Long Hollow Retrievers

 A. Retriever Training Program - Gun Dog & Hunt Test

Our Hunt Test training program in the beginning stages is the same as Gun Dog training for Retrievers.  As training progresses the Hunt Test program gets very intensive and is only recommended for those dogs and handlers who are serious about competing in AKC sanctioned events. This program requires a great deal of commitment from the trainer, owner and dog.

With this program your dog will be trained to mark the fall of multiple birds at one time. He/she will be trained to respond to hand signals, whistle commands, and voice commands. Your dog will also be trained to make blind retrieves by following commands that lead the dog to “dead birds” or birds that the dog did not see fall.

 The following is a brief overview of the Retriever Training process.

Puppy Training

We accept a very limited number of puppies for this program, so please sign up for this class as soon as possible. Our Puppy Training Program is designed to give your puppy a lot of exposure to the training environment and the tools we will use in training. Exposure to birds, gun fire, boats, blinds, decoys, water, cover, puppy crates, etc. will be just a few of the many things your new puppy will need to encounter prior to beginning formal training and this program will truly prepare him/her for the many elements of training. We accept puppies as early as 7 weeks old. This 1 month class will provide the following:  Crate training, socialization, daily retrieving sessions, and introduction to birds, gun fire, water, boats, blinds, decoys, cover, etc.  

 
Basic Retriever Training

 At the beginning of this program basic obedience commands of "Sit", "Here", "Heel", "Down", and "Kennel", will be taught. Your young student will be E-Collar conditioned where we will then begin to reinforce these Obedience Commands and then be taken through Force Fetch (The Conditioned Retrieve), which develops a solid foundation for all other Retriever Training and teaches them to deliver a bird to you properly. The Conditioned Retrieve process teaches the commands "Fetch" and "Leave it".  At this time we will then take your youngster to the field where he/she will see a ton of marks on land and in the water.  Once your young dog is finished with Basic Training, it should be able to sit steady to shot, mark a single bird down on land or water and deliver that bird to you fit for the table. These dogs will also be introduced to birds, decoys, boats, dog stands, hunting blinds, etc. Your dog will be considered a started dog at the end of Basic Retriever Training. This program takes approximately 3-4 months to complete.

 

 

Gun Dog Training

This class is for people wanting their retriever to be able to mark multiple birds and run basic blind retrieves with the help of whistles and hand signals during hunting scenarios.  Retrievers must have successfully completed the Basic Retriever Training before beginning this program.  An additional 3-5 months of training can be expected to complete this class.  This program is designed to take your dog through many drills such as advanced obedience, walking fetch, 3-hand casting, force to pile, single T, modified double T, swim-by, tons of pattern blinds, basic cold blinds and tons of marking scenario's.  Your retriever will be steady, retrieve basic multiple marks on land and in water, and run basic blinds on land and water.  Depth of training and distances of marks and blinds will vary depending on each individuals ability and time in training. 

 
Advanced Retriever Training

If you are interested in your retriever running in Advanced Hunt Tests, Field Trials or just want a fine-tuned finished gun dog, then Advanced Retriever Training is the option for you. Long Hollow Retrievers campaigns dogs in the American Kennel Club (AKC). You will have a truly fine tuned retriever at the end of Advanced Training that will be able to run in an AKC Master Hunt Test or compete in a Field Trial.  This program is a long term commitment and most retrievers competing at this level are at least 2-3 years old.  Your Retriever must have successfully completed Gun Dog Training in order to graduate into Advanced Retriever Training.  This training continues beyond Gun Dog Training to more complex hunting scenarios such as triple and quad marks and advanced blind retrieve concepts.  This ongoing process takes a minimum of 12 months.  That being said training time frames depend on the desire of the dog and the owner's goals and expectations.

 

 A true Master Hunter is developed through training, repetition, and, experience. 

 

B. Upland Program - Flushers & Pointers

A good upland dog must be confident, bred to hunt, and willing to work with the handler. They must be afforded the opportunity to develop all their natural ability to hunt all types of tough terrain in search of game.  Whether your dog is a pointer or a flusher we will give them that opportunity with "land" and "birds".   All programs can be customized to fit the needs of the dog and handler......For further questions or inquiry about training please contact us.

C. Other  Programs

It’s never too late to train your dog. They love to learn at any age, so get started today! And don’t forget your puppy. We start obedience training as soon as they are old enough to have all the required vaccinations.  Here at "Long Hollow"  we offer obedience training to all breeds.  We encourage owner participation because the ultimate responsibility of a well mannered dog belongs to you. Our Obedience program will greatly improve the relationship between you and your dog.

Basic Obedience Training

Are you tired of your dog walking you instead of you walking him? Or does he jump up on family members and guests uninvited? Sounds like your dog needs some lessons in obedience so that it understands those types of behaviors are unacceptable. This is a 8-week class designed to instill new habits into your new dog or old veteran. We teach your dog how to be a good citizen through education. Your dog will be taught the basic obedience commands of "Sit", "Here", "Heel", "Down" and "Kennel" while on leash and then those commands will be reinforced through E-collar conditioning.

Pre Season Tune-Ups

If your retriever has sat in the kennel all year without any work? Then it will need a good tune up on the commands and field work it knows in order to be ready for that first hunting trip. This program is designed for the retriever that has had previous training and field experience, but needs a tune-up for the upcoming hunting season. We will focus on conditioning, steadiness, marking and any other commands your retriever may need tuned up.

One on One Sessions

These Sessions allow you to schedule an hour where you and your dog can come meet with us one-on-one. We will work with you and your dog in an effort to help you achieve your goals.

 

 

Boarding

In addition to training services, Long Hollow Retrievers also offers excellent boarding for dogs.  Our facilities are cleaned twice daily and we offer the following services:

• Daily exercise for dogs that get along well with others. 
• We will administer medication to dogs that may
  need it during their stay.
• Feeding once or twice per day.........
• Baths upon request

Feel free to give Ryan a call to discuss your training options in order to help you determine what customized program would be best for you and your dog. 509-929-4031

Our entire program is limited.  Contact us for availability and booking.

Shots (including bordetella) and worming need to be up to date and a copy of the vet’s shot record will need to accompany the dog at drop off.