We Specialize in Training Hunting Dogs for Hunting, Hunt Tests & Field Trials.

"Obedience is the key to any great hunting labrador retriever or companion and therefore it is extremely important for both highly trained duck dogs as well as playful companions to start off on the right foot. In order to have a labrador retriever that everyone wants to be around, you must start with obedience. An obedient retriever is also the foundation for all other training and is the #1 most important step in having a superior, well loved companion or an honorable working retriever.

It is important to remember that all labrador retrievers mature and learn at different levels and speeds therefore training time can vary depending on your retrievers natural instinct and ability. However, we encourage you to be part of your dogs training by making regular visits to see his or her progress along with being a part of his or her training. There is no charge for you to come out and be a part of our day sessions. Come prepared for bad weather, mud, high weeds and other in climate weather. We will allow you to shoot or throw birds for a while, watch from the line some, and work your dog into the rotation with the rest of the dogs. Our trainers will observe you and your dogs handling, help with questions and make suggestions. Call a day or two in advance to schedule your fun day.

Are you not within driving distance to Elgin Texas but would like us to train?
Shipping your dog to us is extremely easy to do and we receive dogs all the time by way of air cargo. It's safe, easy and costs about $200.00 on average. We can put you in touch with a direct sales person who will do everything for you. all you have to do is deliver your pet to the airport. Contact us and we will handle everything....

RETRIEVER TRAINING
($630.00 A MONTH)
( SCROLL DOWN TO SEE DIFFERENT PROGRAM DETAILS)

OUR TRAINING PROGRAMS INCLUDE:
daily training boarding administered medications if needed daily multivitamins Treats weekly grooming meals and much more
TRAINING PROGRAMS DO NOT INCLUDE:
Prescription medications such as antibiotics, rabies vaccines, etc.
Veterinarian visits
We do not provide prescription heartworm preventatives such as "Interceptor"
We do not provide flea and tick control such as "Frontline Plus"
Birds are an additional charge
However, we will administer these medications provided that you supply us with the proper medications to do so. We will not be held responsible for consequences resulting from inadequate supplies of these medications.

THINGS YOU WILL NEED TO BRING

Your dog MUST be in good health and we will need copies of all current shot records with all standard vaccines including Rabies, Canine Distemper, Hepatitis, Para influenza, Parvovirus, Leptospira Bacterin. , Bordetella (AKA Kennel Cough) and any other documentation that you deem necessary for the care of your dog.

You will need to provide any medications needed for caring for your dog such as Heartworm Preventative and also Flea & Tick Meds such as Frontline Plus or Advantix......

We do not need chew toys, beds, kennels, collars or treats. We provide everything your dog will need for a comfortable, successful stay.

#1 OUR PUPPY HEADSTART PROGRAM
($550.00 A MONTH)
{ For ages 2 to 5 months}

Hunting Dogs : This is the "FUN" stage before your puppy starts a structured training program. During this time your puppy will be introduced to crate training, heavily socialized with adults, other dogs and children. We also introduce them daily to birds, water, light gunfire and short retrieves.
Companion Dogs : This is the "FUN" stage before your puppy starts obedience training. During this time your puppy will be introduced to crate training, heavily socialized with adults, other dogs and children, we also introduce them to water in case you want to take them to the lake, short retrieves for fun, light gunfire to simulate fireworks and make sure you can attend the July 4th celebration without the tragedy of your dog running off and getting lost. .

We have a highly trained nursery team that specifically specializes in our puppy head start program. So if it's a highly trained gundog or just a loveable house pet that you are looking for, you've come to the right place. We only accept 4 puppies in training at a time to be divided among our 4 trainers. This allows us to give each and every dog the individual attention needed. Our trainers use a loving, reward-based motivational training approach along with our knowledge of what the growing pup is capable of learning at different stages of development to ensure the best possible start for your puppy.

#2 OBEDIENCE TRAINING PROGRAM
($630.00 A MONTH)
{We usually start puppies at 5 months but older dogs can also enroll up to 4 years of age}

Companion or Hunting Dogs
(This usually takes around 6 to 8 weeks depending on the dogs Attitude, Ability & Temperament )
(We take dogs from 5 months of age up to 4 years of age for this program)
During this time your dog will work towards learning the basic obedient commands while we will also try to work out any problems that the dog may have such as jumping up on you, not listening to commands, chewing, unwanted marking and much, much more.

Companion Dog Model Citizen Program
Formal Obedience (on Lead)
Kennel Command (Crate - Kennel & Automobile Kennel)
Sit, Here, Heel, De-bolting & No Jump-Up
Advanced Obedience Training - Transition to Steady (Performed Off Lead)
These programs should produce a model citizen that you can take around your
friends and be proud of.

Hunting Dog Formal Obedience
--- On Lead
Kennel Command (Crate - Kennel & Automobile Kennel)
Sit - Whistle Sit - Here - 2 sided heel
Remote Sit - Remote Sit with Whistle
Collar Conditioning (Sit - Here - De-bolting & No Jump-Up)
--- Off Lead
Advanced Obedience Training - Transition to Steady
Hand thrown bumpers from side w/short lead for steadying
Encouraged Hand deliveries to Heel

#3 FORMAL HUNTING RETRIEVER TRAINING PROGRAMS
($630.00 A MONTH + BIRDS)
Programs Can Start Immediately Following Our Formal Obedience Program.
It Has 4 (Four) Different Levels of Training That Can Be Accomplished, Depending on how Advanced You Would Like Your Dog To Become. (See Details Below )

BASIC RETRIEVER TRAINING
( JUNIOR LEVEL STARTED DOG )
(Usually takes 6 to 8 weeks depending on the dogs Attitude, Drive, Ability & Temperament )
Complete introduction to birds including Ducks, Pheasant, Quail & Doves.
Training includes :
Force Fetch
Introduction to guns and gunner stations
Simple Marked Retrieves (50-100 yards, light cover) (Land & Water)
Introduced to “Watch” & “Mark” Cues
All Retrieves Encourage Hand Deliveries to Heel with Hold
Easy widespread hand thrown simple doubles
Introduction to boats, duck blinds, decoys and calls ( land and water )

This is the first stage in gundog training and produces a dog that is obedient, will retrieve through diverse terrain (heavy brush, cattails etc.). Dogs completing this program should be capable of successfully competing in Junior Hunt Tests and upon request, we can enter and handle your dog in a Licensed AKC hunt test for an additional charge and if the owner wishes to pursue more advanced training, the foundations are already in place to move to the next level.

FORMAL RETRIEVER TRAINING (CASTING & MARKING)
( INTERMEDIATE STARTED DOG )
(Usually takes 6 to 8 weeks depending on the dogs Attitude, Drive, Ability & Temperament )
Solid steadiness to Heel & Sit command
3 Handed Cast - Mini T - Force to Pile - Sit to Pile - Come in from Pile
Multiple Marking Drill (Bird in Mouth with Singles off Multiple Guns)
More Complex Multiple Marks on Land and Water
Introduction to Retired - Hidden Guns

( Usually takes 8 to 12 weeks depending on the dogs Ability, Drive, Attitude & Temperament )

Walk-up Drills - Walkout Blinds
Diversion Birds

Introduction to Advanced/Complex Multiple Marks 

MASTER LEVEL ADVANCED RETRIEVER TRAINING
( MASTER LEVEL FINISHED DOG )
( Usually takes 12 weeks but is an ongoing process depending on the dogs Ability, Drive, Attitude & Temperament )
Triple Marked Retrieves with Complex Retired Guns
Complex Long Memory Marks with Factors
9-legged Lining Drill
Advanced Steadying Drills with honors & Diversion Birds
Introduction to Poison Bird Blinds

For Your Reference
Trainer / Handler Terminology and Commands

"Marking" retrieves in which the dog sees the bird fall and spots where the bird fell.
"Casting" are hand signals given by the handler or trainer to command or direct the retriever in the direction of the bird. (This is mainly done when the dog does not see the fall or doesn't remember it).
"Blind" a retrieve that simulates a hunting situation in which the dog does not see the bird fall and must be Handled/Cast towards the bird to get the retriever to pick up the scent.
"Remote Sit" teaches the dog to sit on command by using a single peep from a whistle while dog in the field or a remote area. The dog is expected to sit and watch for new direction.
"Force Fetch" a process which firmly teaches the Fetch command.
"Collar Conditioning" a process which teaches the dog how to avoid correction or scolding.
"Double T" a drill that teaches casting from left to right, to go backwards and towards you.
"Back" command used to send the dog directly backwards or further back into the field.
"Here" command that tells the dog to come to you.
"Over" command given by way of hand signals/aka Casting to direct the dog from left or right.
"Single, Doubles, Triples" a single, double, triple Marking, Retrieve.
"Force to pile" a drill that teaches the Back command. forces them back....
"Poison Birds" birds that are downed but the retriever is not allowed to pick up.
"Diversion Birds" birds thrown to try to distract divert the retriever from the given retrieve.
"Factors" anything that can distract your dog from the path of the retrieve. (wind, obstacles, people, cattle, trees, brush, creeks, etc.
"Retired Gun" when the bird thrower hides so that the retriever doesn't use them for marking.

NOTE : Birds (mainly ducks or pheasants) are shot at least once a week for the hunting retrievers. We use birds for all of our marked retrieves and not bumpers.