Basic Retriever Program

The basic retriever program takes approximately 4 months to complete for most dogs.  During that four month period your dog will be exposed to and taught a variety of different skills. Below is a month by month break down of what dogs learn in each month of training:

Month 1: During the first month of training the dog is taught both on and off leash basic obedience. We teach the dog the following commands: sit, down, heel, here, place, and off if your dog has a jumping problem. We believe that basic obedience is the foundation for the remainder of the program, and as such, must be solid before moving on. We also understand that for most people, their dog is a pet the great majority of the time, and a hunting companion part time.

Month 2: Force Fetch- During the second month the dog will be taught commands related to mouth habits and delivery to hand. We teach the dog three commands- hold, fetch, and drop. This process is essential for a reliable delivery to hand. The word force worries some people but when done properly, there is actually very little force involved.

Month 3: During the third month of training the dog will be introduced to the field. During the third month we begin to introduce your dog to the things that are normally seen in a day of hunting. Decoys, guns and gunfire, heavy cover, and water are just a few examples.

Month 4: During the fourth month we bring all of the training together. The dog will be exposed to the most advanced concepts of the basic retrieve. We use this month to solidify the training during the previous three months and to work on more advanced marking skills. During this month we try to expose the dog to anything and everything that they might see in a day of hunting whether is be dove, duck, or goose.

Advanced Retriever Program

This program is for retrievers that have completed the basic retriever program. Most dogs take an additional 4 to 6 month period to make it through advanced training.

During advanced training your dog will learn a variety of new concepts and strengthen ones that they have already learned.

Multiple Marks

We teach the dog to mark and remember more than one fall on land and in water. The dog is then taught to retrieve them one at a time and deliver to hand.

Blind Retrieves

During this portion of training the dog will be taught how to work with you and pick up marks that they did not see fall. The dog will be taught to sit on a whistle, and take basic hand signal including left and right overs and right and left backs.

Advanced Concepts

Your dog will be taught more advanced concepts during advanced training like diversion birds, honoring, and walk-ups. Upon special request we can also include some upland work during the advanced training program.