---
title: How to Book Gun Dog Training | Royal Gun Dogs
url: https://royalgundogs.com/faq/how-to-book-training/
business: Royal Gun Dogs
trainer: Richard Gebhart (professional gun dog trainer since 2002)
phone: (530) 341-4496
email: royalgundogs@yahoo.com
trains_at: Hastings Island Hunting Preserve, 7758 Hastings Island Rd, Rio Vista, CA 94571 (Solano County)
booking: call or text Richard directly
---

- [Home](https://royalgundogs.com/)
- [FAQ](https://royalgundogs.com/faq/)
- How do I book training with Richard?

# 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.

There is no online checkout. Richard's programs and weekly rates are published, but he talks with each owner first, because the right plan for a one-year-old Lab headed for the duck blind is not the right plan for an adult pointer that needs polish before pheasant season.

## What Richard will ask

Have a rough answer to each before you call. Photos or a short video of the dog retrieving help if you have them, though they are not required.

- Your dog's age and breed
- What it does well and where it struggles
- Your goal: waterfowl, upland, hunt tests or handling
- Where you are in California, for drop-off and pick-up

## What happens after the call

Richard sets the plan for your dog: which program, and where in its length your dog is likely to land. The programs' lengths and weekly rates are on the [board-and-train page](https://royalgundogs.com/programs/board-and-train/). He likes dogs on the books a month out, six weeks if you can, and his preferred drop-off days are Wednesday to Saturday. Ask on the call how he keeps owners posted.

Training takes place at Hastings Island Hunting Preserve in Rio Vista, and owners bring dogs from all over California. The [Hastings Island page](https://royalgundogs.com/hastings-island-hunting-preserve/) explains the setting, and the [board-and-train page](https://royalgundogs.com/programs/board-and-train/) covers staying with Richard.

## Hours to know before you drive out

Google lists Richard's hours as 8 AM to 2 PM Monday and Wednesday through Sunday, closed Tuesday. Call first; Richard sets drop-off times by phone, and Wednesday to Saturday are his preferred drop-off days. A call first also saves a wasted trip, since he may be out with dogs.

### Sources (2)

- Hastings Island Hunting Preserve : [hihp.com/royal-gun-dogs-dog-training/](https://hihp.com/royal-gun-dogs-dog-training/) (checked October 27, 2026)
- Hastings Island Hunting Preserve : [hihp.com/dog-training/](https://hihp.com/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 Richard](https://royalgundogs.com/richard-gebhart/)

### Related

- [Free training consult](https://royalgundogs.com/free-consult/)
- [Training programs](https://royalgundogs.com/programs/)
- [What should I bring when my dog starts?](https://royalgundogs.com/faq/what-to-bring/)
- [What to ask any gun dog trainer](https://royalgundogs.com/guides/choosing-a-gun-dog-trainer/)
- [How much does gun dog training cost?](https://royalgundogs.com/guides/gun-dog-training-cost/)

## Related questions

[All questions](https://royalgundogs.com/faq/)

### Can I email instead?

Yes, royalgundogs@yahoo.com. A call or text is the fastest way to reach him.

### Is there a free first step?

The [free consult form](https://royalgundogs.com/free-consult/) lets you describe your dog so Richard can call you back.

### Do I need to know which program I want?

No. Describe the dog and the goal, and Richard suggests where to start. For a pup, send the rabies certificate at 16 weeks to get on his books for Puppy Camp.