Training

At RHOK, we specialize in training dogs in waterfowl and retrieving skills.

Our comprehensive program covers essential hunting and obedience skills, including socialization, basic obedience, retrieving, delivery, and more. We encourage owners to visit during their dog’s training to witness progress and learn how to handle their dogs effectively. Our personalized training plans are based on each dog’s unique strengths and weaknesses. In addition to training, we provide boarding services with spacious kennels equipped with heating and cooling systems, daily exercise, and socialization for a well-rounded experience. 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.

Check out our program below. Pups must meet age and health requirements, with a minimum 4-month commitment for all Training Programs. We recommend starting your pup’s training as early as 8 weeks of age.

Puppy Primer Program:

• Our Puppy primer program is designed for dogs aged 8 weeks to 4 months. This program focuses on teaching basic obedience skills such as sit, stay, come, socialization and exposure to all the various environments your pup will encounter during its life.  As puppies a lot of the exposure is spent having time with us both inside and out, as well as tagging along on short trips exposing them to as many new places as possible. In addition, through the form of games we start to develop the retrieving desire and begin exposure to all of the various environments, sounds, smells, and varieties of landscape.
• We also introduce puppies to crate training, potty training and swimming during this program.
• During puppy priming, we use positive reinforcement techniques to encourage good behavior and discourage bad habits. At RHOK we will work with you and your puppy to create a strong foundation for future training.
• After completing our Puppy Primer program, your pup will have the necessary skills to move on to more advanced training.
• Time commitment:  4 months

Beginner Gun-Dog Program:

• Our Beginner Gun-Dog program is designed for pups aged 6 months and up who have completed our Puppy Primer program. If your pup did not go through our program we will assess once the pup is here and proceed as needed, basic obedience training is recommended. This program focuses on introducing gun-dog specific commands such as heel, sit to flush(?), retrieving, and marking in various situations. We also work on collar training, off-leash control and teaching your dog to stay steady in the field as well as exposure to a small jon boat.
• During this program, you will learn how to handle your dog while they are working in a hunting scenario. At RHR we will help you develop effective communication with your dog, ensuring a successful hunting experience.
• When your pup completes this program, he/she will be ready to go out in the field and hunt.  Depending on the duration of time we have the dog they typically are at a level comparable to a seasoned and or senior hunt test.
• Time commitment: 4 month minimum

Advanced Gun-Dog Program:

• For pups with previous gun-dog training experience, we offer an Advanced Gun-Dog Training program.  If the dog does not go through our program we will assess once the dog is here and proceed as needed. But a beginner gun dog program is recommended.
• This program focuses on fine-tuning your dog’s skills and preparing them for advanced hunting scenarios. During this program, your pup will be exposed to advanced hand commands, challenging marks, blind retrieves, and honoring other pups retrieves.
• We also focus on improving off-leash control and maintaining a steady demeanor in high-pressure situations.

At RHR we will work closely with you to tailor the training to fit your specific goals and needs. Whether you’re looking to compete in HRC Finished and or AKC Master tests or have a reliable hunting companion, our Advanced Gun-Dog program will help take your dog’s skills to the next level.

Hunt Test program:

• If you would like to see your dog perform competitively against some of the best pups, ask us about our program and we can arrange an opportunity to work with your pup before testing.  (link to ask question)