Duck Dogs * Companions * AKC Hunt Test Retrievers * Start to Finish * Gun Dogs
The Foundation of our entire Retriever Training program encompasses the structure built by the 3 levels of AKC Hunt Tests listed below. But don't let that intimidate you. Whether you want to train your own
dog or have us train your dog for you. There is a place for you and
your dog in our program. You and Your dog are capable of much more then you can imagine and we would like to help you set goals, create a new perspective, reach your goals and have fun in the process. All Retriever Training is $850/month with NO hidden fees.
Junior Hunter
Junior Hunting Tests consist of single marked retrieves on land and water. Dogs are allowed to be lightly restrained at the line and must deliver birds to the hand of the handler.
Senior Hunter
Senior Hunting Tests consist of double marked retrieves, and relatively
simple blind retrieves on land and water, as well as honoring the
retrieve of another dog.
Master Hunter
Master tests consist of multiple marked retrieves on land,
water, and land water combination. Blind retrieves are more demanding and dogs must handle honoring, walk ups, diversions and more.
Retriever Training Program
Please refer to the flow chart at the bottom of this page to understand more about the flow of our Retriever Training Process.
Puppy Training 1 month
Puppy training is just one month for people who want us to get their puppy jump started. Includes crate training, teaching limits, daily retrieving sessions, gun breaking, intro to birds and water, obedience with treats, walking on a leash and gunner thrown marks.
Basic Training 4 months
Basic Training is the foundation that all great Retrievers need. It takes about 4 months to get most dogs truly through a good foundation of introductions, gun breaking, marking, formal obedience, e-collar conditioning, lead steadiness, hold training, force fetch, and walking fetch.
Advanced Training 3-6 months
Advanced Training takes a dog from doing the basics to learning multiple marking concepts, blind retrieves, steadiness, honoring and more...
The duration of training at this stage has more variables and really depends on the goals of the owner and the ability of the dog.
Train the Trainer Sessions $200/hr + birds
Our 1 on 1 training sessions are more designed to "train the trainer". If you would like some one on one tutelage and to spend some hands on time with us in the field then it is very likely that you plan to do most of your dog's training by yourself. So be sure to come with an open mind and ready to do far more learning then your dog. Dog's learn in small increments over a long period of time.
Retriever Training Flow Chart
Retriever Training Flow Chart
Here is a quick description in how this flow chart is meant to be interpreted. The first section titled "Puppy Training" is intended to be a check list of things to be accomplished before the puppies adult teeth grow in which is usually around 5-6 months of age. This process should start just as soon as you get your puppy home. The order or flow in which this training is done is not nearly as important as it will be when your pup begins the next phase of training.
As "Intermediate" Yard Training and Field Training begin, (after all your puppy's adult teeth have grown in) you will notice the two sided flow to the middle section of the flow chart. The left side titled "Yard Training" lists the drills and techniques used for teaching and developing Blind Retrieving. The right side titled "Field Training" lists the drills and techniques used for teaching and developing Marked Retrieving. It is meant to be followed as closely as possible from top to bottom and left to right. The balance of training is most important during this phase in order to develop a retriever that is as proficient and confident in accomplishing blind retrieves as well as marked retrieves prior to entering into any "Advanced Retriever Training".
Once your youngster does enter into "Advanced Retriever Training" the flow and balance of training is still important but the order of things becomes less of a factor.
- Ryan Fortier
Puppy Training
Puppy Training
*Crate Training
*Socialization (letting go of the leash)
*Teaching Limits
*Retrieving in the Hallway
*Teaching Obedience with Treats
*Casting Games with Treats
*Intro to Bumpers
*Intro to Birds
*Intro to Water (weather permitting)
*Walking on a Leash
*Gunner Thrown Marks
*Yard Multiples
*Walking Singles
*Intro to Gunfire / Gun Breaking
*Teaching Lead Steady
Basic and Advanced Training
Basic and Advanced Training
Yard Training
Yard Training
*Formal Obedience & Collar Conditioning
*Hold Training & Force Fetch
*Collar Fetch & Walking Fetch
*3 Hand Casting (indirect pressure)
*Force to Pile (go stop come theory)
*Double T
*Swim By
*Start Simple Pattern Blinds
Field Training
Field Training
*Singles off Multiple Guns
*Lead Steady & start Teaching Que's
*Introduce Retired and Hidden Gun Marks
*Bird in Mouth Procedure
*Taught Land Doubles
*Steady with Loose Lead
*Long non cheating Water Marks
*Simple Cold Doubles
Transition / Hunt Test & Field Trial Training
Transition / Hunt Test & Field Trial Training
*Blind Drills
*Wagon Wheel Drills
*No-No Drills
*Pattern Blinds with Diversions
*Simple Cold Land Blinds
*Cheating Singles
*Shore Breaking
*Taught Channel Blinds
*Complex Cheating Singles
*Chinese Drills
*Taught Memory Marks (continually increasing the complexity of factors and concepts)
*Therapy Marks
*Retired Memory Marks
*Hidden Memory Marks
*Building Marking Concepts
*Start Handling for mistakes on Marks
*Literal Casting