Board-and-train with Richard Gebhart
Board-and-train is how Richard Gebhart's four programs work: your dog stays and trains with him at Hastings Island Hunting Preserve near Rio Vista. He prefers drop-off Wednesday to Saturday, likes dogs booked a month out (six weeks is better), and dogs come to him from all over California.
- 4.9 12 Google reviews
- Training since 2002
- Qualified at an AKC Master National
Puppy Camp, the Basic and Advanced Waterfowl programs and Formal Gun Dog Training are all board-and-train: the dog lives and trains with Richard for the length of the program. This page covers the parts that are the same for every program, and the table lists each one with its length and weekly rate.
The four programs and rates
Rates as of October 2026, set by Richard.
| Program | Length | Weekly rate |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Camp (gun dog introduction) | 2 to 3 weeks; 90% finish in 2 | $450 a week, including birds, boarding, food and training six days a week |
| Basic Waterfowl Program | 10 to 16 weeks, depending on the dog | $325 a week |
| Advanced Waterfowl Program | 4 to 12 weeks, on top of the lower programs | $325 a week |
| Formal Gun Dog Training (pointing dogs) | 8 to 12 weeks | $325 a week plus birds |
Booking and drop-off
Richard likes to get dogs on the books a month out and recommends six weeks in advance. His preferred drop-off days are Wednesday to Saturday. Call first; he sets the day and time with you.
- Book a month ahead; six weeks is better
- Drop-off Wednesday to Saturday
- For Puppy Camp, send the pup's rabies certificate at 16 weeks to get on the books
- Call or text (530) 341-4496
What to send ahead
For a pup headed to Puppy Camp at 5 to 7 months, Richard asks owners to send a copy of the pup's rabies certificate at 16 weeks of age; that gets the pup on his books. For any dog, ask Richard on the call what else he wants before drop-off, and see vaccinations and health records for the general picture.
Where your dog stays and trains
Dogs stay and train at Hastings Island Hunting Preserve, 7758 Hastings Island Road, Rio Vista, Richard's primary location. He still uses Denverton, near Suisun City, for advanced retriever work and lessons. The preserve is a separate hunting club with its own rules; see Hastings Island Hunting Preserve.
Dogs from all over California
Dogs come to Richard from all over California; he says he is training dogs from as far as San Diego right now. The from your part of California pages show honest drive times to Rio Vista. Ask Richard about drop-off and pick-up from your area.
Visits and lessons
Owners can come out for lessons while the dog is in training, so you learn the commands your dog is learning. Ask Richard how he keeps owners posted; how will I know how my dog is doing has the short version.
Sources (2)
- Hastings Island Hunting Preserve: hihp.com/royal-gun-dogs-dog-training/ (checked October 27, 2026)
- Hastings Island Hunting Preserve: hihp.com/dog-training/ (checked October 27, 2026)
Programs and weekly rates
| Program | Length | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Camp | 2 to 3 weeks (90% of dogs finish in 2) | $450 a week |
| Basic Waterfowl Program | 10 to 16 weeks, depending on the dog | $325 a week |
| Advanced Waterfowl Program | 4 to 12 weeks, on top of the lower programs | $325 a week |
| Formal Gun Dog Training | 8 to 12 weeks | $325 a week plus birds |
Rates as of October 2026, set by Richard. Puppy Camp includes birds, boarding, food and training six days a week. Lessons: ask Richard.
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 RichardWho it is for
- Owners anywhere in California who want a trained gun dog
- Owners of pointer and retriever pups from 5 to 7 months old
- Waterfowl and upland hunters planning ahead of a season
- Owners who want lessons alongside the training
What the work covers
- One of four programs, matched to the dog
- Training at Hastings Island, with Denverton for advanced retriever work
- Owner visits for lessons
- A plan booked a month or more ahead
Programs
Other training programs
Puppy Camp
Gun dog introduction: birds and the shotgun for pointer and retriever pups, started at 5 to 7 months.
Read moreRetrieversBasic Waterfowl Program
Obedience, force fetch, e-collar conditioning and an introduction to basic hunting scenarios.
Read moreRetrieversAdvanced Waterfowl Program
Steadiness in the blind, hand signals, lining and diversion drills and cold blinds.
Read morePointing dogsFormal Gun Dog Training
Formal whoa work for pointing dogs, founded on obedience, once the dog is over a year old.
Read moreYouPrivate and group lessons
Handler lessons at Hastings Island and Denverton, for owners of dogs in training and owners training their own.
Read moreWhich days can I drop off?
Richard's preferred drop-off days are Wednesday to Saturday. Call first to set the day and time.
How far ahead should I book?
Richard likes dogs on the books a month out and recommends six weeks in advance.
What does board-and-train cost?
It depends on the program: Puppy Camp is $450 a week including birds, boarding, food and training six days a week; the Basic and Advanced Waterfowl programs are $325 a week; Formal Gun Dog Training is $325 a week plus birds (as of October 2026).
Can I bring a dog from Southern California?
Yes. Dogs come to Richard from all over California, including from as far as San Diego right now.
Can I visit during training?
Owners come out for lessons while the dog is in training. Set times with Richard.
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