Asking for opinions on what kennel i should send my dog. I want him ready for this next duck season, i already have obedience down, just want basic gun dog training

Bear Creek Retrievers Owners name is John Watts best around.

BBFF Kennels in Brilliant,AL

Ethan Corkren is the trainer. He's produced some good dogs over the years.

Hunted with an amazing dog in Jonesboro AR this year. Guide said he was trained in Athens Al, can't remember name of kennel.

Blackbelt retrievers Demopolis Alabama brandon smith will have him ready

I have a really good trainer here in Montgomery. He's a young guy but his dogs are awesome. Ben Graham at 334-991-0492. I was going to send mine to him for some refresher on blind retrieves but we lost him when he was hit by a car before the season began. I think you will really like him.

Dr. B

Mr jim on here laidback

River Bottom Retrievers in Fairhope Alabama Noah Spitzer

Do it yourself it is cheaper and you get more satisfaction out of knowing you did it yourself. If you have the obedience down to your satisfaction then you are half way home. Believe me I do not know a whole lot but I do know dogs.

I disagree with geezer obedience isn't even an 8th of what goes into one. That's what most people say they hit a wall after wall then off he goes to pro and the pro has to fix the holes that were made by the do it yourself guy

Do any of you guys have experience with oak bowery kennels in auburn alabama? I am close to there and was thinking about just trying that out.

Yep. Chris Adams worked wonders on mine. My old lab is semi retired now at 11 but he went from started to advanced at Chris's place. He stayed there for about 3-4 months for started then i hunted him for dove and duck season then sent him back for advanced after i seasoned the dog and myself. Chris is a stand up guy in my book. I also know several other folks that sent their dog to him also. Just remember all dogs aren't cut out for that particular line of work. If that's the case don't get discouraged and figure out where your current pups drive's shine and build on that and plan for the next pup.

thanks man i think im going to try him

Chris is really good. He helped me with Rascal when I first got started.

JWM be careful...Geezer knows what he is talking about.

And anyone who can train a dog that's not 100 percent obedient wastes alot of time saying here, come back, and heel...and the worst one...NOOOOOOOO!

Geezer has trained more dogs for more years than anyone I know. He was one of the original founding members of the HRC. He was a very respected judge for many years. If you are fortunate enough to get to know him consider yourself lucky.

Limestone Kennels maybe, my budfy Hunter shell owns it. They have some awesome dogs.

I appreciate the kind words from Laidback and JayHook but I just used to love to see a dog that was trained by the owner. It seemed to be a special bond between them. I do not say that a pro trainer is worthless they have some very good qualities. Unless you are going to run your dog in competition I would take time, fifteen to twenty minutes a day and train the dog myself. In competition if your dog runs the bank to retrieve a downed bird you are pretty much out, but if your dog runs the bank in real life and brings back the bird what the heck? Competition and real life are two totally different things. It is up to you to what you want. mho One last thing when I was judging I loved to see a dog come to the line wagging his or her tail because they were happy, but when a dog came to the line with their tail between their legs I knew they had been mistreated and were afraid they were going to made a mistake. Once again completion and real life are two different things.

I trained my lab (Rio) myself. He is the first lab I've ever owned and I couldn't be more proud of how he turned out. I still train with him now even though he's 4 years old and does everything I want him to do.

Geezer this thread and your knowledge of dogs is just another reason I'd love to meet you one day. If you're ever down in South Alabama look me up. We can probably even find a hog for you to shoot so you can check that off your bucket list.

Geezer,
FYI Central Alabama will be having a hunt test at the cattle ranch April 8-9th. You are always invited to any and all of our events. Judges dinner will be the Friday before and if you are interested P.M. me. Ronnie H. always asks about you when he judges. We would love to see you and possibly have you cover gun safety at Finished if you are available.

Mark Land