Private and group lessons

A trained dog keeps its training when the person handling it gives the same commands the same way. Richard trains handlers alongside their dogs, one-on-one or in group lessons, and lessons are how owners learn to run the dog they have.

Private or group

Richard offers both. A private lesson is you, your dog and Richard. A group lesson puts you with other handlers and dogs, which is closer to the setting of a hunt test or a busy day in the field. Ask Richard which fits what you want to work on.

Hastings Island and Denverton

Richard's primary location is Hastings Island Hunting Preserve, 7758 Hastings Island Road, Rio Vista. He still uses Denverton, near Suisun City, for advanced retriever work and lessons. The preserve is a separate hunting club; book lessons with Richard, not the preserve.

For dogs in training and dogs at home

Owners whose dogs are in the Basic Waterfowl Program, the Advanced Waterfowl Program or Formal Gun Dog Training can come out for lessons during the stay, so the commands the dog learns are the commands the owner uses. Owners finishing their own dogs can book lessons on their own.

Hunt tests

Richard is active in the AKC retriever hunt test community, has run and qualified at an AKC Master National, and runs dogs and assists clients at local weekend AKC retriever hunt tests. Hunt test preparation happens in the waterfowl programs and in lessons rather than as a separate program; the hunt tests section explains the levels.

Booking a lesson

Call or text Richard at (530) 341-4496 for lesson times, the location and the rate. Have your dog's breed, age and what you want to work on ready.