Home/Kennel
The Kennel

Training to unleash
your dog's potential

We value the special bond between a gun dog and their owner. Programs are built around each dog's strengths, weaknesses, and their owner's goals — never one-size-fits-all.

Retriever launching off the bank into the water
Our Approach

Personalized,
not programmed

All gun dogs are unique and have different strengths and weaknesses. That is why we take a personalized approach, working closely with you to reach your specific goals for your dog.

We use positive reinforcement techniques to train our dogs, creating a strong bond between the dog and trainer. Our goal is to foster lasting relationships between pups and their owners, offering continued support even after training is complete.

Owners are encouraged to visit regularly during their dog's program to witness progress and learn how to handle their dog effectively — the handler matters as much as the retriever.

The Kennel

Three ways in

Fox red puppy sitting in the spring grass
8 Weeks to Advanced

Training Programs

Puppy Primer, Beginner Gun-Dog, Advanced Gun-Dog and hunt-test preparation. Minimum four-month commitment on all programs.

Fox red retriever portrait against a weathered barn wood backdrop
Started & Finished

Ready-to-Go Dogs

Well-trained retrievers for waterfowl hunting when we have them available. Demand is high and availability is limited.

Two fox red retrievers in the pasture at last light
12 Runs · 32,000+ Acres

Facilities

Indoor runs with heating and cooling, cozy beds and unlimited water, plus a large airing yard, water access and varied terrain for real training.

What They Learn

The curriculum

Socialization through advanced handling — built in the right order.

01

Obedience & socialization

Sit, stay, come, crate and potty training, and deliberate exposure to as many new environments, sounds and surfaces as possible.

02

Retrieving & delivery

Retrieving desire developed through games, then formalized into clean marks and a proper delivery to hand.

03

Marking & blind retrieves

Challenging marks, hand signals, blind retrieves and honoring other dogs' retrieves.

04

Steadiness & off-leash control

Impulse control, steadiness in the field and in high-pressure situations, collar conditioning and off-leash reliability.

05

Field exposure

Real water, varied terrain, jon boat exposure and hunting scenarios — not just yard work.

06

Handler education

You learn to handle your dog. Owners visit throughout and leave able to communicate with their retriever.

I look forward to the years to come with Ann. I highly recommend Red Horizon Retrievers to not only find you a dog but develop one that fits you and your hunting.
Travis H.  ·  Wisconsin
Start the Conversation

Let's talk about
your dog

Tell us your dog's age, background and what you want out of them. We will tell you honestly which program fits.