---
title: Dog Training Progress Updates | Royal Gun Dogs
url: https://royalgundogs.com/faq/progress-updates/
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 will I know how my dog is doing?

# How 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.

Leaving a dog with someone else is easier when you know what to expect. This page lists the questions worth asking and what the answers should cover, without promising a schedule that only Richard can set.

## Questions to ask on the call

Richard sets these per dog. His answers depend on the plan, the dog and where you live in California, so none of them are published here as fixed rules.

- How will you hear from Richard, by call, text or both?
- How often, and does it change as the dog advances?
- Can you see your dog working, in person or by video?
- When can you visit, and is there a day that suits the training?
- What will you do together at pick-up?

## What a good update covers

Plain language about what the dog is working on, what is going well and what is next. Ask Richard to name the skills in the plan, such as [marks](https://royalgundogs.com/glossary/mark/) or [steadiness](https://royalgundogs.com/glossary/steadiness/), so the updates mean something to you.

The glossary explains each term, and the [training timeline guide](https://royalgundogs.com/guides/retriever-training-timeline/) shows the usual order of skills.

If a term is new, tap through to its glossary page. Knowing what the words mean makes every update more useful, and it helps you spot the day your dog is ready for the next step.

### 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

- [Board-and-train](https://royalgundogs.com/programs/board-and-train/)
- [How do I book training with Richard?](https://royalgundogs.com/faq/how-to-book-training/)
- [Retriever training timeline: puppy to hunt-ready](https://royalgundogs.com/guides/retriever-training-timeline/)
- [Gun dog glossary](https://royalgundogs.com/glossary/)

## Related questions

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

### Can I visit my dog?

Ask Richard about visits when you book. He sets that per dog.

### Is there a written report?

Ask on the call. Richard decides how he keeps each owner informed.