We Train for Hunt Tests, Field Trials, Waterfowl Hunting and Upland Hunting.

"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....

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{ ALL RETRIEVER TRAINING IS $600.00 PER MONTH }
ALL TRAINING SERVICES INCLUDE
daily training boarding 8 way vaccines daily multivitamins and minerals
weekly grooming all meals and much more
OUR TRAINING SERVICES DOES NOT INCLUDE
Prescription medications such as antibiotics, rabies vaccines, etc.
Veterinarian visits
We do not provide prescription heartworm preventatives such as "Interceptor"
We don't 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.

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LABRADOR PUPPY HEADSTART
{ 2 to 4 months to graduate / 2 to 5 months of age}
Hunting Dogs : This is the "FUN" stage before your puppy starts a structured training program. During this time your puppy will be crate trained and 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 crate trained, heavily socialized with adults, other dogs to teach non-aggression and children, we also introduce them to water, short retrieves, light gunfire to simulate fireworks and make sure you can attend the July 4th celebration.

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 10 puppies in training at a time to be divided among our 4 trainers. This allows us to give each and every dog the attention needed.

BASIC OBEDIENCE (Companions & Hunting Dogs)
(We take dogs from 3 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 like Sit, Here, Heel, Kennel and 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.

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.
"Retired Gun" when the bird thrower hides so that the retriever doesn't use them for marking.

STARTED DOG (Level 1) (Intro to Hunting Retriever Training)
This is the first stage in gundog training and is typically a 4-month program.
Complete introduction to birds including Ducks, Pheasant, Quail, Chuker & Doves. Training also includes Basic Obedience, Force Fetch, Collar Conditioning & Simple Marking. This produces a dog that is obedient, steady to shot, will retrieve through diverse terrain (heavy brush, cattails etc.). Dogs completing our 4 month 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. Furthermore, If the owner wishes to pursue more advanced training, the foundations are in place to move to the next level which is handling, blind retrieves and other advanced concepts.

STARTED DOG (Level 2) (Advanced Hunting Retriever Training)
Level 1 training plus.... 3 Handed Casting, Force to Pile, Remote Sit, Marking Doubles, Intro to Blinds and Double T's

STARTED DOG (Level 3) (Finished Hunting Retriever Training)
Level 1 & 2 training plus.... Extended Marks, Doubles and Triples, Diversion Birds, Poison Birds & Retired Guns

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.