Will I learn to handle my own dog?

Many owners expect to drop off a finished dog. A finished dog still needs a handler who can give the same cues the same way, so the hand-off matters as much as the training. Richard builds that into how he works.

Private and group lessons

The handler lessons program covers the commands, whistle and body language your dog has learned. Lessons can be one-on-one or in a group, and they can start while the dog is still in training or after it comes home.

Richard's own philosophy is balance, encouraging the hunting drive and desire in the dog, coupled with the necessary team player attitude. A handler who understands that balance can keep it going at home.

After board-and-train

When a dog comes home from board-and-train, the first weeks decide whether the training holds. Ask Richard on the call how he handles the hand-off and what practice he wants you to do.

For hunt tests

Hunt tests are run by the owner or handler, not the trainer's dog alone. If you plan to enter, the first hunt test guide covers what a handler does on test day.