At Backwater Retrievers we have been hunting with dogs for over ten years and we know what is expected out of a dog in the field. We offer a wide range of services for the gundog owner. We realize that each dog is an individual with different abilities and temperaments so we will adjust the training program as needed for each individual retriever and owner's goals.
We offer a three stage gundog program to meet the need of every retriever owner. Our programs are tailored to mold your companion into an irreplaceable tool in the field.
Basic Retriever (3-4 months) $500 per month
The Basic Retriever program takes a young inexperienced dog and exposes them to situations that depict what they will come across during hunting season. Dogs in this program are taught basic obedience, forced retrieve (force fetch-holding a bird on command until told to release), steadiness, and lots of socialization.
Dogs that complete this program will be ready to go to field hunting. They will be obedient off lead, steady to wing and shot and proficient in marking long singles and simple doubles. They are exposed to different types of training ground as well as gunfire, boats, vehicles, decoys, stationary platforms (duck blinds, dog blinds, tree stands), and live and dead birds.
Finished Retriever (3-4 months) $500 per month
The Finished Retriever program is designed for the retriever that has been through basic or has had previous training to get them to this level. The program is in place to mold your dog into a finished retriever that can handle anything a hunting season can throw at them. In this program your retriever will be taught how to handle by being taught force to a pile, “T” drill, and swim-by. Your retriever will also be taught more advanced marking (marking multiple birds).
At the end of this program your retriever will be proficient in marking multiple birds down and the ability to be handled (using hand signals to direct your dog).
Advanced Retriever (3-6 months) $500 per month
The Advanced program is for retrievers at the top of their game. Retrievers in this program are trained in every situation and concept and are often campaigned by their owners in Hunt Tests.
*All times are on average and in no way are exact. Every dog learns at a different rate of time. This is exactly why we tailor our program to adjust for each dog’s ability to learn.
Pre-Hunting Season Tune-Up (1-3 months)
$500 per month
We offer this program for the retriever owner that wants to polish their dog up before hunting season. During this time your retriever will be put in hunting type situations with emphasis on obedience, steadiness, and marking birds down. The program is molded to each dog’s ability in the field. This is a great time for your retriever to shed those extra pounds they picked up over the summer and get tuned-up for the
upcoming season.
Puppy Head Start
$450 per month
Getting a puppy on the right track at a young age before formal training can be the difference between a good dog and a great dog. This program is set up to give your puppy the chance to excel before it is old enough for formal training. Your puppy will be introduced to situations that will be important for them later in their gundog career. These situations include introduction to birds, water, gunfire, and lots of
human socialization.
All Breed Obedience
$600 (6 week program)
Backwater Retrievers offers an all breed obedience course for your companion. At Backwater Retrievers we believe that obedience is the foundation for all training. We offer a six week program that takes your dog through on-leash obedience and graduates to having a completely compliant dog off lead. Dogs will learn the commands sit (stay), heel, here, down, and kennel. We will also address other personality problems such as jumping, biting, excessive barking and other personality traits that are undesirable to you, the owner.
Train the Trainer $50 per hour
This program is an excellent choice for the “do it yourself” dog owner. You schedule a time in which we will go over what you need to be working on with your dog. We will take you and your dog through training processes and scenarios, giving you the knowledge that will help you turn your dog into a fully trained family and hunting companion.
