Training Services
We are the ONLY trainer based in the Dakotas and Minnesota that runs the Master National and only one of two that runs the HRC International Grand!!!
**New Training Courses**
We are offering obedience courses from December 2024 through March 2025!! This is a board and train opportunity open to all breeds. Classes are 4 weeks minimum but may be longer depending on the goals for your dog. On lead and off lead obedience will be covered including here, heel, sit (stay), down, kennel and place. Collar conditioning can be included during longer stays. Classes start the beginning of each month and are limited to 6 dogs so don't wait to get your dog signed up! Call or text Casey at 816-260-9646 to further discuss.
**Contact us to discuss your retriever/gundog training needs for 2025! Our 2025 winter trip is full but we still have a few spots available starting in April/May.
The main goal for each dog that comes to us for training is to give each and every one of them a solid foundation to be an enjoyable hunting companion and overall good citizen by the time they go home. No matter if the long-term goal is to be a solid gun dog or run high level competitions, all dogs receive the same training and attention.
BASIC PROGRAM - THE MOST IMPORTANT TRAINING PERIOD IN A DOGS LIFE!!!!!
When new dogs (6-8 months of age but may be older) enter our program, we start by teaching or solidifying obedience. We then move to conditioned retrieves, our main goal here is to increase desire and compulsion on retrieves while keeping obedience to our standard. Once that process is complete, dogs begin single marking work in the field. This training also includes force fetch, collar conditioning and working on being steady during marks. All dogs have different strength and weaknesses and some move through this program quicker than others. At the end of this program, typically dogs can run HRC started and AKC junior tests. *Our basic program takes a minimum of 4 months.
SEASONED DOG PROGRAM
This is the transition period and focuses on a high level of obedience. Dogs are taught to handle reliably on blinds, run multiple marks, be steady and are enjoyable to take hunting. This program is an additional 3-6 months after our basic program. At the end of this program, dogs can typically run HRC seasoned and AKC senior tests.
FINISHED DOG PRGRAM
Finished level dogs are the ultimate hunting partner. They exhibit all of the qualities of seasoned level dog but with more consistency, more control and at longer distances. Completing this program will take a different amount of time for every dog, some may work through this program in 4-6 months after the seasoned dog program, and some may take 12-18 months. There are many factors that go into your dogs progress in this program, we can cover all of this with you during one-on-one conversations. Typically, dogs that complete this program can run HRC finished and AKC master tests, and possibly more.
We take a trip south each winter that lasts 2-4 months, usually January - March We have found this gives the dogs a great jump start on water work and extends their training season. Preference for this trip is given to dogs that will be staying with us over the upcoming summer months and dogs that have already been with us for training. This trip fills up very fast so if you have interest, please contact Casey at 816-260-9646 to discuss.
We run dogs in HRC and AKC events from February-October. We run our own dogs in HRC and AKC tests and encourage others to run in them as well as they are the closest scenario that mimics real life hunting. The atmosphere at a hunt test gets the dogs in the same mind set as hunting so the transition from training to hunting is smoother. It’s also a great way to judge where your dog is at in training. If you are interested in your dog running in HRC upland tests, please discuss this with us. This is not a test we regularly run but we may be able to fit this into your dogs training program.
Our personal dogs live in the house with us and are trained almost daily during non-snowy months, with the exception of hunt test weekends and actual hunting. Any dog entrusted to us for training services will be treated as one of our own. We have comfortable, clean 5 ft x 5 ft runs in our climate controlled kennel. All kennel runs have a Kuranda bed and fresh water available 24/7. When we travel all dogs are transported in our Ainley truck topper and trailer. All of our facilities and equipment are cleaned and sanitized on a regular basis. We proudly feed Inukshuk 30/25 to all of our personal dogs and suggest our training dogs to switch to this food while in our care. We also use a canine probiotic, K9 Thrive, and Cosequin, a glucosamine chondroitin supplement, during all feedings.
Before any dog goes home, we will meet with each owner on a one-to-one handlers clinic. We will walk you through proper handling techniques to bring the best out of your dog.
All dogs that come to us for training must be up to date on vaccinations and a note from your vet stating they have no pre-existing health issues. A clear fecal sample within 1 month of arrival is also a requirement. All clients will be required to sign a training contract and liability waiver.
If you are interested in our training services, please contact Casey as soon as possible at 816-260-9646 to get on the list.
Achievements:
We have been running dogs in competitions for over 10 years, mostly HRC events but we started running AKC tests in 2021. Over that time we have handled our personal dogs, and family and friends' dogs in hundreds of tests. Our own personal dogs have earned 1 Grand Hunting Retriever Champion title, 1 Grand pass, 2 Master National passes, 6 Hunting Retriever Champion titles, 8 Hunting Retriever titles, 2 Started Hunting Retriever Titles, 1 dog has 1000 HRC points, 2 dogs have over 500 HRC points, 2 Upland Hunter Champion titles, 4 Upland Hunter titles, 5 Master Hunters and 2 Qual JAMS. We have also helped train and/or handle dogs for our family and friends and of those dogs 1 has earned 1500 HRC points, 1 has earned 1000 HRC points, 2 earned Hunting Retriever Champion titles, 4 have Hunting Retriever titles, 3 earned their Started Hunting Retriever title, and 2 young dogs have 2 started passes. To see more of our achievements - go to the Accomplishments page.
Qualifications:
We are lifetime members of the Jim River HRC club based in northeastern SD. During our time with the club Casey has been hunt chairman and Jessica was hunt secretary for the first 2 hunt tests. Jessica is also the current treasurer of the club and has also served as president and vice-president. Jessica is the HRC Region 8B Running Rules Representative. Both of us judge when we can, Jessica is a AA finished judge and had judged the HRC International Grand 3 times. Casey is a licensed seasoned judge working his way up to finished. We are also members of the North Dakota Retriever Club.
Over the years we have both led numerous dog training and hunting seminars. During these seminars, we have taught basic dog training techniques, showed how properly trained dogs are more enjoyable to hunt over and how they can be a conservation tool. We enjoy sharing our knowledge in these settings.
Casey participated in a dog handling seminar put on by a field trial pro and we will continue to use these resources when they are available. We have also spent many days training and learning from other hunt test pros and experienced HRC members over the years, for which we are extremely grateful to them for sharing their knowledge! We are continually adding to our knowledge of dogs and training retrievers through online and personal courses, videos and books.
**New Training Courses**
We are offering obedience courses from December 2024 through March 2025!! This is a board and train opportunity open to all breeds. Classes are 4 weeks minimum but may be longer depending on the goals for your dog. On lead and off lead obedience will be covered including here, heel, sit (stay), down, kennel and place. Collar conditioning can be included during longer stays. Classes start the beginning of each month and are limited to 6 dogs so don't wait to get your dog signed up! Call or text Casey at 816-260-9646 to further discuss.
**Contact us to discuss your retriever/gundog training needs for 2025! Our 2025 winter trip is full but we still have a few spots available starting in April/May.
The main goal for each dog that comes to us for training is to give each and every one of them a solid foundation to be an enjoyable hunting companion and overall good citizen by the time they go home. No matter if the long-term goal is to be a solid gun dog or run high level competitions, all dogs receive the same training and attention.
BASIC PROGRAM - THE MOST IMPORTANT TRAINING PERIOD IN A DOGS LIFE!!!!!
When new dogs (6-8 months of age but may be older) enter our program, we start by teaching or solidifying obedience. We then move to conditioned retrieves, our main goal here is to increase desire and compulsion on retrieves while keeping obedience to our standard. Once that process is complete, dogs begin single marking work in the field. This training also includes force fetch, collar conditioning and working on being steady during marks. All dogs have different strength and weaknesses and some move through this program quicker than others. At the end of this program, typically dogs can run HRC started and AKC junior tests. *Our basic program takes a minimum of 4 months.
SEASONED DOG PROGRAM
This is the transition period and focuses on a high level of obedience. Dogs are taught to handle reliably on blinds, run multiple marks, be steady and are enjoyable to take hunting. This program is an additional 3-6 months after our basic program. At the end of this program, dogs can typically run HRC seasoned and AKC senior tests.
FINISHED DOG PRGRAM
Finished level dogs are the ultimate hunting partner. They exhibit all of the qualities of seasoned level dog but with more consistency, more control and at longer distances. Completing this program will take a different amount of time for every dog, some may work through this program in 4-6 months after the seasoned dog program, and some may take 12-18 months. There are many factors that go into your dogs progress in this program, we can cover all of this with you during one-on-one conversations. Typically, dogs that complete this program can run HRC finished and AKC master tests, and possibly more.
We take a trip south each winter that lasts 2-4 months, usually January - March We have found this gives the dogs a great jump start on water work and extends their training season. Preference for this trip is given to dogs that will be staying with us over the upcoming summer months and dogs that have already been with us for training. This trip fills up very fast so if you have interest, please contact Casey at 816-260-9646 to discuss.
We run dogs in HRC and AKC events from February-October. We run our own dogs in HRC and AKC tests and encourage others to run in them as well as they are the closest scenario that mimics real life hunting. The atmosphere at a hunt test gets the dogs in the same mind set as hunting so the transition from training to hunting is smoother. It’s also a great way to judge where your dog is at in training. If you are interested in your dog running in HRC upland tests, please discuss this with us. This is not a test we regularly run but we may be able to fit this into your dogs training program.
Our personal dogs live in the house with us and are trained almost daily during non-snowy months, with the exception of hunt test weekends and actual hunting. Any dog entrusted to us for training services will be treated as one of our own. We have comfortable, clean 5 ft x 5 ft runs in our climate controlled kennel. All kennel runs have a Kuranda bed and fresh water available 24/7. When we travel all dogs are transported in our Ainley truck topper and trailer. All of our facilities and equipment are cleaned and sanitized on a regular basis. We proudly feed Inukshuk 30/25 to all of our personal dogs and suggest our training dogs to switch to this food while in our care. We also use a canine probiotic, K9 Thrive, and Cosequin, a glucosamine chondroitin supplement, during all feedings.
Before any dog goes home, we will meet with each owner on a one-to-one handlers clinic. We will walk you through proper handling techniques to bring the best out of your dog.
All dogs that come to us for training must be up to date on vaccinations and a note from your vet stating they have no pre-existing health issues. A clear fecal sample within 1 month of arrival is also a requirement. All clients will be required to sign a training contract and liability waiver.
If you are interested in our training services, please contact Casey as soon as possible at 816-260-9646 to get on the list.
Achievements:
We have been running dogs in competitions for over 10 years, mostly HRC events but we started running AKC tests in 2021. Over that time we have handled our personal dogs, and family and friends' dogs in hundreds of tests. Our own personal dogs have earned 1 Grand Hunting Retriever Champion title, 1 Grand pass, 2 Master National passes, 6 Hunting Retriever Champion titles, 8 Hunting Retriever titles, 2 Started Hunting Retriever Titles, 1 dog has 1000 HRC points, 2 dogs have over 500 HRC points, 2 Upland Hunter Champion titles, 4 Upland Hunter titles, 5 Master Hunters and 2 Qual JAMS. We have also helped train and/or handle dogs for our family and friends and of those dogs 1 has earned 1500 HRC points, 1 has earned 1000 HRC points, 2 earned Hunting Retriever Champion titles, 4 have Hunting Retriever titles, 3 earned their Started Hunting Retriever title, and 2 young dogs have 2 started passes. To see more of our achievements - go to the Accomplishments page.
Qualifications:
We are lifetime members of the Jim River HRC club based in northeastern SD. During our time with the club Casey has been hunt chairman and Jessica was hunt secretary for the first 2 hunt tests. Jessica is also the current treasurer of the club and has also served as president and vice-president. Jessica is the HRC Region 8B Running Rules Representative. Both of us judge when we can, Jessica is a AA finished judge and had judged the HRC International Grand 3 times. Casey is a licensed seasoned judge working his way up to finished. We are also members of the North Dakota Retriever Club.
Over the years we have both led numerous dog training and hunting seminars. During these seminars, we have taught basic dog training techniques, showed how properly trained dogs are more enjoyable to hunt over and how they can be a conservation tool. We enjoy sharing our knowledge in these settings.
Casey participated in a dog handling seminar put on by a field trial pro and we will continue to use these resources when they are available. We have also spent many days training and learning from other hunt test pros and experienced HRC members over the years, for which we are extremely grateful to them for sharing their knowledge! We are continually adding to our knowledge of dogs and training retrievers through online and personal courses, videos and books.
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