Questions and answers
These pages answer what owners most often ask before they send a gun dog to Richard Gebhart in Rio Vista. Program lengths and weekly rates are on the board-and-train page; the plan for your dog and the drop-off day Richard sets on the phone.
- 4.9 12 Google reviews
- Training since 2002
- Qualified at an AKC Master National
All pages in this section
How do I book training with Richard?
Call or text Richard Gebhart at (530) 341-4496, or send the form on any page. He books every dog himself after a short conversation about its age, breed and goals.
QuestionWhat age can a dog start gun dog training?
Richard Gebhart likes to start pups in Puppy Camp when they are 5 to 7 months old, and asks owners to send the pup's rabies certificate at 16 weeks to get on his books. Pointers then hunt until they are over a year old before formal whoa work; for an older dog, call Richard about where it should start.
QuestionWhich breeds does Richard train?
Richard's programs are for pointers and retrievers: Puppy Camp is an introduction for both, the waterfowl programs are for retrievers and Formal Gun Dog Training is for pointing dogs. For a spaniel or any other breed, ask Richard.
QuestionWill I learn to handle my own dog?
Yes. Richard trains handlers alongside their dogs, in one-on-one or group lessons. A trained dog only performs for you if you know the commands and timing, so handler work is part of the plan.
QuestionHow will I know how my dog is doing?
Richard sets how often he checks in for each dog, so ask him on the call. One owner wrote that “he kept me up to date on her progress and sent pictures” (Leland S., Google review, March 2025). Following your dog's progress is a fair thing to ask for, and he answers it directly.
QuestionWhat should I bring when my dog starts?
For a Puppy Camp pup, Richard asks for a copy of the rabies certificate at 16 weeks to get the pup on his books. Bring vaccination records and any health notes, and ask on the call whether he wants food, bedding or gear; Puppy Camp's rate includes food.
QuestionCan my dog hunt and still be a family pet?
Yes. Many gun dogs live in the house and hunt on weekends, and Richard has trained everything from top-level competition dogs to everyday hunting dogs and home companions. The key is a dog that is calm indoors and focused in the field.
QuestionWhat vaccinations and health records are needed?
Richard sets the requirements for dogs that train with him, so confirm them on the call. In general, dogs should be current on core vaccines such as DHPP and rabies, and boarding often calls for a kennel cough vaccine too.
QuestionWhat is a started dog?
A started dog has completed its foundation training and basic field work but still needs polish before it is a finished hunting partner. Trainers use the term loosely, so ask Richard what it means for your dog.
QuestionDoes Richard help with AKC hunt tests?
Yes. Richard is active in the AKC retriever hunt test community, runs dogs and assists clients at local weekend tests, and has run and qualified at an AKC Master National. Ask him which level suits your dog.
Each answer starts with the short version and then gives the detail. Where a plan depends on the dog, the page says so and points you to a call instead of guessing. Start with how to book, or pick the question closest to your own.
Where to start
Most calls begin with the dog's age and what you want it to do. The pages on what age to start, which breeds train and what a started dog is cover the usual first questions.
If you already know you want to talk, how to book lists what Richard will ask so you can have the answers ready.
Every answer here is written to be read in under a minute. If your situation is unusual, such as an older dog, a rescue or a dog with an injury in its past, say so on the call and Richard will tell you honestly what he thinks.
Sources (1)
- Hastings Island Hunting Preserve: hihp.com/royal-gun-dogs-dog-training/ (checked October 27, 2026)
Your trainer
Richard Gebhart has trained dogs professionally since 2002, learned the Rex Carr method for Retriever Basics under Billy Sargenti, and has run and qualified at an AKC Master National.
Meet RichardRelated
Where Richard trains
Hastings Island Hunting Preserve, 7758 Hastings Island Rd, near Rio Vista in Solano County. Call before you drive out.
Directions
Book a consult
Get your dog ready for next season.
Richard books by phone. Call, text, or leave your details and he will call you back.
(530) 341-4496- 4.9 12 Google reviews
- Training since 2002