Elk Grove owners and Richard Gebhart's training

Elk Grove, in Sacramento County, has 179,155 residents and a median age of 39.4 (Census ACS 5-year 2024). It is a fast-growing suburb with farm country just past the city limits.

Hunters living next to a refuge

Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1994 on the Pacific Flyway, is sandwiched between Elk Grove and agricultural lands (USFWS). It is a place to watch birds, but the refuge restricts dogs, so check its rules before you bring one.

For a working dog, the open ground is farther away: the Delta and Sacramento Valley refuges listed on our habitat and refuges page.

One hour, one direction

About an hour is a comfortable single leg, with a return the same day. If you plan a visit mid-program, call Richard first; Google lists him open Monday and Wednesday through Sunday from 8 AM to 2 PM.

The one-on-one and group handler lessons are the natural reason to make the drive. They teach the person at the other end of the leash.

Puppy or finished dog?

Elk Grove has many first-time gun dog owners. If your dog is young, the guide to starting a hunting puppy sets expectations. If you bought a dog that is already partly trained, read about the started dog versus puppy choice.

Richard's stated philosophy is "Balance, encouraging the hunting drive and desire in the dog, coupled with the necessary 'team player' attitude to develop an exceptional hunting partner or competitive team."

Preparing for your first call

The vaccinations and health FAQ lists what owners usually bring up. Richard answers specifics himself.

• Know your dog's age, breed and vaccination status.
• Decide whether you hunt waterfowl, upland birds or both.
• Be ready to talk about timing: opening day, a hunt test, or no deadline.
• Ask about progress updates while the dog is away.

A word on scale

Both can call. Richard's programs are one dog at a time.

Where the Sacramento County hunter goes

Elk Grove sits near the middle of the Central Valley's duck country, with the Delta to the southwest and the refuge complexes to the north. A hunter in town can drive north to Colusa, Butte or Glenn counties, or south and west to Rio Vista in about an hour.

That is useful when you think about a dog's schooling. Train near the Delta, hunt wherever you like. The hunting in the Delta page explains the kind of water and cover a dog learns there.