. GCH CH Kick Em Up Morgan Le Fey BN RAE NAJ NFP CGC TKI.
Submitted by: Chris Higgins on Oct 16, 2020
We have gotten two dogs from Steve, and both have been marvelous. Our current girl is both part of the family and a complete natural in the field! The best of both worlds, and it’s always a special day pick up a pup from Steve and family.
Submitted by: Michael Errico on Apr 11, 2020
I had a weim from kickemup. She was a shadow and Elle pup. Very smart and easy to train. She was a bird finding machine with no quit in her. At home a loving gentle dog. Sadly she has passed. I would recommend anyone looking for a great Weimaraner to call Steve
Submitted by: LIsa Watt on Jul 23, 2015
We received out Vizsla from Steve on June 13th. She was 9 weeks old. We could not be more pleased with her. Working with Steve has been wonderful and it is clear the love and care he has for his dogs. Our Vizlsa (Piper) is beautiful and I can not tell you how many times we have been stopped by people to tell us that. Steve is happy to help us out with questions when we have them. He is a wonderful breeder!!! We plan on keeping him updated as she grows up.
Submitted by: Meghan Wall on Mar 10, 2015
We have purchased two Vizslas from Kick Em Up Gun Dogs and we couldn't be more pleased with both of them. Both display outstanding drive, passion, and natural instinct for bird hunting and are affectionate members of our family. Our youngest dog has demonstrated her versatility as both an upland bird dog and a waterfowl retriever, excelling in both. Both dogs have a gentle heart and are always by our side. We couldn't ask for better dogs to call hunting partners and members of our family. We highly recommend Kick Em Up Gun Dogs and will continue purchasing our dogs from them.
Submitted by: Christie on Mar 02, 2015
We can't go anywhere without strangers stopping us to admire and pet our vizsla pup from Kick Em Up. From day 1, she was so trainable, brave, and social. She turns heads even at the dog park, surrounded by dozens of dogs. We don't hunt, but seeing her around birds (and squirrels) never fails to impress us just how powerful her instinct and breeding is. I have so much respect for Steve's experience with these beautiful dogs.
Submitted by: Taylor Cline on Feb 25, 2015
I received my now 16 week old vizsla female from Steve Zobel on Dec 6, 2014. She is definitely an impressive puppy. I've had her out in the field and she is doing absolutely spectacular. At 12 weeks she was retrieving dummies shot from a dummy launcher with great enthusiasm. She was put out in a real life hunting situation on Feb 20, 2015 and immediately was running and hunting. Within 5 minutes she was honoring pointers on the ground and even pointed her first set of pen birds completely by herself like she had been doing it forever. The next day she got another try and immediately ran out and pointed birds at 150 yds in front of us. I was somewhat hectic she would run through birds and begin to spoil the hunt for my clients, but she was steady as could be without any whoa training at all. I was not expecting these amazing results on a first time out, but she was definitely a topic of conversation around the campfire that night, on how cute it was to be shooting quail and chukar over this 4 month old pup.
I am extremely pleased with her and look forward to unlocking her full potential in the future.

Thanks,
Taylor Cline
Submitted by: Meghan Wall on Feb 20, 2015

I saw your post on facebook regarding updated photos. That was a great reminder to send your family a quick update on our dogs and continue to express how happy we are with both dogs that we got from your family.

Dora (Boot x Tess) is doing great. She turns 10 this month and spends a lot of time with my retired farther in all of his activities.

My dog Izzy (Boot x Ginger) is fantastic; she will be 5 in April. She is an unbelievable dog and a true testament to the quality of breeding your kennel does. She continues to exceed my expectations in the field and is an absolute pleasure to hunt with. This year I took her out duck hunting for the first time and she was a champ. Without any waterfowl training, she stepped out and performed like a pro. She is also a great companion. We've logged hundreds of miles hiking together and last year started backpacking together. She is a very, very special dog.

I can't say enough nice things about our dogs from your kennel. I absolutely love them; their innate passion for hunting, their genuine love of life, and their faithfulness to us. We get many compliments on them as well.

I've attached some picture of Izzy from the last year. Please share with your dad and feel free to post on facebook or your website.

Meghan Wall
Submitted by: Maggie Long on Dec 20, 2013
I just wanted to say that we received our wonderful Weimaraner puppy and are overjoyed with her. She is so well behaved and has already started pointing things out in the yard. We have 2 children, 8 and 14 which she loves to play with. Crate training was a snap and took only a few days. She is well socialized and Steve has been so helpful and patient with all our questions. He is very knowledgeable about the breed in general. I have to say the puppy made the transition from his home to ours very easily. I contribut that to all the hard work their family put into the puppies. Thank you very much for the addition to our family. We love our little glrl. Our next addition will certainly be from you! Thanks again, The Long Family

Submitted by: Shea Koope on Dec 20, 2013
My Vizsla Jack is almost 11 months now. He is a wonderful dog and I am so glad that I got him from Steve Zobel. My parents have also purchased 2 Vizslas from Steve over the years and they have been great dogs. I highly recommend Steve and his dogs.

Submitted by: Mike Walter on Dec 14, 2013
Steve, My name is Mike Walter and I have "Remi", Bullet X Gabby. This is my first Vizsla, Always had labs before and she is truly amazing!! Just returned from a week in Kansas over Thanksgiving and at 16 months old, Remi performed flawlessly! 26 Pheasants, Countless quail and even brought back a bunch of ducks...I'll be looking for another Vizsla in a couple years and my wife and I would like to get another directly from you. I hunted with one of your Weimaraners in Lexington KY about a month ago...I forgot the guys name but he said he knew you well. Thanks for helping provide so much happiness into my wife and I's lives..."
Submitted by: steve zobel on Dec 08, 2013

Our family couldn’t be happier
with our Weim from Steve & Rod he is great in the house and I couldn’t ask for more in the field. He is a great
dog and has raised a lot of eyebrows in the field. I can’t express enough how
awesome your weims are. Even my trainer has marveled in Weezer as a
weirmaraner!

Weezer is one of the best dogs of all time….great with children, great with
small dogs, and a force in the field!

Thanks Joe Miller

Submitted by: Andrew Reese on Apr 15, 2013
I got a great Vizsla pup from Steve from their November 2011 litter. I couldn't be more pleased with this dog. He has a fantastic hunting drive and he's great around the house as well. I'm looking forward to the years to come bird hunting with my pup.
I would and have recomend Kick-em-up to others. The process I went through selecting a dog left me very comfortable I was getting the one that would fit me.

Thank You to Steve and his family

-Andrew Reese
Submitted by: Andrew on Jan 15, 2013
Our family is completely pleased with our 4 month old Vizsla pup from Kick Em up Gun Dogs. She is a happy, healthy, compliant, and intelligent girl. Thank you Steve for the seriousness you bring to breeding.

Andrew
Submitted by: Mike de Simone on Jul 06, 2012
Well it's been a wonderful 5 1/2 months with the new man in the house. Traer (yes we named him after Steve's hometown ) Trey for short. Anyway's just want to throw my thoughts on how Wonderful Traer is with not only us but also the little ones. Vizsla's have been the dog of choice in my family throughout not only my life but my parents. With that said Trey is everything that i have strived for since our last vizsla passed away. Trey's demeanor is perfect and his temperment is so easy going with others especially children. To break it down in a sentence, Steve has exceeded my expectations with our new puppy. Traer is an amazing dog!
-Michael & Helena
Philadelphia,pa

P.s. Hopefully Traer will have another Kick'em up sibling one day!
Submitted by: Joe on Feb 05, 2012
Having owned to weims previously I thought I knew what to expect. When I called Steve I was thrilled and comforted at the level of involvement he showed when it came to knowing a potential customer. He is very nice to deal with and really knows how to pick a dog for you. The quality of dog is what's most important and rest assured you will not get an over bred picture dog. Steve's Weimaraner's are second to none. Weezer is our 8 month old weim and he is energetic, hard working, loving, and great with the family. He is everything you want with a quality hunting breed. At 8 months he retrieves and finds birds with pure enthusiasm. Next month he is going off for official training and I will report at the endof that with pictures.

Keep up the good work Steve! If you want a great Weimaraner that is bred with passion for quality them look no further...give them a look.
Submitted by: Steve Hanson on Jan 12, 2012
On November 2nd of 2011, we lost our Weimaraner,Zepelin, due to a freakish accident where he got hit by a car. I won't go into the details of how it happened, but want to convey to others how special he was and what a loss it was to us losing him.

We bought Zep, a Weimaraner pup from Steve 7 1/2 years ago. We had owned 2 Weims previously and thought we were familiar with the breed. Over the years,we have owned English Setters and English Pointers. I like to hunt and my wife likes to run. After getting bit many years ago while running, we decided that my hunting dog should dual as a running/guard dog too, so we switched to Weimeraners. The previous Weimaraners were just that; big guard dogs with a little bit of running. My wife didn't get bit again, but my hunting suffered. Those Weims weren't as birdy as I was accustomed to.

Zep opened our eyes up to what a Weimaraner could and should be. I have never competed with any of my dogs, they have all been self taught foot hunting companions. All have been pretty good pointers and some have been ok retrievers. Zep was different. He was a total package. Not only did he have a great nose and super strong natural pointing instincts, he loved to retrieve like a Labrador. 24/7. And he was a natural quarterer and direction taker. He had a tireless work ethic and he aimed to please. He never hunted for himself.

Those same attributes flowed into his running with my wife and also in anything else we did with him and we did it all. From fishing, camping, trailering, biking, he took it all in stride and was an enthusiastic partner.

After our loss, I called Steve to see if he had any Weim puppies. He didn't, but said he was going to breed Zep's sister one last time in the near future. Of course we were interested! Then Steve suggested perhaps we might want to get a Vizsla pup while we waited!

I made the long drive down to Trayer to pick up our new V! When I got there, I saw Weims and Vizslas at his place that reinforced to me why we trust Steve and Rod's breeding programs. All of the dogs at their place were confident, interested, friendly dogs. The Weims reminded me of our Zep and the V's were very intriguing as our new breed. It is apparent that these are top notch well bred championship caliber dogs. And, the pedigrees speak for themselves.

Our Vizsla, Taz is now going on 13 weeks. We are enjoying him thoroughly and have very high hopes for him. He is driven, yet very trainable and intelligent. We feel very fortunate to have him. We would wholeheartedly recommend Kick em up Weims or V's to anyone who is searching for that "once in a lifetime" partner.

Thanks Steve and family!
Submitted by: Shawnee Jones on Mar 19, 2009
I first started in bird dogs knowing I wanted a vizsla and knowing I
wanted to get one from someone who really knew the breed well. I met
Steve and he politely tolerated my millions of questions and helped me
through many training issues I was having with my pup I had purchased
before I met him. During these hours of phone calls, I realized that the
kickemup guys cared more for the breed as a whole then they did about
seeing that someone purchased a pup directly from them. After getting my
pup on track, i spoke with Steve about a started vizsla that was possibly
coming available from his breeding. Until she became available, I was
talked into a fully trained Weim that Steve offered to me. WHAT A DOG!!!
I was literally able to take this dog off of the truck from his transport
to me and straight into the field. I was never a huge fam of weims but
after having the opportunity to work with this guy, i am hooked and
looking forward to my next. He has run in NSTRA events with me and won his
first event after only a few months of tuning up. What a blast, it was my
first NSTRA event ever and to win with a weim was a real treat!! After a
few months, the Vizsla was finally ready and traveled the long trip from
Iowa to Pennsylvania where she will be until the day she dies. I have
been involved with dogs in general for over 15 years professionally and
have yet to come across a dog with half of the heart, natural ability,
drive and brains as this girl. She was sold to me as a started dog and
started was just a touch as to what she really was. She was exactly what
Steve had told me, and then some. She has been running field trials here
on the east coast and doing quite well. She needs one more leg for her JH
title and if she runs half as well as she has been running, she will be
titled in no time at all. I get plenty of attention with her, even from
other breeders, and look forward to kicking some GSP butt this spring and
summer!!! I reccomend Steve to anyone who is looking for a Vizsla or a
Weim. They have the knowledge, heart and the dog's true well being in
mind with every breeding that they do. You can't go wrong with a kickemup
dog!! Keep up the good breeding and I look forward to my next puppy which
will hopefully be this spring! --Shawnee
Submitted by: Allison Bell on Mar 13, 2009
Steve help out with our Weimaraner Rescue group when we need help, he shows true concern and compassion to all Weims and Vizslas regardless if he bred them or not. In doing so much work with rescue dogs specializing in the hunting breeds, it has really opened my eyes to what all a Steve looks for in breeding dogs that are not only attractive to look at and have good hunting abilities, but ALSO sound minds and temperament. So many dogs that are poorly bred are neurotic and not very smart. All of the dogs we have gotten from Steve over the years are highly intelligent and sound minded ambassadors of their breeds (Weims and Vizslas).

Allison Bell

"To err is human, to forgive, canine." - Unknown
Submitted by: Jarrett & Allison Bell on Mar 09, 2009
Steve, wanted to send you a few lines about your dogs. Both the weims and vizslas you breed have been great dogs. They are very intelligent, easy to train, and are born with natural hunting abilities. Tikka completed her JH title at the age of 6 months and we moved on to field trials where she placed first in amateur and open derby in her very first trial! At the same trial, Bullet placed 1st and 2nd in open and amateur puppy. That was the starting point for buying a new truck, trailer and 4 horses. Both Tikka and Bullet have gone on to win numerous puppy and derby trials, whether it be gsp trials, wirehaired trials, or vizsla trials, they can run with anybody. I would recommend to anyone looking for a great companion, or a hunting dog that they talk to you, as I already have. Oh yeah, Bullet won the Vizsla Futurity this past weekend, you must know something about breeding!!!!!!

Thanks,

JARRETT BELL CEO
AMERICAN AUTOMOTIVE WARRANTY SERVICES
933 MAIN PLAZA DR.
WENTZVILLE, MO 63385
314.581.0185 CELL
636.887.8240 FAX
Submitted by: Chris Mcklarney on Feb 24, 2009
Steve,

I hope all is well with you and your family. Just wanted to give you an update on Thunder. He is definitely the smartest dog I have ever owned or seen. We will find out how he hunts in a few months but we are thrilled with him and just wanted to thank you for raising such incredible dogs. He has even taught himself to open doors going both in and out of the house.

Thanks

Chris Mcklarney
Submitted by: Jeff J Jorgens on Feb 24, 2009
Hi Steve,

Here are some pics of Odie and some of the birds we got this season, we had awesome 1 ST hunting season. She got her JH title last fall. We entered her in a few shows but mainly concentrated on her hunt training. She’s been a wonderful dog to train and is fitting in very well. We are working on senior level training and she is doing great.

Thanks, Jeff J Jorgens
Submitted by: Kyle Young on Feb 24, 2009
Steve,

I have attached a couple picks of Henry, a pup out of Rainy and Dreamer. Henry qualified on his first run, on his 6 month birthday, the youngest dog in the field. One out of 5 or 6 AKC Junior Hunters that got a qualifying score. Hopefully I can send you more pics when I run him again later this month.

Thank You,

Kyle Young and Krystal Young

Henry
Steve,

I just ran Henry in a walking field trial this weekend. He took third in the open puppy and am puppy. He probably

would have done a little better in the AM. but he just did not have the energy. I have him entered in 4 hunt test this spring (April 25th and 26th). Two different bird dog clubs are holding their events together on the same grounds, so Ican run him twice each day. Hopefully, He will have his Jr. title after these events. If not this spring I will try again in the fall. I will send you pictures of Henry with his two ribbons.. as soon as I take one. Training is going well. He had a great hunting season.. ranged well, pointed and was obedient in the field.. all I can ask for at his age. Heck the last day of the season he retrieved a quail to hand.. which surprised me.. since I have not worked with him on retrieving birds.. just bumpers. This spring I plan on getting him in a little better shape, steady him up on point(he really likes to wag his tail on point, on both wild and pen raise, this may stop as he gets older) and whoa training.. maybe during the summer get him into the water.. right now water is not his favorite. I would like to run him in more hunt test this spring, but my wife and I are relocating.. I am in Hutchinson, Ks and she is in Kansas City until the end of the school year. So most of my weekends are spent with her. He also looks a lot better then he did the last time I sent you a picture. He now weights 63lbs I will send you pics as soon as I talk them..

Thanks, Kyle Young
Submitted by: Jim & Jennifer Bower on Feb 24, 2009
Mickey is doing great! He is a typical ornery weim but has the best disposition ever. He is bird whacko and loves to be in the field and at home with his family. Here's a rundown of his ribbons:

He placed 3rd in Open Puppy at the Wisconsin Weimaraner Club Field Trial in May 2008

He placed 4th in Open Puppy at the German Shorthaired Pointer Club of Michigan Licensed Walking Field Trial in May of 2008

He placed 3rd in Open Puppy at the G.W.P. Club of Illinois Licensed Field Trial in October of 2008

He placed 1st in Amateur Derby at the Weimaraner Club of Greater Louisville Walking Field Trial in February 2009

He placed 1st in Open Derby at the Kentuckiana Pointing Breeds Assoc. Lic. Field Trial in February 2009 (see their web site for picts.)

He had an amazing 4 day weekend with 2 Derby wins. It seems like he has matured greatly over the past 4 months and has really matured into a big running hard hunting bird dog. His future looks really good. Thanks to Dick Dunnuck at Shotgun Farms and your really good bloodlines.

Jim and Jennifer Bower
Submitted by: Bill Edwards on Feb 24, 2009
Rusty is doing well, he is hunting and pointing. Didn't shoot as many birds over him as I would have liked but he still saw over a hundred.

Thanks,

Bill Edwards
Vice President
JE Dunn Construction Company
Submitted by: Ken Foss on Feb 24, 2009
Steve,

Ken Foss here from Maine, I thought you might like an update. My dog Zeus is now 9 months old and is doing great. We trained all through the summer with a hunting dog trainer here in Maine. His official registered name is Kick em up Zeus. Here are a couple of pictures of his opening day hunt here in Maine and another great point. He has been registered with AKC and I plan on trying for his JH next spring. Thanks.

Ken Foss
Submitted by: Rich Bach on Feb 24, 2009
Hey Steve,

Good to hear from you. We are doing well here. I actually start next month with a fairly reputable trainer in Michigan for a 6 week training course. Kickemup Gentleman Jack is an awesome dog and I am hoping to trial him in late spring. My wife and I added another son to our family which took some of my "Jack" time off the schedule as far as real training. The good news is all is well and we are back on track. I have to thank you again for an amazing dog. He's great in the house and great in the field. He'll run all day and has an impressive high gear. He's fully a family member and we couldn't be happier. I hope to be sending you junior hunter results soon. Hope all is well with you and your family.

Also, you may be getting a call from a couple here in Michigan soon. My wife passed along your website to her hair stylist. She and her husband are looking for a hunting dog.

Great to hear from you and I'll be in touch,

Rick Bach.
Submitted by: Bruce Bryant on Feb 24, 2009
Hi Steve,

We just got the digital picture from Kenna's first show point in Des Moines . Just a reminder Kenna is out of "We Grow Maggie Jo" and your "Kick Em Up Air Raid." She's doing well, and is finally filling out and looking more mature at 18 months. We think she will continue to improve. She is doing very well in Agility and Obedience training, and within the year we will start trialing her in Agility. She's doing pretty well hunting. Thanks again for the Vizsla Club information. I really enjoyed meeting everyone. Take care and I hope to see or talk to you again soon.

Bruce Bryant
Submitted by: Joseph Callavini on Oct 18, 2007
Kick Em Up Little Emma Jade JH

I met Steve Zobel for the first time in August of 2005. I drove from NJ to Iowa to pick up my new pup. He made my family and I feel very welcome. Once he brought out my pup he told me to take as much time as I needed with her, even offered to let me run her in a field for a while. I could see the way she ran around half the time carrying something that she had the will and drive I was looking for in my new hunting companion.

Emma has been everything Steve said she would be and more. She has turned into an awesome gun dog. She had her Junior Hunter title finished with scores in the 9s and 10s before she was eleven months old. I had every intention in seeing her become a Senior Hunter, however I became ill last summer and the residual effects of my illness will not allow me to compete with her. I will tell you that there is no doubt in my mind she can easily be titled a Senior Hunter. I am able to hunt with her and from time to time I have guided for other hunters. I haven?t had a hunter not give me a compliment on how good Emma hunts.

If you are looking for a hunting Weimaraner then you have found the right breeder in Steve Zobel. What he tells you about the dog is the truth, and as long as you are willing to put in the training time you will have an awesome hunting dog too.

Yours Truly,

Joseph D. Callavini
President
TriState Weimaraner Rescue Inc.
www.tristateweimrescue.org

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