Livermore to Rio Vista: Alameda County's route to a trained gun dog
Rio Vista is about 63 minutes and 44 miles from Livermore by road. Richard Gebhart trains gun dogs at Hastings Island Hunting Preserve, and dogs come to him from all over California for board-and-train.
- 4.9 12 Google reviews
- Training since 2002
- Qualified at an AKC Master National
Livermore by the numbers
From Livermore to Hastings Island
- Drive to Rio Vista
- about 63 minutes44 miles, OpenStreetMap routing, no traffic
- County
- AlamedaUS Census Bureau
- Population
- 85,522ACS 5-year 2024
- Median age
- 40.7ACS 5-year 2024
Drive estimate from road routing between town centers (no traffic), pulled October 2026. Census figures: American Community Survey 5-year estimates.
Livermore, in the Livermore Valley of Alameda County, has 85,522 residents and a median age of 40.7 (Census ACS 5-year 2024). It is an East Bay city, with Solano County's marsh country to the northeast.
An hour, give or take
Plan on about 63 minutes and 44 miles each way. That is a little over two hours round trip, which is realistic for a morning visit. Estimates come from OpenStreetMap routing without traffic, and commute hours will add to it.
Richard's hours on Google are 8 AM to 2 PM Monday and Wednesday through Sunday, closed Tuesday. Call first and set a time.
Why hunters here look toward Solano County
The marsh and the preserve that Richard uses are in Solano County and the Delta. Suisun Marsh holds roughly 116,000 acres of brackish wetland according to the Water Education Foundation, and Grizzly Island Wildlife Area adds about 12,900 acres, about 7,900 open to hunting (CDFW). Our Delta hunting page explains how the pieces fit.
Where Alameda County owners find events
The 2026 California calendar lists the Norcal Golden Retriever Club's hunt test at the CRTA property near Suisun City. Golden Gate Labrador Retriever Club has also held an AKC hunt test at Denverton. Check AKC Event Search for the current schedule and read the California hunt test calendar page for the full set of listings.
Picking a starting point
A young Labrador or Golden can start in Puppy Camp at 5 to 7 months, and an owner with an older dog can go straight to the Basic Waterfowl Program page. Richard learned the Rex Carr method for Retriever Basics under Billy Sargenti.
In board-and-train, your dog stays with him at Hastings Island. Ask about handler lessons so you can handle the dog once it is home.
One more way to get started
If you are not ready to commit to a stay, a conversation is the first step. The free consult page shows how to reach Richard, and the booking FAQ explains what he asks about your dog. Bring questions about age, breed and the birds you hunt.
Prepare for the call
- Breed and age of the dog
- Whether you hunt waterfowl, upland birds, or both
- What you want the dog to do by opening day
- What time of year you can bring the dog
Sources (4)
- Water Education Foundation: watereducation.org/aquapedia/suisun-marsh (checked October 27, 2026)
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife: wildlife.ca.gov/Lands/Places-to-Visit/Grizzly-Island-WA (checked October 27, 2026)
- Bird Dog & Retriever News: bdarn.com/ca/trialtests/ (checked October 27, 2026)
- Hastings Island Hunting Preserve: hihp.com/royal-gun-dogs-dog-training/ (checked October 27, 2026)
Where Richard trains
Hastings Island Hunting Preserve, 7758 Hastings Island Rd, near Rio Vista in Solano County. Call before you drive out.
DirectionsYour 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 RichardHow far is Rio Vista from Livermore?
About 63 minutes and 44 miles by road, with no traffic assumed.
Where can I see a retriever event near Livermore?
The 2026 California calendar lists retriever hunt tests near Suisun City. Check AKC Event Search for dates.
Does Richard offer lessons for owners?
Yes. He trains handlers alongside their dogs, one-on-one or in group lessons.
Can I bring a puppy?
Ask Richard. Read the Puppy Camp page first, then call about your dog.
Book a consult
Get your dog ready for next season.
Richard books by phone. Call, text, or leave your details and he will call you back.
(530) 341-4496- 4.9 12 Google reviews
- Training since 2002