---
title: Free Gun Dog Training Consult | Royal Gun Dogs
url: https://royalgundogs.com/free-consult/
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/)
- Free consult

# Book a free training consult

A consult is a phone conversation with Richard Gebhart about your dog, and calling costs nothing. Tell him the age, breed and what you want to train for, and he will tell you where your dog should start.

Every dog Richard trains starts with this conversation. It is how he decides which program fits your dog and where in the program's length your dog is likely to land. Program lengths and weekly rates are on the [board-and-train page](https://royalgundogs.com/programs/board-and-train/). He gives you those details himself.

## What Richard will ask

- Your dog's age and breed
- What it already does well, and where it struggles
- What you want: a duck dog, an upland dog, AKC hunt tests, a good dog at home that hunts, or better handling skills for you
- When you want the dog ready, for example before the waterfowl opener or a spring hunt test
- Where you are in California, so Richard can talk through drop-off and pick-up for board-and-train

## What happens next

- Call or text (530) 341-4496 , or send the form below.
- Richard calls you back and talks through your dog and your goals.
- He recommends where to start, from Puppy Camp to the Basic or Advanced Waterfowl Program, Formal Gun Dog Training or lessons, and books the dates with you.
- You set a start date with him.

## Not sure which program fits?

Try the program finder on the home page, or just tell Richard what you want the dog to do. Most retrievers start with the basics; pointers and other upland breeds have their own path.

### 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/)

### Where Richard trains

Hastings Island Hunting Preserve, 7758 Hastings Island Rd, near Rio Vista in Solano County. Call before you drive out.

[Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Hastings+Island+Hunting+Preserve+Rio+Vista+CA&destination_place_id=ChIJA_E9R8AphYAR_4YnvcqbaAU)

## Questions owners ask

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

### Is the consult really free?

Yes. It is a phone call with Richard about your dog. You only pay for training you choose to book.

### Do I need to bring my dog?

Not for the first call. Richard will tell you when and where to meet once you have talked it through.