---
title: Will I Learn to Handle My Dog? | Royal Gun Dogs
url: https://royalgundogs.com/faq/owner-handler-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/)
- Will I learn to handle my own dog?

# Will 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.

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](https://royalgundogs.com/programs/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](https://royalgundogs.com/programs/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](https://royalgundogs.com/guides/first-hunt-test/) covers what a handler does on test day.

### Sources (1)

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

### Related

- [Private and group lessons](https://royalgundogs.com/programs/lessons/)
- [Advanced Waterfowl Program](https://royalgundogs.com/programs/advanced-waterfowl/)
- [How will I know how my dog is doing?](https://royalgundogs.com/faq/progress-updates/)
- [Cast](https://royalgundogs.com/glossary/cast/)

## Related questions

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

### Can I bring a dog that already knows some commands?

Yes. Describe what it knows and Richard fits the lessons to it.

### Are group lessons available?

Richard offers them. Ask him about timing and size on the call.